Barefoot walking improves cognitive ability in adolescents.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Exercise Physiology
• Adolescent Health

Background:

• Walking positively impacts adolescent cognitive function.
• The specific effects of walking barefoot versus in sneakers on cognition are not well-established.
• Understanding these differences can inform effective physical activity interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of 12 weeks of barefoot walking versus walking with sneakers on cognitive ability in adolescent males.
• To investigate changes in electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns and brain activity associated with these interventions.
• To assess impacts on cognitive speed, concentration, and brain stress.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-nine adolescent males were divided into three groups: control (self-study), sneaker walking, and barefoot walking.
• Intervention groups walked 40 minutes, four times weekly for 12 weeks.
• EEG and cognitive assessments were conducted before and after the 12-week program.

Main Results:

• The barefoot group showed decreased Gamma and H-beta waves, increased sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) and Alpha waves, and improved cognitive speed, concentration, and reduced brain stress.
• The control group exhibited decreased SMR and increased Theta waves.
• The sneaker group showed only a decrease in SMR waves.

Conclusions:

• Barefoot walking is an effective intervention for enhancing cognitive ability in adolescents.
• Significant EEG variations and improvements in cognitive performance demonstrate the benefits of barefoot walking.
• This study highlights barefoot walking as a simple, accessible exercise for boosting adolescent cognitive function.