The Relationship between a High Level of Physical Fitness and Working Memory in Blind, Deaf, and Non-disabled Adolescents

Authors

  • Supalak Khemthong Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University
  • Thyon Chentanez Faculty of Science, Mahidol University
  • Boonsirm Withayachumnarnkul Faculty of Science, Mahidol University
  • Yupin Sanvarida Faculty of Science, Mahidol University
  • Chattaya Jitpraphai Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital

Keywords:

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Abstract

This research investigated the working memory of blind, deaf, and non-disabled adolescents after performing long term physical activity. A group of 72 male adolescents (aged from 15 to 18 years) was divided into groups with maximal oxygen consumption (H-) and a group with the lowest oxygen consumption (L-) (10 subjects in each group HB HD and HN Vs LB LD and LN). Neuropsychological tasks including non-verbal, verbal, and tactile memory tests were adapted and tested for reliability in 30 male normal extra-subjects that were 0.97, 0.83, and 0.82 respectively. The results found that blind individuals with a high fitness level (HB) responded with higher tactile memory scores (P<0.001) while deaf individuals with a high fitness level (HD) had shorter non-verbal memory times (P<0.05), compared to their control groups. Moreover, disabled students with a high level of fitness (HB and HD) displayed cognitive capacities close to non-disabled with a low fitness level (LN) students (P>0.05). In conclusion, the opportunity for sensory-motor integration into working memory through intact vision or hearing can be enhanced by a suitable amount of exercise.

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Published

01-04-2002

How to Cite

Khemthong, S., Chentanez, T. ., Withayachumnarnkul, B. ., Sanvarida, Y., & Jitpraphai, C. . (2002). The Relationship between a High Level of Physical Fitness and Working Memory in Blind, Deaf, and Non-disabled Adolescents. Siriraj Medical Journal, 54(4), 224–230. Retrieved from https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/sirirajmedj/article/view/245247

Issue

Vol. 54 No. 4 (2002): April

Section

Original Article

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