Effect Of Resistance Training On Physical Fitness, Cognitive Ability, And Academic Performance In Young Adults

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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.

Detailed Description
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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.

Official Title
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Effect Of Resistance Training On Physical Fitness, Cognitive Ability, And Academic Performance In Young Adults

Conditions
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Young Adults

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Resistance Training
* Other: General Fitness and Toning


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: School going children between the ages of 12 to 17 year Exclusion Criteria: Participants with any recent musculoskeletal injury that hasn't healed. Any deformity or disability that could affect the participant's ability to perform physical activity. Any systemic disease/disorder that could affect the physical and cognitive performance of the participants.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 12 Years
Maximum Age: 17 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Interventional Model Description: Concurrent Parallel Randomized Clinical Trial
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Group A<br>Resistance Training Group | Other: Resistance Training<br>* 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.<br>|
| Active Comparator: Group B<br>General Fitness and Toning Group | Other: General Fitness and Toning<br>* 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.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Isometric Strength (lbs) | Isometric Strength will be assessed using a Hand-held Dynamometer measuring isometric contraction force in pounds (lbs). | 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). | 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). | Baseline and after end of the intervention (3 months) | 
| Balance | Balance will be assessed using Star Excursion Balance Test (distance in each direction). | 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). | 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). | 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). | Baseline and after end of the intervention (3 months) | 
| Academic Performance | Academic performance will be assessed using previous and subsequent school grades of the participants. | Baseline and after end of the intervention (3 months) | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Academic Performance, Cognitive Function, Exercise Training, Physical Fitness, Resistance Training