Acute Cognitive and Emotional Benefits of Pound Fit in Young Adult Women

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of Pound Fit exercise on cognitive performance, specifically concentration and decision-making, and on positive affect of young adult women. A quasi-experimental design with a one-group pretest–posttest approach was employed, involving 30 female university students aged 18–25 years with normal body mass index (BMI). Participants completed a 45-minute Pound Fit session led by a certified instructor, consisting of warm-up, main exercise, and cool-down phases. Concentration was assessed by using the Stroop Colour and Word Test (SCWT). The positive affect was measured by the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), while decision-making was evaluated by using the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). All variables were measured before and after the exercise. Data were analyzed by using paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test at a significance level of α = 0.05. Results showed significant improvements in all domains, including concentration (median decreased from 147 to 128 seconds; p = 0.0025), positive affect (mean increased from 31.3 to 40.4; p = 0.0001), and decision-making (median increased from 21.5 to 50; p = 0.0001). These findings indicate that a single Pound Fit session can acutely enhance both cognitive and emotional functions in young adult women. Pound Fit may therefore serve as an effective, enjoyable, and non-pharmacological strategy to promote mental fitness among female students.