Effects of karate training on cognitive functions in young athletes

• Published in: Journal of Physical Education and Sport 2021-09, Vol.21 (5), p.2473-2479
• Main Authors: Dwojaczny, Blanka, Bejtka, Monika, Iermakov, Sergii, Potop, Vladimir, Yermakova, Tetiana, Cieslicka, Miroslawa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Brain research; Cognition & reasoning; Cognitive ability; Control Groups; Exercise; Individualized Instruction; Insulin-like growth factors; Males; Martial arts; Names; Nervous system; Physical Education; Physical fitness; Statistical analysis; Thinking Skills
• ISSN: 2247-8051; 2247-806X
• DOI: 10.7752/jpes.2021.05333

Background and Study Aim: Several lines of evidence indicate that regular physical activity has a positive impact on cognitive function. Relatively limited number of studies describe the effects of long-term physical activity among athletes in specific sports fields. The purpose of these studies was to determine the interrelation between the regular karate training and level of selected cognitive functions of young karate athletes. Material and methods: We examined the influence of karate training on cognitive performance of young volunteers (n=24 males; aged 16,79 ± 0,86). To evaluate the cognitive performance in our subjects we used Face/Name Association Test, Stroop Test and Trail Making Test. The results were compared with control group (n=24 males; 16,08 ± 0,39). Participants of this study were young and healthy and therefore we can exclude impact of coexisting illness's cognitive function. Results: The mean results in the Face/Name Association Test in control group was 74,12 ± 6,66 % in the karate group 61,08 ± 5,36 % (p