Determining the cognitive function differences between different types of physically active students: Cross-sectional...

Physical activity plays a vital role in improving mental health. Cognitive functions, including memory, attention, and problem-solving, can be influenced by various factors and interventions. This study aimed to determine cognitive function differences among different types of physically active students. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam. A convenience sampling method was employed to recruit 99 participants (42 minimally and 57 hyperactive active). Inclusion criteria were: age between 20 to 30 years, enrollment as a physical therapy student, willingness to provide informed consent, and ability to complete computerized cognitive tests. Exclusion criteria included: history of neurological or psychiatric disorders, current use of medications affecting cognitive function, self-reported visual or motor impairments affecting test performance, and inability to understand the study procedures. Physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form. Cognitive functions, including working memory and attention, were assessed through computerized tests of memory automaticity and the Flanker task on a laptop screen. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS version 28.0.1.0, New York). One-way analysis of variance was used to determine differences between groups, and Pearson correlation coefficient tests were used to examine relationships between variables. There were no significant differences in cognitive function between minimally active and hyperactive participants. (Attention [F = 1.75, P = .19], Working memory (Accuracy in consistent 1 and 2 [F = .53, P = .47], [F = 3.57, P = .06]; Accuracy in varied 1 and 2 [F = 1.54, P = .22], [F = 1.48, P = .23]; Response time in consistent 1 and 2 [F = .001, P = .97], [F = .11, P = .74]; Response time in varied 1 and 2 [F = .036, P = .85], [F = 1.80, P = .18])). No significant relationship was observed between cognitive function and physical activity. The study findings revealed that neither minimal physical activity nor hyperphysical activity significantly affects cognitive functions in physical therapy students. The results indicate that physical activity is not responsible for improvement in cognitive tasks within the recruited population. While physical activity may help enhance cognitive functions during the early and middle parts of life and also protect against age-related cognitive decline in older age, more research is needed.