Johnstone, Ashleigh

Johnstone,  Ashleigh
Start date:
October 2015
Research Topic:
Cognitive Changes Linked to Martial Arts Practice in Adults
Research pathway:
Research Supervisor:
Dr Paloma MariBeffa
Supervising school:
School of Psychology,
Primary funding source:
ESRC Studentship

Previous research has investigated the beneficial effects of activities such as yoga and mindfulness on cognitive functioning. Similar research using Martial Arts has been done, with positive effects being found in children. However, these improvements in cognitive functions have not yet been found in adults. The aim of this PhD is to use a variety of behavioural and electrophysiological methods to assess different facets of cognitive control, and how they may be improved through Martial Arts practice.

Publication:
Johnstone, A., & Mari-Beffa, P. (2018). The effects of Martial Arts training on attentional networks in typical adults. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 80.