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Multimodal Physical Exercise Affects Visuo-Spatial Working Memory: Preliminary Evidence from a Descriptive Study on
Emahnuel Troisi Lopez1, Marianna Liparoti2, Noemi Passarello3
1Institute of Applied Sciences and Intelligent Systems, National Research Council, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy.
Brain Sciences
|October 28, 2023
Summary
Physical exercise, like running or Tai Chi, enhances cognitive functions, particularly shifting abilities. Multimodal exercise like Tai Chi also specifically improves visuo-spatial working memory.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Growing evidence links physical exercise (PE) to cognitive benefits.
- The differential impact of unimodal versus multimodal PE on cognition remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how unimodal (running) and multimodal (Tai Chi) physical exercise affect specific cognitive abilities.
- To compare the cognitive performance of runners, Tai Chi practitioners, and sedentary individuals.
Main Methods:
- A neuropsychological test battery was administered to 33 participants (runners, Tai Chi practitioners, sedentary controls).
- Tests assessed shifting, problem-solving, verbal fluency, verbal memory, visuo-spatial working memory, and global cognitive function.
Main Results:
- Both runners and Tai Chi practitioners showed significantly improved shifting abilities compared to sedentary individuals.
- Tai Chi practitioners demonstrated a specific enhancement in visuo-spatial working memory (Corsi test) compared to sedentary controls.
Conclusions:
- The type of physical exercise may differentially modulate specific cognitive domains.
- Both unimodal and multimodal physical activity promote global cognitive improvement.
