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Ates B, Tanir H, Akinci Y. Body composition, cardiovascular fitness and attention of school-aged male children practicing sports club activities: A cross-sectional. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2024; 13:262. [PMID: 39309986 PMCID: PMC11414861 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_1459_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The positive effects of physical activity on physical fitness, bone health, academic achievement, cognitive functions, mental health, and reduced obesity have been proven. This study aims to investigate the relationship between sports club activities, physical activity selected health-related fitness, and the d2 attention test. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in different sports clubs. A total of 78 male students aged 10-13 years participating in various branches of sports clubs were included in the study, 42 of whom were assigned to the sports group and 36 to the control group. Questionnaires were administered to assess sports club participation and attention levels, while physical health profiles were tested with body composition and Yo-Yo IR1C performance measures. Data were analyzed according to sports participation and the five most frequently reported sports. The means and standard deviation of each study value were calculated for the total subjects and by participating in sports activity using the IBM SPSS (version 23) analysis program. Data normality was checked and confirmed by the Skewness and Kurtosis Tests. RESULTS The results showed that boys enrolled in a sports activity had lower body mass (-17.9%, P < 0.05 d = 0.72), body mass index (-13.4%, P < 0.05, d = 0.87), and body fat (%) (-54.1%, P < 0.05, d = 1.38) and higher VO2max 32.3% (P < 0.05, d = 3.67), than the non-active group. The boys active in sports clubs also had better results in the total number of items processed (11%, P < 0.05 d = 0.50) and in concentration performance (17.7%, P < 0.05 d = 0.56) than the non-active group. In correlation analyses, VO2max was negatively associated with body mass, body mass index, and body fat (P = 0.011; P = 0.001 and P = 0.00, respectively) and positively related to the total number of items processed and concentration performance (P = 0.003 and P = 0.015, respectively). In the Pearson Correlation analyses, body fat showed a lower negative correlation with TN (r = 0.33; P = 0.003) and CP (r = 0.28; P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS Boys participating in regular sports have lower body mass, BMI, and BF values. In addition, boys who participated in sports showed higher imaginary fitness and selective attention and concentration capacity results, as expected, for any sports part compared to their body peers. Another attempt from this study is that body mass and body fat percentage recovery are negatively associated with fitness. Considering the increasing prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents due to sedentary living, which has become a worldwide epidemic, it is recommended that pedagogical and public health strategies and policies be developed based on the physical fitness level of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Ates
- Department of Coaching Education, Faculty of Sport Science, Usak University, Usak, Turkey
| | - Halil Tanir
- Department of Coaching Education, Faculty of Sport Science, Usak University, Usak, Turkey
| | - Yasin Akinci
- Department of Coaching Education, Faculty of Sport Science, Usak University, Usak, Turkey
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Reisberg K, Riso EM, Animägi L, Jürimäe J. Longitudinal Associations of Body Fatness and Physical Fitness with Cognitive Skills in Preschoolers. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:526. [PMID: 38790521 PMCID: PMC11120113 DOI: 10.3390/children11050526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
A good cognitive status predicts academic, professional, and health outcomes. However, longitudinal data regarding the associations of body fatness, physical fitness, and cognition are relatively scarce and mixed. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to investigate whether body fatness, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and muscular fitness (MF) in preschool are associated with cognitive skills in the first grade of school. A total of 133 South Estonian children whose age was 6-7 years were recruited from 13 kindergartens and again at 7-8 years after they had entered school. Body fat percentage (BF%), CRF, MF as the mean of z-scores of relative upper-limb strength, standing long jump results, and cognitive skills (verbal, conceptual, and perceptual) were studied. There were no associations between BF% and CRF in preschool with perceptual, conceptual, or verbal skills in school in boys and girls. In boys, a higher MF in preschool was associated with higher verbal skills (β = 0.293, p = 0.021) in school after adjustment for confounders. Cognitive skills at baseline seemed to be frequently associated with cognitive performance in school. In conclusion, higher MF in preschool was associated with better verbal skills in the first grade of school in boys but not in girls. Body fatness and cardiorespiratory fitness in preschool were not associated with cognitive skills in school.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirkke Reisberg
- Department of Physiotherapy and Environmental Health, Tartu Health Care College, 50411 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Eva-Maria Riso
- Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, 51008 Tartu, Estonia; (E.-M.R.); (J.J.)
| | - Liina Animägi
- Department of Physiotherapy and Environmental Health, Tartu Health Care College, 50411 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Jaak Jürimäe
- Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, 51008 Tartu, Estonia; (E.-M.R.); (J.J.)
