Working memory can be improved within hours of performing certain activities, says study
Posted on: 05/Aug/2015 10:00:39 AM
A study has found that working memory and cognitive skills can be improved once certain exercises like climbing a tree or walking on a beam are performed. According to the study, the brain functions better within a couple of hours of performing these tasks. It was conducted by researchers at the University of Florida`s Department of Psychology and the study was published in the journal Perception and Motor Skills.
Working memory is the act of processing information. Researchers studied a group of people aged between 18 and 59. Their memory was tested and then they were put through a series of activities such as climbing trees, walking and crawling on a beam, running barefoot, navigating over, under and around obstacles, and lifting and carrying awkwardly shaped objects. These activities are called proprioceptive activities. Their working memory was tested after a couple of hours again.
According to researchers, Improving working memory can have a beneficial effect on so many areas in our life, and it`s exciting to see that proprioceptive activities can enhance it in such a short period of time... Proprioceptively dynamic training may place a greater demand on working memory than either control condition because as environment and terrain changes, the individual recruits working memory to update information to adapt appropriately.
