Effect of Two Types of Open-Skill Training on Cognitive Functions: The Case of Parkour

The positive impact of physical activity on cognitive functions is well established and varies by exercise type, with open-skill sports-activities involving high uncertainty-offering distinct advantages. Although team sports are traditionally considered open-skill activities, parkour provides a dynamic and varied environment. This study compared the effects of indoor team sports (consistent environment) and parkour (varied environments) on cognitive functions. Forty healthy young adults (mean age: 21.5 ± 3 years) were divided into a team sports group (TS, n = 19) and a parkour group (PK, n = 21). Both groups trained twice a week for 4 weeks, with sessions lasting 2 hours each. Cognitive performance was assessed pre- and posttraining using the Trail Making Test (TMT), Letter Cancellation Test (LCT), Change Blindness Test (CB), visual memory tests, and short- and long-term memory recall. The PK group significantly improved in TMT and CB tests (p < 0.001), whereas the TS group showed no significant changes (p > 0.05). Both groups improved similarly in the LCT and working memory tests (p < 0.001). However, the PK group outperformed the TS group in long-term memory tasks (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that parkour's exploratory nature enhances observation skills, visuospatial attention, and long-term memory more effectively than indoor team sports. Training in diverse environments appears to yield greater benefits for visual and cognitive capacities than practice in static settings.