Effect of physical training on short term memory in school going rural children

Abstract

Background: Short-term memory allows recall for a period of several seconds to a minute without rehearsal. Various studies have shown a positive correlation between physical activity and cognition. The present study is undertaken to find out if physical training has any extra benefit on children’s auditory and visual short term memory in rural area whose physical activity is greater than urban children and adults. Materials and methods: Total 60 children participated in the study. 30 children were trained regularly in sports both in the morning and evening at least for 2 hours a day for one year in the age group of 8-16 and 30 untrained children age, gender and BSA matched participated in the study. Auditory memory was tested using numerical and word test. Visual memory was tested using numerical, word and objective tests. Results and discussion: Statistically significant results were observed in auditory word test, visual numerical, visual word and visual objective tests but auditory numerical test was insignificant. Conclusions: Short term memory improves linearly with physical activity. This could be due to increase in supply of oxygen and nutrients to brain. Keywords: Physical activity; Short term memory; Children; Nutrients