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Hermassi S, Ketelhut S, Konukman F, Ayari MA, Al-Marri S, Al Rawahi N, Bouhafs EG, Nigg CR, Schwesig R. Differences in Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, Health-Related Physical Performance Indices and Academic Achievement: A Comparative Study of Normal-Weight and Obese Children in Qatar. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1057. [PMID: 38398370 PMCID: PMC10888728 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13041057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The relationship between physical activity (PA), health-related physical performance (PP), and academic achievement (AA) plays an important role in childhood. This study examined the differences in PA, sedentary behavior, health-related PP, maturity status, and AA between normal-weight and obese school children in Qatar. Methods: Eighty schoolchildren were recruited (age: 12.1 ± 0.6 years). Based on age-specific BMI percentiles, the children were classified as normal weight (n = 40) or obese (n = 40). Moore's equations were used to estimate their maturity status (PHV). The measurements encompassed anthropometric data as well as PP tests (medicine ball throw, postural stability, handgrip strength). AA was assessed by reviewing school records for grade point average in Mathematics, Science, and Arabic courses. The total amount of time spent participating in PA each week was calculated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form. Results: Handgrip strength was the only parameter that showed a relevant group difference (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.15; normal weight: 19.7 ± 3.46 N; obese: 21.7 ± 2.80 N). We found only one moderate correlation between PHV and handgrip strength (r = 0.59). Conclusions: The findings suggest that obesity status alone might not serve as a sufficient predictor of AA in school or PA levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souhail Hermassi
- Physical Education Department, College of Education, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (F.K.); (S.A.-M.); (N.A.R.)
| | - Sascha Ketelhut
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (S.K.)
| | - Ferman Konukman
- Physical Education Department, College of Education, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (F.K.); (S.A.-M.); (N.A.R.)
| | - Mohammed Ali Ayari
- Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Physics, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar;
| | - Senaid Al-Marri
- Physical Education Department, College of Education, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (F.K.); (S.A.-M.); (N.A.R.)
| | - Nasser Al Rawahi
- Physical Education Department, College of Education, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (F.K.); (S.A.-M.); (N.A.R.)
| | - El Ghali Bouhafs
- Department of Sports Science, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Claudio R. Nigg
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (S.K.)
| | - René Schwesig
- Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
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Haapala EA, Lubans DR, Jaakkola T, Barker AR, Plaza-Florido A, Gracia-Marco L, Solis-Urra P, Cadenas-Sanchez C, Esteban-Cornejo I, Ortega FB. Which indices of cardiorespiratory fitness are more strongly associated with brain health in children with overweight/obesity? Scand J Med Sci Sports 2024; 34:e14549. [PMID: 38093459 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the strength of associations between different indices of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and brain health outcomes in children with overweight/obesity. METHODS Participants were 100 children aged 8-11 years. CRF was assessed using treadmill exercise test (peak oxygen uptake [V̇O2peak ], treadmill time, and V̇O2 at ventilatory threshold) and 20-metre shuttle run test (20mSRT, laps, running speed, estimated V̇O2peak using the equations by Léger et al., Mahar et al., and Matsuzaka et al.). Intelligence, executive functions, and academic performance were assessed using validated methods. Total gray matter and hippocampal volumes were assessed using structural MRI. RESULTS V̇O2peak /body mass (β = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.01-0.35) and treadmill time (β = 0.18-0.21, 95% CI = 0.01-0.39) were positively associated with gray matter volume. 