Exploring the effects of IoT-enhanced exercise and cognitive training on executive function in middle-aged adults

Abstract

IoT-based devices and wearable sensors are now common in daily life, with smartwatches, smartphones, and other digital tools tracking physical activity and health data. This lifelogging process provides valuable insights into people’s lives. This paper analyzes a publicly available lifelog dataset of 14 individuals to explore how exercise affects mood and, in turn, executive function. Results show that moderate physical activity significantly improves mood, reduces stress, and enhances cognitive functions like decision-making and focus. Improved mood not only boosts exercise performance but also strengthens executive function, suggesting exercise benefits both emotional and cognitive well-being. This opens the door for personalized exercise plans tailored to emotional states to optimize brain function.