The Healthy for Life Taekwondo pilot study: A preliminary evaluation of effects on executive function and BMI, feasibility, and acceptability

Abstract

There is growing consensus that exercise improves cognitive functioning, but research is needed to identify exercise interventions that optimize effects on cognition. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate Taekwondo implemented in public middle school physical education (PE). Two classes were randomly assigned to either: five sessions per week of PE or three sessions of PE and two sessions of Taekwondo. In PE sessions, evidence-based curriculum to address the Presidential Core Fitness Guidelines and California Physical Fitness Tests was implemented. Taekwondo sessions included traditional techniques and forms taught in an environment emphasizing respect and self-control. Sixty students were evaluated at baseline and during the last week of the intervention (nine months later). Differences in mean residualized change scores for parent-rated inhibitory behavioral control yielded a significant, large effect size (d =.95, p =.00), reflecting greater improvement among Taekwondo students. Results from an executive function computer-administered task revealed greater accuracy on the congruent trial (d = 2.00, p = .02) for Taekwondo students. Differences in mean residualized change scores for BMI z scores yielded a moderate, non-significant effect size (d = − .51, p = .16). The majority of Taekwondo students reported positive perceptions of Taekwondo and perceived self-improvement in self-control and physical fitness. Results suggest that Taekwondo is an exercise program that improves cognitive functioning and is both feasible and acceptable to implement in a public school setting.

Exercise and children's cognition: The role of exercise characteristics and a place for metacognition

“…It is plausible that qualitative exercise interventions that are mentally challenging, lead to procedural and declarative skill development, and stress the formulation of strategies would alter metacognitive processes that build upon basic executive functions. Studies conducted by Lakes et al 34,54 and Pesce et al, 32 and Crova et al 38 that employ qualitative interventions provide preliminary evidence for the instantiation of skills and utilization of strategies. Furthermore, interesting studies in children's sports training show that enrichment interventions may promote the development of tactical creativity skills that involve executive control and the acquisition, usage, and transfer of declarative, procedural, and strategic knowledge Exercise and Children's Cognition within the sport environment.…”

Psychological antecedents of youth versus adult participation: An examination based on the Sport Commitment Model

“…Previous studies have found that regular TKD participation can provide physiological (e.g., aerobic capacity, body composition, and flexibility) and psychological health benefits (e.g., life satisfaction, behavioral and social improvements) (Byeon, Kwon, & Park, 2008;Fong & Na, 2011;Kim, Dattilo, & Heo 2011;Lakes, 2013;Lakes et al, 2013). Motives for participating in TKD with youth include skill mastery, the uniqueness of the sport, fun, and physical benefits (Zeng, Cynarski, Baatz, & Park, 2015), while adults have reported self-realization and health benefits as primary motives (Ko, Seok, & Kwon, 2013).…”

Adição de prebiótico em barras de cereais: caracterização físico-química e aceitabilidade sensorial entre praticantes de lutas marciais

“…Dessa forma, observa-se a viabilidade da adição de ingredientes funcionais em barras de cereais. Fato que poderá colaborar para que os praticantes de lutas marciais tenham uma dieta com melhor perfil nutricional, já que as fibras auxiliam na absorção de nutrientes, como vitaminas e minerais, melhoram o trânsito intestinal e reduzem a fadiga pós-treino 2,3 . Na Figura 2 é possível verificar o IA da barra de cereal padrão e daquelas adicionadas de inulina, em relação aos atributos aparência, aroma, sabor, textura, cor e aceitação global.…”

“…Exemplos como o judô, taekwondo e karatê são mundialmente conhecidos enquanto esporte e, devido a esses fatores, sua procura vem aumentando 1 . A prática deste tipo de exercício exige do organismo uma nutrição equilibrada, a qual é essencial para a manutenção da saúde e composição corporal, bom desempenho físico, melhora de rendimento e redução da fadiga 2,3 . As modificações fisiológicas causadas pelo exercício físico, se não compensadas acabam levando à desgastes que podem gerar alterações na microbiota intestinal do indivíduo, resultando no aumento das bactérias patogênicas.…”