20mSRT laps were positively associated with executive functions (β = 0.255, 95% CI = 0.089-0.421) and academic performance (β = 0.199-0.255, 95% CI = 0.006-0.421), and the running speed was positively associated with executive functions (β = 0.203, 95% CI = 0.039-0.367). Estimated V̇O2peak/Léger et al. was positively associated with intelligence, executive functions, academic performance, and gray matter volume (β = 0.205-0.282, 95% CI = 0.013-0.500). Estimated V̇O2peak/Mahar et al. and V̇O2peak/Matsuzaka et al. (speed) were positively associated with executive functions (β = 0.204-0.256, 95% CI = 0.031-0.436). CONCLUSION Although V̇O2peak is considered the gold standard indicator of CRF in children, peak performance (laps or running speed) and estimated V̇O2peak/Léger et al. derived from 20mSRT had stronger and more consistent associations with brain health outcomes than other indices of CRF in children with overweight/obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eero A Haapala
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - David R Lubans
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, School of Education, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Active Living Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
| | - Timo Jaakkola
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Alan R Barker
- Children's Health and Exercise Research Centre, Public Health and Sports Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Abel Plaza-Florido
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Pediatric Exercise and Genomics Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Luis Gracia-Marco
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Granada, Spain
| | - Patricio Solis-Urra
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Nuclear Medicine Services, "Virgen de Las Nieves", University Hospital, Granada, Spain
- Faculty of Education and Social Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Viña del Mar, Chile
| | - Cristina Cadenas-Sanchez
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Granada, Spain
| | - Irene Esteban-Cornejo
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco B Ortega
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Granada, Spain
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Aly M, Hassan MD, Hassan MM, Alibrahim M, Kamijo K. Association of aerobic fitness and grip strength with cognitive and academic performance in Arab children. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2023; 286:107-128. [PMID: 38876572 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2023.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
This study investigated the association between aerobic and muscular fitness with the cognitive control and academic performance of preadolescent Arab children. Ninety-three children aged 10-13years (mean=11.5, SD=0.5) representing eight Arab nations (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Yemen, and Morocco) participated in this cross-sectional study. The participants completed tests for aerobic (progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run) and muscular (maximum grip strength) fitness, and cognitive control (flanker task). We assessed their academic performance based on their overall grade point average (GPA). Our analyses revealed that greater aerobic fitness was associated with higher GPA scores and greater muscular fitness was associated with a shorter response time in a task condition requiring extensive cognitive control (incongruent condition). No association was found between aerobic fitness and flanker task performance nor between muscular fitness and GPA. These results bridge the knowledge gap on the associations of physical fitness to the cognitive control and academic performance of Arab children, suggesting that the positive associations found in Western and Asian literature can be generalized to the Arab context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Aly
- Department of Educational Sciences and Sports Psychology, Faculty of Physical Education, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt; Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Chukyo University, Nagoya, Japan.
| | - Mohamed D Hassan
- Department of Educational Sciences and Sports Psychology, Faculty of Physical Education, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt; Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marwa M Hassan
- Department of Educational Sciences and Sports Psychology, Faculty of Physical Education, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt; Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alibrahim
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Keita Kamijo
- Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Chukyo University, Nagoya, Japan.
