Does participation in art classes influence performance on two different cognitive tasks?

Schindler M, Maihöfner C, Bolwerk A, Lang F (2017)


Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2017

Journal

Book Volume: 21

Pages Range: 439-444

Journal Issue: 4

DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2015.1114587

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Effects of two mentally stimulating art interventions on processing speed and visuo-spatial cognition were compared in three samples. METHOD: In a randomized 10-week art intervention study with a pre-post follow-up design, 113 adults (27 healthy older adults with subjective memory complaints, 50 healthy older adults and 36 healthy younger adults) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: visual art production or cognitive art evaluation, where the participants either produced or evaluated art. ANOVAs with repeated measures were computed to observe effects on the Symbol-Digit Test, and the Stick Test. RESULTS: Significant Time effects were found with regard to processing speed and visuo-spatial cognition. Additionally, there was found a significant Time × Sample interaction for processing speed. The effects proved robust after testing for education and adding sex as additional factor. CONCLUSION: Mental stimulation by participation in art classes leads to an improvement of processing speed and visuo-spatial cognition. Further investigation is required to improve understanding of the potential impact of art intervention on cognitive abilities across adulthood.

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How to cite

APA:

Schindler, M., Maihöfner, C., Bolwerk, A., & Lang, F. (2017). Does participation in art classes influence performance on two different cognitive tasks? Aging & Mental Health, 21(4), 439-444. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2015.1114587

MLA:

Schindler, Manuel, et al. "Does participation in art classes influence performance on two different cognitive tasks?" Aging & Mental Health 21.4 (2017): 439-444.

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