Alesi, Marianna and Bianco, Antonino and Padulo, Johnny and Vella, Francesco Paolo and Petrucci, Marco and Paoli, Antonio and Palma, Antonio and Pepi, Annamaria (2014) Motor and cognitive development: the role of karate. M.L.T.J. Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons Journal, 4 (2). pp. 114-120. ISSN 2240-4554
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Abstract
Background: regular physical activity has an effect on biological responses in both muscles and organs that, in turn, alter the structure and functions of the brain. Therefore, this study aims at comparing motor (sprint, coordination ability and explosive legs strength skills) and cognitive abilities (working memory, attention, executive functioning) in children. Methods: 39 children with average chronological age of 9 years were divided in: Karatekas (n=19) and Sedentary (n=20) groups. Their abilities were measured by motor and cognitive tests. Motor skills were assessed through a battery composed by the 20 mt Sprint test, the Agility test and the Standing board jump Test. Cognitive profile was assessed by a battery of tests derived from BVN 5-11, “Batteria di Valutazione Neuropsicologica per l’Età Evolutiva”: Visual discrimination test, Reaction time test, Forwards and Backwards Digit Span Tests, Corsi Block-Tapping test and Tower of London. Results: our results reveal significant differences between two groups (p < 0.05). Karate children show better speed times, explosive legs strength and coordination skills. They scored better on working memory, visual selective attention and executive functions. Conclusion: karate exercise training shows global benefits resulting in physiological and psychological gains in children.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | children, cognitive abilities, motor abilities, motor control, field testing |
| Subjects: | 600 Tecnologia - Scienze applicate > 610 Medicina e salute (Classificare qui la tecnologia dei servizi medici) > 617 Rami vari della medicina; Chirurgia > 617.1 Ferite e lesioni |
| Depositing User: | Chiara D'Arpa |
| Date Deposited: | 20 May 2015 09:46 |
| Last Modified: | 20 May 2015 09:46 |
| URI: | http://eprints.bice.rm.cnr.it/id/eprint/10707 |
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