Effect of fine and gross motor training or motor imagery, delivered via novel or routine modes, on cognitive function

Abstract

There is extensive literature linking motor activity to cognitive effects at various stages in life, promoting both development and the reduction of aging associated pathologies. It is unclear whether the benefits of this activity on the cognitive level are associated with brain functions that are necessary for their performance or recurrence of activity or type of activity itself. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the type of motor activity (fine, gross, and motor imagery) in two modes (novel and routine) can affect cognitive functions such as attention, executive functions, and praxis in college students. A 2 × 3 factorial design with repeated measures was used without a control group and pre- and post-training evaluation. Fifty-three young people (14 men and 39 women) participated, with mean age of 18.94 years (SD = 1.61 years) and were divided into six groups. Each of the groups performed relevant training 20 minutes per day for five days depending on the group. Measures were taken pre and post-training for attention tests, attention span, working memory, visual constructive skills, procedural memory, and motor skills. The results show a “learning effect” from the exposure to the tests in measurements after training. It was also found that between groups, there is a difference in some of the variables of procedural memory (number of errors) and working memory. More extensive training could better reflect the effects of the training, and longitudinal evaluation could show the rate of change of functions. The main clinical implication could be the evaluation of training programs for recovery and motor training in cerebral plasticity having effect on the cognitive aspects.

Keywords:

• Cognitive functions
• fine and gross motor
• motor imagery
• neuropsychology
• physical activity

Acknowledgments

We also thank volunteers and participants for their valuable contribution to the study on data collection.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá through ID project: 6701 entitled: “Comparación de los efectos de la actividad motora y la imaginería sobre el desempeño en pruebas de atención, memoria y funciones ejecutivas en jóvenes de 18 a 22 años”