Abstract
Cognitive performance includes the processes of attention, memory, processing speed, and executive functioning, which typically declines with aging. Previous research has demonstrated that aerobic and resistance exercise improves cognitive performance immediately following exercise. However, there is limited research examining the effect that a cognitively complex exercise such as martial art training has on these cognitive processes. Our study compared the acute effects of 2 types of martial art training to aerobic exercise on cognitive performance in middle-aged adults. We utilized a repeated measures design with the order of the 3 exercise conditions randomly assigned and counterbalanced. Ten recreational middle-aged martial artists (mean age = 53.5 ± 8.6 years) participated in 3 treatment conditions: a typical martial art class, an atypical martial art class, and a one-hour walk at a self-selected speed. Cognitive performance was assessed by the Stroop Color and Word test. While all 3 exercise conditions improved attention and processing speed, only the 2 martial art conditions improved the highest order of cognitive performance, executive function. The effect of the 2 martial art conditions on executive function was not different. The improvement in executive function may be due to the increased cortical demand required by the more complex, coordinated motor tasks of martial art exercise compared to the more repetitive actions of walking.
Highlights
Executive function is the highest order of cognitive function involved in selective attention, judgment, anticipation, planning, and conflict resolution through selective inhibition occurring in the prefrontal cortex (Tam, 2013)
This is the first study to investigate the acute effects of martial art training on cognitive performance in healthy middle-aged men and women
Our results demonstrated that while all three exercise conditions improved attention and processing speed, only the martial art training improved the higher cognitive process of executive function
Summary
Executive function is the highest order of cognitive function involved in selective attention, judgment, anticipation, planning, and conflict resolution through selective inhibition occurring in the prefrontal cortex (Tam, 2013). Research supports the beneficial acute effects of moderate aerobic exercise on cognitive performance for persons of all ages (Barella et al, 2010; Netz et al, 2007; Netz et al, 2009). Netz et al (2007) concluded that a single bout of moderate aerobic exercise was sufficient for an acute improvement in cognitive processes in late middle-aged adults. Alves et al (2012) demonstrated that acute bouts of strength and aerobic exercise improved cognitive performance as measured by the Stroop test in middle-aged women. Martial art training may be considered a mediator of cognitive function as it is a mind-body exercise requiring greater cortical recruitment due the inherently more complex movement patterns compared to the more repetitive actions of the aerobic or resistance exercises that have already been investigated. Martial art training may be considered a mediator of cognitive function as it is a mind-body exercise requiring greater cortical recruitment due the inherently more complex movement patterns compared to the more repetitive actions of the aerobic or resistance exercises that have already been investigated. Chang et al (2010) stated that Tai Chi was shown to provide aerobic and
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