Abstract

NAIDOO, R  and  MOODLEY, K. The short-term effects of a sport stacking intervention on the cognitive and perceptual motor functioning in geriatrics: a pilot study. SA J. Sports Med. [online]. 2018, vol.30, n.1, pp.1-6. ISSN 2078-516X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2078-516x/2018/v30i1a4267.

BACKGROUND: Sport stacking has been found to be beneficial in improving reaction time, as well as hand-eye- coordination, in children. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a sport stacking physical activity intervention on the motor and cognitive functioning of geriatrics. METHODS: An intact, convenient sample of 58 geriatrics from a retirement home in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, was selected to participate in this study. Twenty-eight participants were exposed to an eight-week intervention consisting of 16 physical activity sessions, combined with sport stacking techniques, while the control group (30 participants) continued with activities as usual. All participants performed selected motor and cognitive functioning tests, pre- and postintervention. RESULTS: The intervention group had greater improvements in mean reaction time and plate tapping (hand-eye coordination) times compared to the control group. There were no changes in the balance test, memory and quality of life tests. CONCLUSION: A sport stacking activity intervention may improve reaction times and hand-eye coordination in geriatrics.

Keywords : hand-eye coordination; quality of life; reaction time.

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