Biomedical & Health Sciences

This study investigates the impact of different breathing techniques during swim workouts on short-term memory in adolescent athletes, as measured by word recall tests. The hypothesis suggests that aerobic workouts, which provide a consistent oxygen supply to the brain, will lead to a greater improvement in short-term memory compared to anaerobic workouts. Athletes from the Ridgefield Aquatic Club will undergo memory testing before and after their regular swim workouts, with no additional modifications to their routine. Memory performance will be assessed using word recall tests, in which participants will be asked to recall 15 randomly generated words both before and after the workout. The results will be compared to memory performance on non-swimming days, and different breathing techniques during the workouts will be analyzed for their effects on memory. Data will be anonymized and stored securely, with analysis conducted on the number of correctly recalled items pre- and post-workout. The study aims to explore the relationship between controlled breathing patterns and cognitive function, with implications for both sports performance and broader applications such as improving memory in older adults to combat cognitive decline. This research could offer insights into how specific breathing strategies during physical activity impact memory, potentially benefiting both athletic training and cognitive health.