OBJECTIVE: This study explores the effects of physical activities on cognitive performance in healthy subjects, specifically evaluating Serial Subtract 7 Test (SST) performance during a cognitive-stepping dual task influenced by the 6-Minute Walking Test (6MWT) with and without music. METHODS: A controlled experiment was conducted using the Ambulosono device to standardize walking exercises. 54 high school students participated, undergoing the 6MWT in different scenarios: Verbal 6-Minute Walking Test (6MWT) or Music-Guided Walking (MU). Final data from 43 students was used in the analysis. The SST measured cognitive changes in both single-task and dual-task conditions. RESULTS: The 6MWT significantly enhanced cognitive performance in both single and dual-task conditions. However, the addition of music did not show a substantial improvement in cognitive performance. The findings indicated the positive impact of 6MWT on cognitive abilities, irrespective of musical accompaniment. CONCLUSIONS: This research contributes to the understanding of how physical exercises can modulate cognitive functions in healthy individuals. It highlights the potential of 6MWT in enhancing cognitive performance, suggesting further exploration into the role of physical activity in cognitive health.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

ISRCTN06023392

This study was funded by Alberta Ministry of Mental Health

I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

Yes

The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

Ethics committee/IRB of University of Calgary waived ethical approval for this work

I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals.

Yes

I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).

Yes

I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.

Yes

All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the authors