the Benefit of recreational Physical Activity to restore Attentional Fatigue: the effects of running intensity Level on Attention Scores

The primary aim of this study was to examine the effects of running intensity level and physical activity level on the recovery of attentional fatigue while controlling for duration, environment, and activity type in a sample of recreational runners. Attention Restoration Theory served as the theoretical frame for the study. Relationships among these and related variables were evaluated at the group level in an experimental, between subjects design. The data allowed hypothesis testing about differences between group means at four levels of intensity: self-regulated, low, high, and comparison to a resting control group on the dependent variable attention. High intensity running restored attention significantly more than the control group. Implications for theory, and recreation research and practice are discussed.