Effect of Aerobic Exercise Training and Consumption of Nigella on the Working Memory of Inactive Middle-aged Women

Background and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and consumption of Nigella on the working memory performance of inactive middle-aged women. Material and Methods: The participants included 60 volunteer inactive women who were divided randomly into four groups (Aerobic Exercise Group=15, Nigella Group= 15, Combinative Group= 15, and Control Group=15). The samples were perfectly healthy and had no history of cardiovascular diseases and drug consumption and smoking. Aerobic exercise included 8 weeks of running at 65 -70% of maximum heart rate. These exercises were performed three sessions per week and each session for 55 to 60 minutes. Data collection was done using N-Back software. Results: Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for eight weeks had significant effect on the working memory performance (P=0.001). Also the consumption of Nigella and combinative aerobic exercise whit nigella showed significant effect on the working memory of the female participants (P=0.001).  Conclusion: The current study demonstrates more than before the interaction and communication between cognitive and motor processes.