Influence of Long-term Fasting and Intermittent Fasting on the Cognitive Abilities
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2020 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Studia Sportiva |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Web | https://journals.muni.cz/studiasportiva/issue/view/1071 |
| Doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.5817/StS2020-1-2 |
| Keywords | fasting methods; cognition; Montreal Cognitive Assessment; short-term memory; word production |
| Attached files | |
| Description | The main aim of the study was to examine the impact of fasting on the human organism more closely, especially on cognitive abilities. The research underwent and completed 16 participants (M+F; 25.8y±2.7; 179.5 cm±11.6; 74.6kg±15.1). There were divided into 2 groups (long-term fasting lasting 5 days /LTF/ and intermittent fasting every second day/IF/). For measurement cognitive function we used Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), which has been filled out by all participants in the study before and after the fasting period. We came to the following results. The total score of MoCA decreased in both group after the fasting period, more in the IF group (–1.1 points), but not statistically significant. Values for short-term memory evaluation decreased in both groups, also in the IF group more (–0.9 points), there was a large effect size. Word production values decreased in both group and these changes were statistically significant with small effect size. Our results suggest that long-term fasting and intermittent fasting may reduce cognitive abilities. Especially short-term memory can be influenced by intermittent fasting. Both fasting methods decreased the level of word production. |