Cognitive Function in Male Track and Field Iranian National Team Athletes

Background: Cognitive function including decision making and short term memory are affected by environmental factors including physical activity. Data showed that sustained physical activity can improve learning and memory. In the present research, cognitive functions of the Iranian track and field national team were evaluated and compared to the control group using PASAT (Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test) software.

Materials and Methods: Ten male members from the athletics team of the Islamic Republic of Iran were selected (age: 26±3 years; weight: 69.2±2.7 kg; height: 178.4±7 cm) and 10 volunteered male students of Allame Tabatabaii University (age of 25±3 years; weight: 75.42±0.54 kg; height: 169.5±6.2 cm) were evaluated for their cognitive functions including general mental health, sustain attention, reaction time (processing speed), and mental fatigue using PASAT software. In addition, salivary cortisol level was measured in two groups.

Results: Salivary cortisol concentration was higher in the athletes than non-athletes group (P<0.001). General cognitive health and sustain attention also was increased in the athletes regarding the non-athletes group (P<0.05). Reaction time and mental fatigue was reduced with regard to the non-athletes group but was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: It seems that physical activity may increase brain cognitive functions which are manifested by better general cognitive health sustain attention increment, increase in processing speed as well as reduction in mental fatigue.