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

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.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Kinesiology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2023

Author dc:creator

• Taggart, Adam

Contributors dc:contributor

• Mullen, Sean P
• Woods, Amy
• Kern, Justin
• Phung, Janice

• Martial Arts
• Cognition
• Processing Speed
• Complex Motor Skills
• Enjoyment

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2023 Adam Taggart

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

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

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F121467