The goal of this study is to determine the effect of resistance training on physical fitness, cognitive ability, and academic performance in young adults. This would be a randomized controlled trail in which participants will be randomly allocated in to two groups. One group will perform resistance training and other group will perform balance and general body toning exercises.
In recent years, the relationship between physical fitness, cognitive ability, and academic performance has garnered significant attention in the fields of education, psychology, and sports science. Young adulthood represents a critical developmental period characterized by substantial physical, cognitive, and psychological changes. During this phase, individuals are often engaged in academic pursuits, which makes understanding the impact of various interventions on physical fitness, cognitive ability, and academic performance especially relevant. While individual studies have explored the effects of resistance training on physical fitness, cognitive ability, and academic performance separately, there remains a gap in the literature concerning a comprehensive understanding of their interconnectedness in the context of young adults. This study aims to bridge this gap by investigating the potential causal relationship between resistance training and these multifaceted outcomes. This randomized controlled trial will recruit participants from young population. Study participants will be randomized into two groups: Group-A and Group-B. Group-A participants would receive resistance training for 3 consecutive months, while Group-B participants would follow general fitness and body toning exercises. Physical fitness, cognitive ability and academic performance will be measured at the baseline and after the termination of intervention program.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
20
A resistance training program will be used as a progressive, high-intensity protocol. The training stimulus will be provided using free weights. The exercises will consist of bench presses, biceps curls, triceps extensions, Latissimus Dorsi pull-down exercises, hamstring curls, and calf raises. The intensity of the training stimulus will be at a working range of 6 to 8 repetitions (2 sets). The training stimulus will subsequently be increased using the 7-RM (repetition maximum) method when 2 sets of 6 to 8 repetitions are completed with proper form and without discomfort. Other key strength exercises will include mini-squats, mini-lunges, and lunge walks. The number of sets completed and the load lifted for each exercise will be recorded for each participant in every class.
The general fitness and toning program will consist of stretching exercises, range-of-motion exercises, basic core-strengthening exercises, balance exercises, and relaxation techniques. Key balance exercises will include tandem stand, tandem walking, and single leg stance (eyes opened and closed). No additional loading (e.g., hand weights or resistance bands) will be applied to any of the exercises. This group will serve to control for confounding variables such as physical training received by traveling to the training centers, social interaction, and changes in life style secondary to study participation.
Riphah International University (RIU)
Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
RECRUITINGIsometric Strength (lbs)
Isometric Strength will be assessed using a Hand-held Dynamometer measuring isometric contraction force in pounds (lbs).
Time frame: Baseline and after end of the intervention (3 months)
Endurance
Endurance will be assessed using the Yo Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 Test ranging from speed level 5 (lightest) to speed level 23 (hardest).
Time frame: Baseline and after end of the intervention (3 months)
Agility
Agility will be assessed using Illinois Agility Run Test (Time to complete it in seconds).
Time frame: Baseline and after end of the intervention (3 months)
Balance
Balance will be assessed using Star Excursion Balance Test (distance in each direction).
Time frame: Baseline and after end of the intervention (3 months)
Stroop Test
Stroop test will be used to assess cognitive function (number of items completed during each task).
Time frame: Baseline and after end of the intervention (3 months)
Trail Making Test
Trail Making Test will be used to assess cognitive function (time spent to complete the task).
Time frame: Baseline and after end of the intervention (3 months)
Verbal Digit Span Test
Verbal Digit Span Test will be used to assess cognitive function (number of digits recalled correctly).
Time frame: Baseline and after end of the intervention (3 months)
Academic Performance
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Academic performance will be assessed using previous and subsequent school grades of the participants.
Time frame: Baseline and after end of the intervention (3 months)