Effect of single bout exercise modalities on multi-domain cognitive function in recreationally active older adults

Authors

  • Syed Murshid Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5814-7644
  • Adam Linoby Universiti Teknologi MARA, UiTM, Negeri Sembilan,Malaysia
  • Raja Nurul Jannat Raja Hussain Universiti Teknologi MARA, UiTM, Negeri Sembilan Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v66.110457

Keywords:

Cognitive function, Exercise, Badminton, Open-skills, Close-skills, Elderly

Abstract

Introduction: The cognitive benefits of a single session of physical activity in older adults are still being studied.

Objective: This study explored the effects of single bout exercise of open-skill and closed-skill on cognitive functions, in physically active older adults.

Methodology: Ninety-nine health elderly were recruited and assigned to three groups: badminton (n=33), close skill (n=33), and control (n=33). Cognitive assessments, such as the N-back, Stroop, and Trail Making Tests, were administered before and after the exercise sessions.

Results: ANOVA showed a primary effect of group on N-back reaction time (p=0.57), with the badminton group (812.3±25.0 ms) showing faster reaction than both the closed-skill (825±35 ms) and control groups (842.1±41.6 ms). In terms of accuracy, the badminton group (75.7±10.4%, p=0.001) also scored higher than the control group (70.7±12.1%, p=0.001). Both exercise groups showed measurable improvements in TMT-A performance (p=0.0002), with the badminton group (26.09±3.97s, p=0.0001) completing the task significantly faster than the control group (32.36±5.92s, p=0.0001).

Discussion: These findings are in line with studies suggesting that open-skill exercises provide cognitive improvement than closed-skill exercise due to the nature of the exercise.

Conclusions: It is suggested that open-skill exercises may offer result in immediate cognitive improvement than closed-skill activities, particularly in working memory and executive function.

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Published

2025-04-14

How to Cite

Murshid, S., Linoby, A., & Raja Hussain , R. N. J. . (2025). Effect of single bout exercise modalities on multi-domain cognitive function in recreationally active older adults. Retos, 66, 313–322. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v66.110457

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Original Research Article

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