A recent study revealed that barefoot walking might enhance cognitive function in adolescents, presenting it as a simple yet effective exercise.
The research, published in The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, involved 59 adolescent males aged 13, who were divided into three groups: control (n = 20), sneaker (n = 19), and barefoot (n = 20). Over 12 weeks, the sneaker and barefoot groups participated in 40-minute walking sessions (including a 5-minute warm-up, 30 minutes of continuous walking, and a 5-minute cool-down) 4 times a week, while the control group continued with self-study.
"Barefoot walking can effectively enhance cognitive ability in adolescents, as demonstrated by the significant variation in electroencephalogram (EEG) activity," wrote study investigators.
The walking regimen was designed with progressive intensity: 50% of heart rate reserve for weeks 1–4, 50%–60% for weeks 5–8, and 60%–70% for weeks 9–12. The perceived exertion ranged from light to hard (rating of 10–14).
EEG measurements, taken before and after the intervention using the QEEG-8 system (LXE3208; LAXTHA Inc.), revealed significant changes in brain activity among the barefoot group. Notably, there was a decrease in gamma and H-beta waves and an increase in sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) and alpha waves, which are associated with enhanced cognitive speed, improved concentration, and reduced brain stress.
Specific findings in the barefoot group included:
- Gamma wave scores decreased (Md = −13.75, 95% CI −19.98 to −7.52, P < 0.001).
- H-beta wave scores decreased (Md = −9.70, 95% CI −15.93 to −3.47, P < 0.001).
- SMR scores increased (Md = 13.05, 95% CI 6.02 to 20.08, P < 0.001).
- Alpha wave scores increased (Md = 13.65, 95% CI 7.42 to 19.88, P < 0.001).
Additionally, in the eyes-open resting state, the barefoot group exhibited increased levels of H-beta, M-beta, SMR, and alpha waves, indicating a potential link between barefoot walking and cognitive performance improvements, along with reductions in mental fatigue and stress.
The study's relatively small sample size and lack of participants with chronic conditions were noted limitations. Nevertheless, the findings suggested that barefoot walking might support cognitive development in young individuals.
Full disclosures and further details can be found in the published study.