EFFECT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON VISUOSPATIAL WORKING MEMORY IN MIDDLE-AGED ADULTS

Description

Introduction: Visuo-spatial working memory is a critical cognitive domain that typically declines with age. While aerobic exercise is known to be neuroprotective, the specific efficacy of High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) on the distinct sub-components of working memory remains under-investigated in middle-aged populations. Aim: To evaluate the impact of HIFT intervention on visuo-spatial memory span and executive processing efficiency in healthy middle-aged adults. Materials and Methods: A single- group pre- test post- test designed was employed. This study was conducted at a tertiary super- speciality Hospital, from January 2025 to December 2025. Thirty- nine healthy middle-aged adults, aged 35–44 years, who underwent a 6-week supervised HIFT (5 sessions/week). Cognitive performance was assessed at baseline and post-intervention using the Corsi Block-tapping test. The results showed a statistical significant difference (p<0.001) following the intervention. Results: Participants demonstrated significant improvements across all metrics. The median Corsi span increased from 4.00 to 5.00 (𝑝<.001, 𝑟=0.86). Conclusion: A 4-weeks HIFT intervention is effective in enhancing both the capacity of the visuo-spatial sketchpad and the efficiency of executive updating. These findings suggest that HIFT may serve as a time-efficient strategy associated with improvements in visuospatial and executive cognitive functions. Future research should utilize randomized controlled designs to further investigate the long-term sustainability of these gains.

Institutions

• Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana

  Haryana, Ambāla

Categories

Licence