The Effects of Martial Arts Training on Attentional Networks in Typical Adults

Abstract

There is substantial evidence that training in Martial Arts is associated with improvements in cognitive function in children; but little has been studied in healthy adults. Here, we studied the impact of extensive training in Martial Arts on cognitive control in adults. To do so, we used the Attention Network Test (ANT) to test two different groups of participants: with at least 2 years of Martial Arts experience, and with no experience with the sport. Participants were screened from a wider sample of over 500 participants who volunteered to participate. 48 participants were selected: 21 in the Martial Arts group (mean age = 19.68) and 27 in the Non-Martial Arts group (mean age = 19.63). The two groups were matched on a number of demographic variables that included Age and BMI, following the results of a previous pilot study where these factors were found to significantly impact the ANT measures. An effect of Martial Arts experience was found on the Alert network, but not the Orienting or Executive ones. More specifically, Martial Artists showed improved performance when alert had to be sustained endogenously, performing more like the control group when an exogenous cue was provided. This result was further confirmed by a negative correlation between number of years of Martial Arts experience and the costs due to the lack of an exogenous cue suggesting that the longer a person takes part in the sport, the better their endogenous alert is. Results are interpreted in the context of the impact of training a particular attentional state in specific neurocognitive pathways.

The Level of Aggressiveness During Karate Practice of Inmates in Correctional Settings

“…These results concerning “emotional well-being” and “attentional network” improvements are directly correlated with karate and martial arts practice ( Jansen and Dahmen-Zimmer, 2012 ; Johnstone and Mari-Beffa, 2018 ). These conclusions favor karate and martial arts practice as offering several benefits, again both individual and social ( Gras, 2003 , 2005 ).…”

“…First, they found a positive impact on “emotional well-being” in a population of elderly karate practitioners, trained in “tasks of self-defense, partner training, and katas” ( Jansen and Dahmen-Zimmer, 2012 ). Second, other research demonstrates significant benefits in attentional network improvement with a regular practice of martial arts ( Johnstone and Mari-Beffa, 2018 ). Practicing martial arts is acknowledged as a possible tool for self-regulatory behavior, at least in children ( Lakes and Hoyt, 2004 ).…”

Radically Embodied Compassion: The Potential Role of Traditional Martial Arts in Compassion Cultivation

“…Recent fMRI research into the effects of mind-body training through Budo in Kendo practitioners on the motivation network supports this notion, in that “resting vs. attentionally-driven” switching/change of motivation can be trained and becomes more efficient (Fujiwara et al, 2019 ), which is indicative of an unmoving/undisturbed/unfettered mind (Wilson and Takuan, 2012 ) which better affords an appropriate physical response. Research also suggests that martial artists are more endogenously prepared to engage with and respond to uncertainty (Johnstone and Marí-Beffa, 2018 ) and are more distress tolerant when faced with and despite repeated exposure to threatening situations (Staller et al, 2017 ), as well-having greater sustained attentional abilities and impulse control (Sánchez-López et al, 2013 ; Sánchez-Lopez et al, 2016 ). All of this combines to lead to skillful action that is reasoned, assertive and conflict-ending rather than mindlessly aggressive and designed to excessively hurt another.…”

Peer Review #3 of "Exercise mode and attentional networks in older adults: a cross-sectional study (v0.1)"

“…ANT has been used by previous studies to show the positive effects of martial arts training (Johnstone & Marí-Beffa 2018), table tennis training (Wang et al 2016), chronic exercise (Pérez et al 2014), and acute bouts of aerobic exercise (Chang et al 2015;Huertas et al 2011)…”