A recent study reveals that performing squats on unstable surfaces demands significantly more mental effort than squats on stable ground. The research, conducted by Lisa Claußen and Claudia Braun, showed that participants performing squats on stable surfaces saw a 9% reduction in their ability to complete a simultaneous cognitive task. However, when squats were done on an unstable surface, this performance drop increased to 14%.
Resistance exercises, like squats, are commonly used to build strength and endurance by targeting specific muscle groups. While these exercises are beneficial for physical health, research suggests that they can also have cognitive benefits. However, the study found that combining physical and cognitive tasks may diminish cognitive performance, particularly when exercises are performed on unstable surfaces.
This study highlights the importance of cognitive demands during physical activities, especially on unstable surfaces. The findings suggest that such exercises may increase attentional load for both young and older adults, offering insights for designing exercise routines that challenge both the body and mind.
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Publish Date: 2024-09-11 23:15:47