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Suárez Bagnasco M, Paz EFV, Jerez J, Gonzalez A. Association between intelligence quotient scores and body mass index in pediatric multiple sclerosis. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. CHILD 2023; 12:227-234. [PMID: 35705260 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2022.2082874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and intelligence quotient scores (IQ). The sample included 11 patients with pediatric multiple sclerosis between 8 and 17 years, mean age 14.45 years (SD = 2.69). The BMI was calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children V and the Abbreviated Weschler Intelligence Scale were used to measure total IQ. Average sample BMI and IQ were 24.61 (SD = 5.53) (range: 19-39.4) and 86.63 (SD = 14.79) (range: 66-111), respectively. Results of the Pearson correlation indicated that there was a significant negative association between BMI and IQ, (r = -0.608, p = 0.042). R-squared was 0.370. We discuss if lower IQ lead to BMI gains or whether overweight/obesity lead to intellectual functioning changes. Implication for practice and future research are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Suárez Bagnasco
- Department of Child Neurology, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Catholic University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Javier Jerez
- Department of Child Neurology, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandra Gonzalez
- Department of Child Neurology, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Vilela WR, Bellozi PMQ, Picolo VL, Cavadas BN, Marques KVS, Pereira LTG, Guirao ARDY, Amato AA, Magalhães KG, Mortari MR, Medei EH, Goulart JT, de Bem AF. Early-life metabolic dysfunction impairs cognition and mitochondrial function in mice. J Nutr Biochem 2023; 117:109352. [PMID: 37061011 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2023.109352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
The impact of overnutrition early in life is not restricted to the onset of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, but also affects critical brain functions related to cognition. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between peripheral metabolic and bioenergetic changes induced by a two-hit protocol and their impact on cognitive function in juvenile mice. Three-week-old male C57BL/6 mice received a high-fat diet (HFD) or control diet for 7 weeks, associated with 2 low doses of streptozotocin (STZ) or vehicle. Despite the absence of obesity, HFD+STZ impaired glucose metabolism and induced a trend towards cholesterol increase. The two-hit protocol impaired recognition and spatial memories in juvenile mice, without inducing a depressive-like behavior. HFD+STZ mice presented increased immunoreactivity for GFAP and a trend towards a decrease in NeuN in the hippocampus. The treatment caused a bioenergetic impairment in the hippocampus, characterized by a decrease in both O2 consumption related to ATP production and in the maximum respiratory capacity. The thermogenic capacity of brown adipose tissue was impaired by the two-hit protocol, here verified through the absence of a decrease in O2 consumption after uncoupled protein-1 inhibition and an increase in the reserve respiratory capacity. Impaired mitochondrial function was also observed in the liver of HFD+STZ juvenile mice, but not in their heart. These results indicate that exposure to HFD+STZ early in life has a detrimental impact on the bioenergetic and mitochondrial function of tissues with metabolic and thermogenic activities, which is likely related to hippocampal metabolic changes and cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wembley Rodrigues Vilela
- Laboratory of Bioenergetics and Metabolism, Department of Physiological Sciences, Biology Institute, University of Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Paula Maria Quaglio Bellozi
- Laboratory of Bioenergetics and Metabolism, Department of Physiological Sciences, Biology Institute, University of Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Victor Luna Picolo
- Laboratory of Bioenergetics and Metabolism, Department of Physiological Sciences, Biology Institute, University of Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Bruna Neves Cavadas
- Laboratory of Bioenergetics and Metabolism, Department of Physiological Sciences, Biology Institute, University of Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Keila Valentina Silva Marques
- Laboratory of Bioenergetics and Metabolism, Department of Physiological Sciences, Biology Institute, University of Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
| | | | - Ainhoa Rodriguez de Yurre Guirao
- Laboratory of Cardioimunology, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Angélica Amorim Amato
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Kelly Grace Magalhães
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Physiological Sciences, Biology Institute, University of Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Márcia Renata Mortari
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Biology Institute, University of Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Emiliano Horacio Medei
- Laboratory of Cardioimunology, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jair Trapé Goulart
- Laboratory of Bioenergetics and Metabolism, Department of Physiological Sciences, Biology Institute, University of Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil.
