Association of self-reported physical activity with cognitive function in young adults

Written by Srinivasa Rao Pachava, Shweta Shenoy on 29 March 2023. Posted in Volume XXVII, Nr 1

Authors

Srinivasa Rao Pachava*, Shweta Shenoy

MYAS-GNDU Department of Sports Sciences and Medicine, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India

Abstract

Poor cognitive function is a potential predictor for mortality amongst all age groups and indicates the general status of health amongst people. Literature suggests that physical activity can have a positive impact on cognitive functions (Li et al., 2017). Current research has largely focused on this aspect amongst older adults (Ingold et al., 2020). Therefore, the primary goal of the present study is to examine the relationship between self-reported physical activity and cognitive function in young adults. A cross-sectional study design involving 75 participants (40 females and 35 males) in the age group of 18 – 30 years was employed. Measures included International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Cambridge Neuropsychological Automated Testing Battery (CANTAB) (Paired Associate Learning, Spatial Working Memory, Multitasking Test and Rapid Visual Processing). Data was analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient in SPSS v28 for Mac. The findings revealed a significant positive association between the moderate intensity physical activity and executive function among young adults. This supports that better executive function performance is found in young adults who performed moderate intensity physical activity.

Keywords: paired associate learning, executive function, working memory, physical activity, CANTAB

PAGES:49-68

doi:10.24193/cbb.2023.27.03

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