THE IMPACT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON THE COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS OF STUDENTS

Abstract

The purpose of the article. To investigate the impact of physical activity on students' cognitive functions, to determine the optimal forms of physical activity that contribute to improving memory, attention, and information processing speed. Special attention is payed to mechanisms influence of physical exercises to cognitive abilities of students and their adaptation to the educational process. Research aimed at developing recommendations for educational institutions of integration physical activities in the classroom process.

Methodology. There is a complex approach that includes quantitative and qualitative methods analysis. Sampling consisted of 150 students in the age group of 18-25 years, who performed standardized cognitive tests before and after period physical activities. There were use such methods as questionnaire, testing cognitive abilities, analysis physical indicators. Data were processed statistical methods such as correlation analysis and regression modeling, which allowed to identify relationship between level physical activity and cognitive indicators.

Scientific novelty. It has been established that combination aerobic exercises with power training have the most positive effect on cognitive functions on students. Regular physical activity contributes to increase stress resistance, reducing anxiety levels and improvement general psycho-emotional state. The novelty of the work consists of a comprehensive approach to analysis influence physical cognitive activity abilities students who covers neuropsychological, physiological and social aspects.

Conclusions. Physical activity is an important factor improvement cognitive functions of the students. The most effective are aerobic exercises in combination with power training, because they improve blood circulation, increase level of oxygen to the brain and stimulate the neuroplasticity. The research has shown that students who are leading active way life, have better memory, faster are processed information and demonstrate higher ability to concentrate the attention. Further research include analysis the influence of different types of activities to cognitive processes and development programs of physical activities for educational institutions.