The effect of a physical activity program along with a weight loss diet on working memory and academic performance of overweight female students of the second secondary level

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD in exercise physiology, Teacher of Physical Education of Khorasan Razavi Province

2 Master of physical education, Teacher of Physical Education of Khorasan Razavi province

3 PhD in exercise physiology

4 Bachelor's student of physical education and sport sciences, Khavaran Higher Education Institute, Mashhad

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the impact of a combined sports activity program and weight loss diet on the working memory and academic performance of overweight female students at the second secondary level.
Methods: Thirty female secondary school students (aged 15-17) with overweight, ranging between the 85th and 95th percentile, were randomly placed to three groups: exercise only, exercise with diet, and control (10 individuals in each group). The interventions lasted for 6 weeks, during which all participants from all three groups took part in the school's physical education class. Pre-test and post-test measurements were conducted 24 hours before and 48 hours after the interventions. The results showed a significant increase in working memory in both intervention groups compared to the control group (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference observed between the exercise-only group and the exercise combined with diet group (P>0.05). Regarding academic performance, no significant difference was observed between the changes of the three studied groups (P=0.18).
Findings: In this section, the results of the data analysis are explained. Related statistical tests and confidence intervals must be introduced and reported comprehensively and in detail.
Conclusion: A six-week sports training program can probably enhance the active memory of first-year female secondary school students, but it may not have a significant impact on improving their academic performance. Similarly, it seems that a weight loss diet does not significantly affect these outcomes. It is hypothesized that a weight loss diet, which involves restricting calories, may not hinder the progress of working memory if it allows for the intake of essential food sources.

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Research in Sport Sciences Education (RISSE)
Volume 2, Issue 3 - Serial Number 6
Vol. 2, No. 3, Autumn‏ ‏‎2024
October 2024
Pages 33-40

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