REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING IN AN ADOLESCENT SAMPLE

Abstract

Rafael E. Reigal 1, Jennifer L. Borrego2, Rocío Juárez3 y Antonio Hernández-Mendo2

The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of regular physical activity on cognitive functioning in a sample of adolescent children. The participants in the study were 38 preadolescents (boys, n = 20, girls, n = 18) from the city of Málaga (Spain), whose age ranged between 13 and 15 years old (M = 14.16, SD = 0.44). The study was based on a quasi-experimental pre-post design with two groups, control and experimental. The instruments used to evaluate the cognitive skills were Keys and Symbols Search tests of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV) and the Stroop test. Also, as control variables, maximal oxygen consumption and leg strength it was analyzed. The results showed significant effects of regular physical practice on measures of cognitive functioning assessed, suggesting the importance of practicing regular physical activity in these ages with the aim to promote his cognitive development.