Publication: Effects of exercise on memory ability and quran memorization in adolescent girls
Date
2018-06
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Abstract
Part of learning involves memorisation and it is a vital component in learning to recite the Quran. As exercise may play a part in enhancing cognitive and memory ability, we aim to examine the effects of exercise on memory ability and memorisation of the Quran in adolescent girls. Twenty-nine adolescent girls ( 13.5±0.5 years) who were involved in memorizing Quran (huffaz) volunteered to be part of this research. Two tests were conducted to measure their memory ability and Quran memorization performance, which were Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RA VL T) and Quran verbal recital (tasmi '), respectively. Subjects were their own control and we conducted baseline measurements with the tests repeated (pre-intervention) two weeks later before starting any exercise intervention. After the pre-intervention tests, subjects participated in a 6-week, researcher-supervised circuit training programme that consisted of moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic exercises combined with strength training, conducted three times a week and lasted 30-40 minutes per session. Consequently, the same pre-intervention tests were repeated twice, at the end of four weeks of exercise (mid-intervention) and at the end of six weeks (post-intervention). Results showed that exercise significantly improved memory ability and Quran memorization. Subjects significantly increased their RA VLT scores (+4.65 points or +3.5%, p=0.001) and tasmi' remembered verses (RV) test (+ 14.5%, p=0.032) and reduced tasmi' errors made (EM) test (zero errors increased from one to nine persons, p=0.014). In conclusion, exercise may enhance adolescent girls' ability in memorising the Quran. However, further studies are warranted to strengthen the findings in this study.