College
College of Health Professions
Date of Last Revision
2024-10-09 07:44:24
Major
Exercise Science
Honors Course
EXER:430
Number of Credits
2
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Summer 2024
Abstract
Memory is an integral part of human life, needed for all aspects of daily living, especially for college students. Previous research has shown a plethora of benefits to several systems of the body for those who participate in chronic aerobic activity. This research has shown chronic aerobic physical activity to provide an enhanced memory through numerous physiological adaptations. Studies on chronic anaerobic activity and its effect on the brain are minimal, demanding more research be done. PURPOSE: Determine the effect of aerobic and anaerobic exercise on memory and cognitive function in different classifications of collegiate athletes. METHODS: Study to consist of 60 athletes (N=60), 20 athletes (N=20) from each classification at The University of Akron: Division 1 (D1), club and recreational. Data to be collected from a physical activity questionnaire, collecting information on volume and type of activity performed, and a memory test. Physical activity bouts to be completed prior to data collection. Data to be compared using an ANOVA test to determine statistical significance between the type of physical activity the athlete performs and their score on the memory test. RESULTS: The anticipated result is for all athletes to score in the “normal function” range of the memory test. It is anticipated the D1 athletes will have the highest scores as their volume of both aerobic and anaerobic training generally surpasses club and recreational athletes. Outliers are expected for those training at too high of volume and are overtraining. CONCLUSION: Expectation is that participation in chronic physical activity is correlated to increased memory capabilities. Aerobic and anaerobic physical activity each have unique mechanisms in enhancing memory. Current research supports the claim, however, there is a paucity of evidence on the effect of anaerobic physical activity on memory. Future research should focus on the significance of anaerobic physical activity and the distinctive benefits it has on memory and cognitive function.
Research Sponsor
Stephanie Davis-Dieringer
First Reader
Barbara Jackson
Second Reader
Kevin Kaut
Honors Faculty Advisor
Rachele Kappler
Proprietary and/or Confidential Information
No
Recommended Citation
Lebeck, Hannah, "The Impact of Different Forms of Physical Activity on an Athlete's Memory." (2024). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 1902.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1902