Effects of a Complex, Partnered Martial Arts-based Intervention on Cognitive Processing.

The investigators' study is designed to test whether prolonged exposure to a martial arts-based intervention (three complex, partner exercises based on Filipino, Chinese and Thai martial arts practices), can improve cognitive processing to a greater degree than resistive exercise of a similar intensity.

This two-group randomized controlled trial will compare the effects of a martial arts intervention vs. resistive exercise condition. The martial arts intervention will consist of partnered, coordinated exercises drawn from south-east Asian martial arts, including Fillipino Kali, Chinese Wing Chun Kung Fu and Muay Thai (also known as Thai Boxing). Participants will be trained in the fundamental movements of the exercises known as hubud, chi sau and padwork. Participants will also have the history, cultural significance, risks and purpose of these exercises explained to them throughout the study.

The resistive exercise comparator group will use a series of bodyweight resistance, band resistance and postural exercises to match the duration and exercise intensity of the martial arts intervention group, under the supervision of trained research assistants. Participants will also receive information on aerobic exercise and the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans 2020.

All participants, regardless of group, will be assessed for martial arts and exercise experience once at baseline.

All participants will be tested for cognitive performance change. Baseline and follow-up computerized cognitive testing will take place at a specified testing facility and psychosocial questionnaires will be delivered remotely via a Qualtrics-powered survey. After baseline testing, participants will be asked to attend as many sessions (maximum 24 sessions) delivered over the course of an 8-week intervention period as they can, approximately 1 hour each. Follow-up testing will be administered more than 48 hours post-intervention to minimize established acute adaptive responses to exercise.

The investigators hypothesize the martial arts training intervention group will exhibit a greater increase in performance of cognitive processing tasks when compared to less complex movement patterns involved in the resistive exercise group.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Men and Women between the ages of 18-45 years reporting lower levels of physical activity (sedentary or mild physical activity levels only)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Anyone who is physically active (≥30 minutes, 3 or more times/week, for the last 3 months) and/or a regular practitioner of martial arts and/or highly complex coordination drills such as dance and exercises related to coordinated movement (≥30 minutes, 3 or more times/week, for the last 3 months).
* Anyone with serious chronic medical conditions that would preclude them from participating without a physician present, or anyone with a risk of seizure, or anyone having psychiatric and/or neurological disorders.
* Pregnant women or anyone with recent (within the two months) surgery on their shoulders, elbows, knees or hips.
* Anyone who is currently diagnosed with depression and is receiving treatment (medication or counselling) for their depression.
* Anyone incapable of performing the following movements at a moderate intensity- sitting, standing, kicking, pulling, pushing, bending one's elbows or bending one's knees.
* Anyone who scores 1 or more on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire
* Anyone refusing or unwilling to be randomized into either of the conditions.
* Anyone with insufficient proficiency (fluency) in English to understand the
* Anyone with blood pressure readings exceeding our safety limits (systolic \>160 and diastolic \>90)
* Anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 60 days