EFFECTS OF NEUROBIC EXERCISES ON COGNITION AND AGILITY IN UNDERNOURISHED CHILDREN
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Keywords
Neurobic exercises; Cognition; Agility; Undernourished children; Neuroplasticity
Abstract
: Under nutrition during childhood impairs brain development and motor coordination. Neurobic exercises are multisensory, novelty-based brain activities intended to stimulate neuroplasticity. Objective: To evaluate the effects of neurobic exercises on cognition and agility in undernourished children.
Methods: Thirty-four undernourished children (BMI <5th percentile; age 8–12 years) participated in a 4-week neurobic program (30 min/session, 3 sessions/week). Cognition was measured with the MoCA and agility with the T-Test. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were performed; data analyzed using paired t-tests and correlation analyses.
Results: MoCA scores increased from 23.38 ± 1.18 to 27.18 ± 1.11 (p < 0.001). T-Test times improved from 20.67 ± 2.85 s to 18.67 ± 1.95 s (p < 0.001). Correlation analyses showed moderate association between cognition gains and agility improvement (r = -0.56, p = 0.002).
Conclusion: A brief neurosensory training program produced significant improvements in cognition and agility among undernourished children. The intervention is low-cost and amenable to school implementation.
Methods: Thirty-four undernourished children (BMI <5th percentile; age 8–12 years) participated in a 4-week neurobic program (30 min/session, 3 sessions/week). Cognition was measured with the MoCA and agility with the T-Test. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were performed; data analyzed using paired t-tests and correlation analyses.
Results: MoCA scores increased from 23.38 ± 1.18 to 27.18 ± 1.11 (p < 0.001). T-Test times improved from 20.67 ± 2.85 s to 18.67 ± 1.95 s (p < 0.001). Correlation analyses showed moderate association between cognition gains and agility improvement (r = -0.56, p = 0.002).
Conclusion: A brief neurosensory training program produced significant improvements in cognition and agility among undernourished children. The intervention is low-cost and amenable to school implementation.
References
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9. Bekele A, Janakiraman B. Physical therapy guideline for children with malnutrition in low income countries: clinical commentary. Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation. 2016;12(4):266–275.
10. Wang J, Yang Y, Li L, et al. Comparative efficacy of physical activity types on executive functions in children and adolescents: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Sci Med Sport. 2023;27(3):187–196.
2. Sanghuachang W, Hengudomsub P, Chaimongkol N, Kotchabhakdi N. Effectiveness of neurobic exercise program on memory performance in community-dwelling older adults with MCI: A randomized controlled crossover trial. Belitung Nursing Journal. 2023;9(2):100–109.
3. Narnavre ND, Suthar N. Effect of neurobic exercises on cognitive function in older adults. Int J Sci Health Res. 2024;9(3):242–249.
4. Roberts SB, Franceschini MA, Krauss A, et al. A pilot randomized controlled trial of a new supplementary food designed to enhance cognitive performance during prevention and treatment of malnutrition in childhood. Curr Dev Nutr. 2017;1(11):e000885.
5. Egger F, Benzing V, Conzelmann A, Schmidt M. Boost your brain, while having a break! Effects of long-term cognitively engaging physical activity breaks on children’s executive functions and academic achievement. PLoS ONE. 2019;14(3):e0212482.
6. Moradi A, Damirchi ES, Narimani M, et al. Association between physical and motor fitness with cognition in children. Medicina. 2019;55(1):7.
7. Palmer MD. Keep Your Brain Alive: 83 Neurobic Exercises to Help Prevent Memory Loss and Increase Mental Fitness. Workman Publishing; 2016.
8. Gautam M, Srivastav AK. Neurobics: Revitalizing musculoskeletal rehabilitation with brain-boosting exercises. Journal of Musculoskeletal Surgery and Research. 2024.
9. Bekele A, Janakiraman B. Physical therapy guideline for children with malnutrition in low income countries: clinical commentary. Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation. 2016;12(4):266–275.
10. Wang J, Yang Y, Li L, et al. Comparative efficacy of physical activity types on executive functions in children and adolescents: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Sci Med Sport. 2023;27(3):187–196.
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Published
Dec 17, 2025
Article Details
How to Cite
Ankush Goel, Dr. Mansi Srivastava, & Dr. Monika Sharma. (2025). EFFECTS OF NEUROBIC EXERCISES ON COGNITION AND AGILITY IN UNDERNOURISHED CHILDREN. Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology, 32(11), 651-657. https://doi.org/10.53555/23wbx979
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Author Biographies
Ankush Goel
MPT, Institute of Applied Medicines & Research (IAMR), Ghaziabad, India.
Dr. Mansi Srivastava
Assistant Professor, Institute of Applied Medicines & Research (IAMR), Ghaziabad, India.
Dr. Monika Sharma
Professor and HOD, Institute of Applied Medicines & Research (IAMR), Ghaziabad, India.
How to Cite
Ankush Goel, Dr. Mansi Srivastava, & Dr. Monika Sharma. (2025). EFFECTS OF NEUROBIC EXERCISES ON COGNITION AND AGILITY IN UNDERNOURISHED CHILDREN. Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology, 32(11), 651-657. https://doi.org/10.53555/23wbx979
