The effect of prolonged running on endurance and memory of schoolchildren

Abstract

Objectives: in this study, we had to evaluate the impact of long-term running on the aerobic performance of schoolchildren and the impact of such indicators on children's memory.

Study Design: experimental research design.

Place and duration of study: the study was conducted in a secondary school in Russia within 4 months.

Material and Methods: in total, 120 children aged 9-10 years who studied in the third grade took part in the pedagogical experiment. During the study, a total of 34 physical education lessons were conducted in each class. Children from the control group were engaged in a standard (normal) physical education program. The students who were assigned to the experimental group were engaged in lessons according to the same program, but additionally performed a long jog for 6 minutes. We assessed the indicators of overall endurance using a 6-minute Cooper test, we assessed the level of memory development of children using the "Learn Words" test.

Results: after the end of the experiment, the average data of schoolchildren from the control group became higher in the test for aerobic abilities by 6.9% and 7.3% (p>0.05). As for the experimental group, the data improved by 18.8% and 24.8% (p<0.05). The memory of children in the control group increased by 4.9% and 8.9% (p>0.05). In the experimental group, the indicators were higher - by 25.1% and 26.2% (p<0.05).

Conclusion: according to the results of the study, it can be stated that long-distance running improves not only the aerobic capabilities of schoolchildren, but also the memory performance of children 9-10 years old.