| | - Andreza Fabro de Bem
- Laboratory of Bioenergetics and Metabolism, Department of Physiological Sciences, Biology Institute, University of Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil; Center of Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
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Chou CC, Kao SC, Pan CC, McCullick B, Fu HL, Wang CH. Cognitively engaging movement games improve interference control and academic performance in overweight children: A randomized control trial. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2023; 33:521-534. [PMID: 36334308 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the (a) dose-response effects of cognitively engaging movement games (CEMGs) designed to improve aerobic capacity, interference control (IC), and academic performance, (b) relationship between intervention-induced improvements in aerobic capacity, IC, and academic performance, and (c) moderation effect of IC on the relationship between aerobic capacity and academic performance in overweight children. Seventy-five overweight children (aged 11.23 ± 0.60 years; 48% males) participated in this study conducted in Taipei during the 2018/2019 academic year and were randomly assigned to the low-dose (20-min) intervention, high-dose (40-min) intervention, and control groups and completed a Stroop test, half-mile run, and language and mathematics tests before and after a 10-week afterschool program. Both intervention groups showed similar improvements in outcomes of aerobic capacity (ds > 0.80), IC (ds > 0.76), and academic performance (ds > 0.90) from the pretest to posttest, whereas these outcomes were unchanged for the control group. Furthermore, improved IC moderated the association between improvements in aerobic capacity and academic performance. Our findings suggest that CEMG with varying doses is feasible and effective for improving aerobic capacity, IC, and academic performance in overweight children and that the association between improvements in aerobic capacity and academic performance depends on the intervention effects on IC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Chih Chou
- Graduate Institute of Sport Pedagogy, University of Taipei, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chun Kao
- Health & Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Cheng-Chen Pan
- Special Education Center, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Bryan McCullick
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Hao-Lun Fu
- Department of Psychology, National Cheng Kung University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hao Wang
- Department of Psychology, National Cheng Kung University, Taipei City, Taiwan.,Institute of Physical Education, Health & Leisure Studies, National Cheng Kung University, Taipei City, Taiwan
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Effects of a Complex Physical Activity Program on Children's Arithmetic Problem Solving and Arithmetic Reasoning Abilities. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2023; 13:141-150. [PMID: 36661760 PMCID: PMC9858432 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe13010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Research has shown that higher levels of physical activity are associated with better cognitive performance in children. However, the benefits of physical activity on academic achievement and specifically on mathematics performance need to be further explored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of a complex physical activity (CPA) intervention program, including cognitive involvement, on children’s mathematics performance. The participants were 128 children (aged 12−13 years) attending third grade in three middle schools. They were randomly allocated into a CPA intervention (n = 64) or a waitlist control group (n = 64), the latter of which was given a regular and easy-to-perform activity program. At baseline and after the intervention, students’ physical fitness was measured using a battery of standardized motor tests (20 m shuttle run test, curl-up test, push-up test, and sit and reach test). In addition, the AC-MT 11-14 test was administered to allow a standardized and comprehensive assessment of arithmetic problem-solving and arithmetic reasoning abilities. In comparison to the control, the intervention group showed significant improvements (p < 0.001) in comprehension and production (d = 1.88), arithmetic reasoning (d = 2.50), and problem solving (d = 1.32), as well as in 20 m shuttle run test (d = 1.81), push-up test (d = 1.88), curl-up (d = 3.52), and sit and reach (d = 2.52). No significant changes were found in the control group. In conclusion, findings showed that a 12-week CPA intervention program can improve mathematical performance in children in the third grade of middle school. CPA intervention may be an effective method to improve academic performance and avoid student failure.
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Gajardo-Araya G, Hernández-Jaña S, Olivares-Arancibia J, Ferrari G, Delgado-Floody P, Cristi-Montero C. Physical fitness mediates the inverse association between fatness indicators and academic achievement, despite the school vulnerability of adolescents—The Cogni-Action Project. Front Nutr 2022; 9:904831. [PMID: 36386944 PMCID: PMC9643798 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.904831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aims to determine the mediating role of physical fitness in the relationship between fatness indicators and academic achievement, exploring the influence of school vulnerability. Methods A total of 1,296 Chilean adolescents (aged 10 to 14 years; 50% girls) participated in this study. The global fitness score (GFS) was obtained by adding the three main components of the ALPHA fitness test: cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular fitness (MF), and speed/agility fitness (SAF). CRF was evaluated through the 20 m shuttle run