Differences in dual task paradigms and executive function ability forrecreational athletes in United Arab Emirates

摘要

[Purpose] The purpose of this study to measure four components of executive function:(1) cognitive flexibility, (2) inhibition, (3) working memory and (4) processing speed,along with the ability to dual task in recreational athletes. [Participants and Methods]This was a cross-sectional study of (n=102) male and female participants, between the agesof 18–40 years of age across different levels and types of sport related physicalactivity. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), short version, DualTask Abilities (DTA) were measured utilizing a quantitative, dual task, gait test andExecutive Function (EF) was measured through Stroop Color Word Test and Trail Making Test.[Results] Differences in EF and Dual Task-Interference (DTI) in recreational athletes didnot show a significant difference between varying types of sport and level of sportrelated activity, with reported values high across all groups. Males reported better dualtask interference abilities than females, though there were no significant differences inexecutive function between males and females. Executive function performance was thehighest among the age group (18–24 years) population, but there were no significantdifferences between those in the higher age groups (25–34 years) and (35–40 years).[Conclusion] Overall, those participating in the study exhibited high prevalence of strongEF ability, regardless of sport activity type or level. This may suggest that type andlevel of sport activity may not be important when considering executive functionperformance maintenance for recreational athletes.