Nivel de efectividad de los ejercicios de fuerza versus ejercicios cardiovasculares sobre el desarrollo cognitivo de estudiantes de bachillerato

Abstract

In the reviewed bibliography, physical activity (PA) contributes to the improvement of cognitive processes during adolescence. Thus, when it is planned and systematized, it will play a significant role in the integral development of the student; hence, the purpose of the present study is to compare the effectiveness of cardiovascular exercises versus strength exercises on the cognitive development of high school students, through the application of a physical fitness program. A quantitative experimental design was used, with the participation of 40 students from the "26 de Febrero" Educational Unit of the Paute canton; 19 females and 21 males between 15 and 18 years of age, who were divided into two groups: a) strength group; and b) resistance group (15). The Otis instruments were used to assess cognitive development and the EUROFIT battery to assess physical condition. The strength program consisted of self-loading exercises; and the cardiovascular program consisted of continuous aerobic and anaerobic exercises. The tests were applied pre and post implementation of the programs, to compare the effects of each program. The results showed that the strength (abdominals, longitudinal jump with feet together and flexion held in suspension) and cardiovascular (Course Navette) programs implemented were efficient and increased physical condition, while the results of the simple Otis test showed that the implementation of both strength and endurance exercises contributed significantly to the cognitive development of the participants. It was concluded that the implementation of physical, strength and resistance exercises increase the level of cognitive development, however, these should be programmed and systematized, and that perhaps, if their duration were longer, the results could be more efficient.