test; MF by upper and lower limb strength tests; and SAF by the 4 × 10 shuttle run test. BMIz and WHtR were evaluated as general (unspecific) and central (specific) fatness indicators. Academic achievement was established through grades in math, language, and science and their average scores. Multiple mediation analyses were performed according to two models, adjusted for sex, maturity, and schools (model 1), and in model 2, the school vulnerability index (SVI) was added. The SVI is an important proxy of socioeconomic status at the school level, and it was categorized as high-, mid-, or low-SVI. Mediation percentages were calculated, and confidence intervals (bootstrapping) were used to establish significant findings. Results CRF, SAF, and GFS mediate the relationship between fatness indicators and academic achievement, both partially and totally (ranging from 12.7 to 59.2%). However, MF did not show any mediation effect. After controlling for SVI, CRF, and GFS, mediation changed from partial to total in the associations between math and science with WHtR. Although SAF contributed to GFS mediation, CRF seems to have the most significant mediation role for all academic achievements, regardless of SVI and the fat indicator studied. Conclusion A higher level of general physical fitness, especially CRF, significantly mediates the detrimental influence of fatness on the academic achievement of schoolchildren. This study suggests that physical fitness plays a relevant role in academic and public health, considering the high prevalence and detrimental influence of obesity and school vulnerability in children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Gajardo-Araya
- Magíster en Educación, Mención Política y Gestión Educativa, Facultad de Filosofía y Humanidades, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- IRyS Group, Physical Education School, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Sam Hernández-Jaña
- IRyS Group, Physical Education School, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Jorge Olivares-Arancibia
- IRyS Group, Physical Education School, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Grupo AFySE, Investigación en Actividad Física y Salud Escolar, Escuela de Pedagogía en Educación Física, Facultad de Educación, Universidad de Las Américas, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gerson Ferrari
- Escuela de Ciencias de la Actividad Física, el Deporte y la Salud, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago, Chile
| | - Pedro Delgado-Floody
- Department of Physical Education, Sport, and Recreation, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Carlos Cristi-Montero
- IRyS Group, Physical Education School, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- *Correspondence: Carlos Cristi-Montero,
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11
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Zhu Y, Sun F, Tao S, Cooper SB, Gao TY. Association between nutritional status, physical fitness and executive functions in preadolescents: A person-centered approach. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:966510. [PMID: 36324818 PMCID: PMC9618937 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.966510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective In the current study, a person-centered approach was adopted to investigate the relationship between nutritional status and physical fitness profiles and executive functions (EF) in preadolescents. Methods Participants (M age = 10.8 years; Male = 50.8%) were recruited from two primary schools in Hong Kong. Nutritional status [body mass index (BMI)], physical fitness including cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF, predicted VO2max, multi-stage fitness test) and speed-agility (20-m sprint) were measured on school days. EF performance was measured using the Flanker task (inhibition) and the Sternberg task (working memory). Results Data from 120 preadolescents were considered valid. Three distinct profiles were identified by a person-centered approach. Profile 1 was featured by high BMI (21.61 ± 3.38 kg/m2), poor VO2max (33.29 ± 23.96 ml/kg/min), and slow 20-m sprint (4.51 ± 0.13 s). Profile 2 was featured by low BMI (15.99 ± 3.38), fair VO2max (44.98 ± 23.96) and fast 20-m sprint (3.97 ± 0.13). Profile 3 was featured by low BMI (15.63 ± 3.38), poor VO2max (32.37 ± 23.96), and slow 20-m sprint (4.48 ± 0.13). Wald chi-square test revealed preadolescents in profile 1 and profile 2 performed better than profile 3 in accuracy of Flanker task (1 vs. 3: χ 2 = 12.23, P < 0.001; 2 vs. 3: χ 2 = 10.86, P = 0.001). That is, for normal weight preadolescents with poor CRF and speed-agility, those with superior nutritional status performed better in inhibition. For normal weight preadolescents with poor nutritional status, those with superior CRF and speed-agility had better inhibitory capacity. Conclusion Compared to the commonly used variable-centered approach, this person-centered approach is a valuable addition that expands the understanding of the association between nutritional status, physical fitness and EF in preadolescents. Results are discussed with regards to maximizing health behaviors and implications for educational policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Zhu
- Syns Institute of Educational Research, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Fenghua Sun
- Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sisi Tao
- Centre for Information Technology in Education, Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Simon B. Cooper
- Exercise / Health Research Group, Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement (SHAPE) Research Centre, Department of Sport Science, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Tian-Yu Gao
- School of Physical Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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12
