EFFECT OF MARTIAL ARTS ON COGNITIVE FLEXIBILITY AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN KOZHIKODE DISTRICT – AN INTERVENTIONAL STUDY.

The aim of this study is to determine the association between cognitive flexibility and martial arts (kyokushin karate) among adolescents in Kozhikode district. The current exploratory study was designed to further explore the effects of martial arts on cognitive and psychological functions in at-risk youths. Specifically, we sought to evaluate whether martial arts training would have an effect on measures typically associated with executive functions, including behavioral inhibition, sustained attention, flexibility and problem solving.

Aim: To estimate the overall effectiveness of martial arts training on cognitive flexibility among adolescents.

Objectives:

1. To assess the effect of martial arts training on cognitive flexibility scores among adolescents.
2. To compare the time taken to complete a cognitive flexibility task among adolescents who undergo martial arts training and those who do not.
3. To assess the effect of martial arts on stress scores among adolescents.

This is a  Solomon four group study, which will be conducted in four selected primary and higher secondary schools of Kozhikode district. Two schools will be randomly selected for giving martial arts training and other two schools will be in control group. The students aged between 10-19yrs will be selected for the study, who has given parental consent and written assent from the students.

The study consists of four groups being divided into 32 participants each. Group A and Group C receives intervention. Group B and Group D are taken as control group. Baseline cognitive measures is being measured using Cognitive Flexibility Inventory tool, Trial Test, and Adolescence Stress Scale.