How Sports Supercharge Memory, Mental Agility
A study from the University of Jyväskylä found a strong link between sports participation and cognitive performance, particularly in contrast to sedentary individuals, the journal Memory reported.
The findings suggest that staying active is key not only for physical health but also for maintaining a sharp mind.
Recent research in cognitive science has increasingly focused on the connection between sports expertise and working memory. Despite this interest, no meta-analysis had previously compared the working memory performance of athletes and non-athletes.
To address this gap, the Active Mind group at the University of Jyväskylä’s Department of Psychology conducted a study examining how sports participation influences working memory. Researchers also explored how factors like sport type and performance level impact cognitive outcomes.
The study found that athletes consistently outperformed non-athletes in working memory tasks, regardless of the sport they played or their level of competition. This cognitive advantage was even more pronounced when athletes were compared specifically to sedentary individuals, as opposed to a broader non-athlete group. According to doctoral researcher Chenxiao Wu, most of the studies included in the meta-analysis were well-conducted, with minimal risk of bias and no signs of publication bias.
These findings reinforce the strong link between physical activity and enhanced cognitive function. Conversely, a sedentary lifestyle appears to correlate with weaker working memory. Associate Professor Piia Astikainen, who leads the research team, notes that their previous work has shown that staying physically active can help counteract cognitive decline associated with aging. The current study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that regular physical activity supports brain health and cognitive performance.
This research is part of the SportsFace project, which investigates how sports influence cognitive function and face perception using both electrophysiological and behavioral methods. The project, which also forms the basis of Chenxiao Wu’s PhD research under Astikainen’s supervision, aims to deepen our understanding of how physical activity shapes working memory and social cognition.
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