Effects of physical activity on executive function in a sample of adolescents

Authors

  • Inmaculada Martín-Martínez Faculty of Sciences for Physical Activity and Sport. University of Granada
  • Luis J. Chirosa Group Investigation CTS-642. Faculty of Sciences for Physical Activity and Sport. University of Granada
  • Rafael E. Reigal Group Investigation CTS-642. Faculty of Sciences for Physical Activity and Sport. University of Granada
  • Antonio Hernández-Mendo Faculty of Psychology. University of Málaga
  • Rocío Juárez-Ruiz de Mier Xanit International Hospital, Benalmádena, Málaga
  • Rafael Guisado Faculty of Health Sciences. University of Granada
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6018/analesps.31.3.171601
Keywords: physical activity, adolescence, cognitive, small sided games

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of a physical activity program, eight-week and based on small sided games, on some variables associated to executive function construct. The participants in the study were 54 adolescents, who were physically inactive, from the city of Priego (Córdoba, Spain), whose age ranged between 15 and 16 years old (M=15.35; SD= .48). The study was based on a quasi-experimental pre-post design with two randomized groups, control and experimental. The instruments used to evaluate the cognitive skills were Digits and Letters and Numbers tests of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV), the Trail Making Test (A and B) and the Stroop Test. It was realized an analysis of the mixed variance 2x2 to determine the effects of the treatment. Results showed positive effects of the physical activity program in subtest of WISC-IV and Trail Making Test B, although the effect size was weak. It is proposed to increase the time of intervention and apply different treatments to observe the impact of type of activity for future research

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Published
16-09-2015
How to Cite
Martín-Martínez, I., Chirosa, L. J., Reigal, R. E., Hernández-Mendo, A., Juárez-Ruiz de Mier, R., & Guisado, R. (2015). Effects of physical activity on executive function in a sample of adolescents. Anales de Psicología / Annals of Psychology, 31(3), 962–971. https://doi.org/10.6018/analesps.31.3.171601
Issue
Section
Adolescence and psychology

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