A recent study conducted in Germany has shed light on the cognitive impact of performing squats on unstable surfaces. According to the research, engaging in squats on an unstable surface, such as a Bosu Balance Trainer, demands greater mental attention than performing the same exercise on a stable surface. The study, published in the Journal of Cognitive Enhancement, observed a 14% reduction in cognitive task performance when participants performed squats on an unstable surface compared to a 9% decrease on a stable surface.
Resistance exercises, which include activities like squats and push-ups, are well-known for their benefits in enhancing muscle strength and endurance by working against various forms of resistance. These exercises also improve bone density and metabolism. Recent studies have suggested that incorporating cognitive challenges into physical exercise routines could offer additional benefits, particularly for older adults, by potentially mitigating age-related cognitive decline.
Lisa Claußen and Claudia Braun, the researchers behind the study, aimed to determine whether squats performed on unstable surfaces require more cognitive effort than those done on stable surfaces. Their hypothesis was that unstable surfaces would increase the cognitive load required to perform the exercise.
The study involved 57 older adults and 17 younger adults, with the older group consisting of individuals in their 60s and 70s, and the younger group in their 20s. Participants underwent thorough pretesting, including cognitive and health assessments, to ensure they were fit for the study. Fourteen older adults were excluded due to difficulties with the exercise.
During the study, participants were tasked with performing dumbbell squats and a cognitive test known as the Stroop task. The Stroop task requires individuals to name the color of the font of a word while ignoring the word itself, a process that measures attentional control.
Participants completed sessions involving squats and the Stroop task separately, followed by a dual-task session where both tasks were performed simultaneously. The researchers observed that reaction times in the Stroop task were significantly longer when participants were engaged in squats, indicating that the exercise required substantial cognitive resources. Performing squats on an unstable surface led to even greater decreases in Stroop task performance.
The study’s findings suggest that resistance training involving unstable surfaces could enhance cognitive engagement during exercise. However, the researchers noted that there were no significant differences between older and younger participants in terms of the cognitive load required, which was an unexpected outcome. This discrepancy might be attributed to the selective nature of the older participant group, as many were excluded due to performance issues.
Overall, the study highlights the potential for incorporating unstable surfaces into resistance training regimens to increase cognitive demands, offering a dual benefit of physical and mental stimulation.