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Zou J. An Empirical Analysis of the Effects of Physical Exercise on Adolescent Mental Health and Its Mediating Mechanisms. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2022:2482884. [PMID: 36246463 PMCID: PMC9568337 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2482884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The use of physical exercise for the purpose of maintaining adolescents' mental health is an important topic of psychological research. However, there is no unified conclusion on the effect of physical exercise time on the level of mental health. This paper investigates the causal effect of physical activity on adolescent mental health using a multilayer linear modeling approach and a Bootstrap method to test for possible mediating effects. The results of the study showed that there was a nonlinear inverted U-shaped relationship between physical activity time and adolescent mental health, with a threshold value of 105 min, and the results of the mediating effect analysis showed that self-assessment of health, self-confidence, academic stress, peer relationships, and positive peer behaviour were important mediating mechanisms between physical activity and mental health. The results of the mediation effect analysis showed that physical exercise was an important mediating mechanism between self-assessment, confidence, academic stress, peer relationship, and positive peer behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Zou
- School of Physical Education, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116029 Liaoning, China
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13
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Siersbaek GM, Have M, Wedderkopp N. The Effect of Leisure Time Sport on Executive Functions in Danish 1st Grade Children. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9101458. [PMID: 36291397 PMCID: PMC9601112 DOI: 10.3390/children9101458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Physical inactivity can influence children’s executive functions with severe impact on wellbeing and academic learning. The objective is to study the effect of leisure time sport on executive functions in Danish 1st grade children, and secondary to explore if socio-economy is a confounder for associations between leisure time sport and executive functions. This study is a sub-study nested within a cluster-randomized controlled trial with two arms (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02488460). 505 children from twelve schools, mean age 7.2 ± 0.3 years participated. Outcomes for executive function were “Modified Eriksen Flanker/Reverse Flanker Task” and “Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function” (BRIEF-P). Parents used SMS-tracking to register their children’s leisure time sport. Multivariate analyzes was performed using mixed linear regression, with adjustment for highest parental education, sex, municipality, and school-type. We found that leisure time sport seems to significantly improve working memory (WM) with nearly 20%, and furthermore it seems to be a significant predictor of ‘Initiate’ (the ability to begin an activity, to generate ideas, responses or problem-solving strategies). Socio-economy was not found to be a confounder. This study lends support to the hypothesis that leisure time sport is related to working memory capacity in children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mona Have
- Danish School of Education, Campus Emdrup, 2400 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Wedderkopp
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-63-48-42-96
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14
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Banjevic B, Aleksic D, Aleksic Veljkovic A, Katanic B, Masanovic B. Differences between Healthy-Weight and Overweight Serbian Preschool Children in Motor and Cognitive Abilities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11325. [PMID: 36141598 PMCID: PMC9517162 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the differences between healthy-weight and overweight 5-6-year-old preschool children in fine and gross motor skills and cognitive abilities. There were 91 subjects, preschool children (41 boys and 50 girls), who participated in this cross-sectional study. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated based on measures of body height and body mass, and WHO cutoff points were used for the assessment of the children's nutrition status. Fine motor abilities were determined using two Bruininks-Oseretsky (BOT-2) subtests, and gross motor skills are determined by the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2), while cognitive abilities were tested by the School Maturity Test (TZŠ+). Based on an independent-samples t-test, a difference in two out of three variables of gross motor skills was determined: manipulative skills and total gross motor skills between healthy-weight and overweight children, while in fine motor abilities and cognitive abilities there was no difference between these two groups. Although significant differences were found only in gross motor skills between healthy and overweight preschool children but not in fine motor skills and cognitive abilities, further longitudinal studies are required to understand the mechanisms of this, including the possible role of psychological factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Banjevic
- Faculty for Sport and Physical Education, University of Montenegro, 81400 Niksic, Montenegro
| | - Dragana Aleksic
- Faculty for Sport and Physical Education, University of Prishtina, 38218 Leposavic, Serbia
| | | | - Borko Katanic
- Faculty of Sports and Physical Education, University of Nis, 18000 Nis, Serbia
| | - Bojan Masanovic
- Faculty for Sport and Physical Education, University of Montenegro, 81400 Niksic, Montenegro
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15
