Binghamton Research Days Student Presentations
Assessment of dietary and exercise effects on neurobehaviors
Assessment of dietary and exercise effects on neurobehaviors
Gerard Dempsey (Sophomore, Integrative Neuroscience), Casey McKenna (Junior, Integrative Neuroscience), Lina Begdache (Health and Wellness Studies)
Gerard Dempsey (Sophomore, Integrative Neuroscience), Casey McKenna (Junior, Integrative Neuroscience), Lina Begdache (Health and Wellness Studies)
Mentor: Lina Begdache, Health and Wellness Studies
Mentor: Lina Begdache, Health and Wellness Studies
Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between diet, exercise, and neurobehaviors. While research on the impact of diet and exercise on mood is fairly known, there has been a lack of research into the interaction between diet, exercise, and neurobehaviors. A questionnaire on dietary and exercise habits, as well as several neurobehaviors was completed by 528 participants. One particular neurobehavior of interest was motivation, which is described for the purpose of this study, as a desire to achieve in academics and to exercise at a certain frequency . Motivation diverges into related behaviors such as perseverance, focus and putting extra effort into a task . Data were analyzed using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient and Principal Component Analysis using IBM SPSS Version 25.0. We hypothesized that foods high in tyrosine, a precursor for dopamine and norepinephrine, would be positively correlated with motivation-related behaviors and exercise frequency. Results of this study suggest that the diet may have an impact on several motivational behaviors. All levels of exercise assessed had a relationship with motivation-related behaviors.
Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between diet, exercise, and neurobehaviors. While research on the impact of diet and exercise on mood is fairly known, there has been a lack of research into the interaction between diet, exercise, and neurobehaviors. A questionnaire on dietary and exercise habits, as well as several neurobehaviors was completed by 528 participants. One particular neurobehavior of interest was motivation, which is described for the purpose of this study, as a desire to achieve in academics and to exercise at a certain frequency . Motivation diverges into related behaviors such as perseverance, focus and putting extra effort into a task . Data were analyzed using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient and Principal Component Analysis using IBM SPSS Version 25.0. We hypothesized that foods high in tyrosine, a precursor for dopamine and norepinephrine, would be positively correlated with motivation-related behaviors and exercise frequency. Results of this study suggest that the diet may have an impact on several motivational behaviors. All levels of exercise assessed had a relationship with motivation-related behaviors.