The Short-term Effects of a Sports Stacking Intervention on the Cognitive and Perceptual Motor Functioning In Geriatrics

Abstract

Background: Sport stacking has been beneficial in improving reaction time, as well as hand-eye-co-ordination; predominantly in children. Sport stacking intervention studies, although limited, have shown improvements in motor and cognitive functioning in both children and adults, post-intervention. Similar intervention studies on geriatrics are limited. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a sport stacking physical activity intervention on the motor and cognitive functioning of geriatrics. Methods: An intact, convenient sample of 58 geriatrics from a retirement home in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa was selected to participate in this study. All participants performed selected motor and cognitive functioning tests, pre- and post-intervention. Twenty eight participants were exposed to an eight-week intervention while the control group (30 individuals) continued with activities as usual. Results: The intervention group showed improvements in their mean reaction time and plate tapping (hand-eye co-ordination) times. Overall, there were no changes in the balance test results pre- and post-intervention. There were no significant results from the memory and quality of life tests. Conclusions:   A sport stacking activity intervention has the potential to improve motor functioning in geriatrics, and its clinical application is recommended.