Date of Award

Spring 2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Kinesiology

Committee Chairperson

Meghan Ramick, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Edward Kubachka, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Selen Razon, Ph.D.

Abstract

Neuroplasticity takes place when acquiring new skills, after damage to the nervous system, and as a result of sensory deprivation (5). It can also take place due to exercise (11)(22). Few studies exist that look at the effects of anaerobic/resistance training and its effects on Neuroplasticity in humans, as the majority of research found delves into how resistance training can help at the subcortical and spinal level of the body, not in the brain (1). The aim of this study was to determine whether resistance training is as effective as aerobic training at improving neuroplasticity. Five competitive Weightlifters (3 females, 2 males, age 34±9) were recruited to complete a control, aerobic, and resistance acute protocol. The subjects completed the Trail-Making Test (TMT) before and immediately after the cessation of each 20-minute protocol separated by multiple days. A repeated measures ANOVA for part A revealed a significant effect of time (pre-post p=0.004) and condition (control, aerobic, and resistance, p=0.004) for part A, but there was not a statistically significant interaction between timepoint and condition (p=0.429). A separate ANOVA revealed a significant effect of time (pre-post p=0.033) but not condition (control, aerobic, and resistance p=0.054) for part B, but there was not a statistically significant interaction between timepoint and condition (p=0.164). Our results are in agreeance with prior research, but show promise that resistance exercise may be as beneficial as aerobic exercise and needs further research.

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