Date of Award

2018

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Education

Department

College of Education and Human Services

First Advisor

Sparks, Kenneth

Subject Headings

Physiology

Abstract

Purpose: This study compared cognitive function and age using the Stroop test while sitting and while walking at a self-selected speed at a treadmill work station. Methods: 50 subjects aged 20-69 years completed the Stroop test while sitting and while walking at a self-selected speed at a treadmill workstation. A repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to analyze for an interaction between age and cognition. Results: The results showed a significant increase in reaction time as age increased (p<.01). The results also showed no significant difference in reaction time for any age group between sitting and walking (p>.05). Conclusion: As individuals age there is an expected increase in cognitive and motor function and an increase in reaction time, those limitations are not significantly increased by adding a simultaneous motor task. Heart rate was also recorded during testing. Heart rate rose significantly while walking; however, this increase did not meet ACSM guidelines to improve cardiovascular endurance. While individuals will reap the benefits of increased caloric expenditure, there is no evidence of other benefits to the cardiovascular system.

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