Investigating the Effect of Integrated Short Mindfulness Interventions on Stress, Mental Health, and Sleep Among College Students
Researchers: Natascha Enriquez, Dipesh Chaudhury
Exploring the benefits of mindfulness interventions integrated into academic classes, as suggested by participants during the focus group discussions in the exploratory research.
Comparison of Two Exercise Modalities via fsMRI and Cognitive Brain Function Testing for their Effects on Brain Plasticity and Brain Structure
Researchers: Osama Abdulla, Natascha Enriquez, Kartik Sreenivasan
The positive effects of exercise on brain activity and cognitive functions have been recognized in the literature (Thomas et al. 2012). Most studies investigate aerobic exercise and balance training and their ability to decrease aging processes and to improve memory and learning (Cassilhas et al. 2016; Hoetting and Roeder, 2013). Furthermore, resistance training interventions have also been shown to improve short-term memory and attention (Cassilhas et al. 2007). Giboin et al. (2017) found that different training modalities generate different neural adaptations and specific neuroplastic changes. To our knowledge, no study has investigated structural brain changes, as well as brain plasticity and cortical activity, when contrasting two different resistance training interventions.
The primary aim of this work is to compare the effects of two exercise interventions over a six weeks period in untrained university students, who will be assigned to either a strength-training (ST) based program (traditional weight-training machines) or a functional movement training (FT) program (consisting of ground-based bodyweight exercises, including primitive movement training, balance, and coordination training and quadruped movement pattern) on memory function and brain markers (structure, blood flow, and function). In addition, potential alterations of functional connectivity, plasticity, and cortical activity in the brain will be investigated.