University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Effects of an eight-week martial arts intervention on cognitive functioning in low-active adults

Taggart, Adam

Content Files
TAGGART-DISSERTATION-2023.pdf

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/121467

Description

Title
Effects of an eight-week martial arts intervention on cognitive functioning in low-active adults
Author(s)
Taggart, Adam
Issue Date
2023-07-07
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Mullen, Sean P
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Mullen, Sean P
Committee Member(s)
  • Woods, Amy
  • Kern, Justin
  • Phung, Janice
Department of Study
Kinesiology & Community Health
Discipline
Kinesiology
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
  • martial arts
  • cognition
  • processing speed
  • complex motor skills
  • enjoyment
Abstract
Previous research has suggested that complex motor skills, such as those involved in martial arts training, may have a greater impact on specific cognitive domains compared to more generic or repetitive physical activities. Researchers are increasingly recognizing the importance of investigating the relationship between complex motor activities and improvements in cognitive function. However, there is a lack of research on martial arts as a feasible and enjoyable intervention for enhancing cognitive functioning. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of an eight-week training program involving complex, partnered exercises from three distinct martial arts styles on cognitive processing speed, compared to a similarly intense, solo resistive exercise program. The sample consisted of low-active adults aged 18 to 45 years, with no significant prior martial arts training. Participants were randomly assigned to either the martial arts intervention group or the resistance exercise group. Intervention sessions for both groups were conducted three times a week, with each session lasting approximately one hour. Participants were also provided with instructional videos for remote training at home, without supervision, and were recommended to practice for two hours per week throughout the intervention period. Findings reveal both intervention groups improved in cognitive processing speed from pre-intervention to post-intervention testing sessions (F(1,71) = 7.141, p < 0.01). The martial arts group reported significantly higher levels of enjoyment compared to the resistance exercise group (t(18.543) = 3.772, p < 0.005, 95% CI [8.4, 29.4]). Attendance for in-person sessions was recorded through a register, while adherence to at-home training was assessed using weekly self-reported physical activity logs. Overall, the adherence rate to the training recommendations was 40.62%. This study is the first to investigate cognitive outcomes using complex partnered exercises from distinct styles of Filipino, Chinese, and iii Western martial arts. It is one of the first studies to demonstrate that mild to moderate intensity martial arts training can yield similar improvements in cognitive processing speed as established forms of physical activity, with notably higher levels of enjoyment among low-active adults.
Graduation Semester
2023-08
Type of Resource
Thesis
Handle URL
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/121467
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2023 Adam Taggart

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