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Zhang D, Hong J, Chen S, Liu Y. Associations of physical activity with academic achievement and academic burden in Chinese children and adolescents: do gender and school grade matter? BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1496. [PMID: 35932047 PMCID: PMC9356485 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13886-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Physical activity (PA) was significantly associated with cognition and mental health in children and adolescent. However, there were few studies examining the associations of PA with academic achievement (AA) and academic burden (AB) by gender and school grade. Hence, this study aimed to 1) investigate the associations of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) with AA and AB in Chinese children and adolescents, and 2) assess whether these associations vary by gender and school grade. Methods Using a multi-stage stratified cluster sampling design (at four different regions in Southern east China), 2653 children and adolescents (8–19 years old, 51.2% girls) were included. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect data on study participants’ gender, school grade, family social economic status (SES), parental education level, MVPA, AA and AB. Binary logistic regression was applied to examine the associations of MVPA with AA (groups: above-average AA, average and below-average AA) and AB (groups: reporting AB, reporting no AB) with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). After testing gender*grade interaction, those associations were explored by gender and school grade separately. Results In the overall sample, compared with children and adolescents who did not meet the PA guidelines (at least 60 min MVPA daily), children and adolescents who met the PA guidelines were more likely to have above-average (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.21–2.11) AA, and report no AB (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.13–2.30). In both genders, meeting the PA guidelines was positively associated with above-average AA (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.01–2.03 for boys; OR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.43–3.44 for girls). However, the significant relationship between meeting the PA guidelines and AB was observed only in girls (OR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.17–3.39). Meeting the PA guidelines was positively associated with above-average AA (OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.18–2.40), and reporting no AB (OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.08–2.91) only in middle school students. Conclusions This study suggested that sufficient PA may be a contributary factor of improved AA and lower level of AB in Chinese children and adolescents. However, associations of PA with AA and AB may be different across gender or school grade. Promoting PA among girls or middle school students may be a good approach to improve AA and reduce AB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danqing Zhang
- School of Physical Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Jintao Hong
- Shanghai Research Institute of Sports Science (Shanghai Anti-Doping Agency), Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Sitong Chen
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, 8001, Australia
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Physical Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China. .,Shanghai Research Centre for Physical Fitness and Health of Children and Adolescents, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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16
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Zhu X, Haegele JA, Holland SK. Cardiorespiratory Fitness Growth in Middle School: Socio-Demographic Factor Associations. RESEARCH QUARTERLY FOR EXERCISE AND SPORT 2022; 93:333-340. [PMID: 33151803 DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2020.1834492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: The purposes of this study were to (a) examine the three-year longitudinal growth trends of cardiorespiratory fitness among middle school students, and (b) examine the associations between individual and school-level socio-demographic variables and middle school student cardiorespiratory fitness performance. Methods: A longitudinal multilevel analysis design was used. Participants were adolescents (N = 44,801; 48.1% girls) from 33 middle schools in an Eastern U.S. state. The grand mean age for the participants was 12.42 ± 0.98 years old. Individual-level variables included grade (testing year), sex, and the 15-m Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) performance, which was measured annually for 3 years. School-level variables included the percentage of students receiving a free and reduced-price meal, student-faculty ratio for physical education, and school-level academic performance. Results: A three-level hierarchical linear model was used to model the longitudinal performance change across 3 years accounting for individual and school-level factors. A quadratic growth curve was identified in PACER performance changes, with a positive first-order coefficient (β = 3.05) and a negative second-order coefficient (β =-0.82) overall. Sex was significantly associated with PACER changes (p < .01), with boys and girls having divergent longitudinal growth curves. School-level academic performance was positively associated with PACER performance; however, the association was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Results indicate that although cardiorespiratory fitness improved across years, on average, performance did not keep up with healthy fitness zone recommendations. In addition, sex-based discrepancies were evident as boys and girls demonstrated different quadratic growth curves in cardiorespiratory fitness.
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17
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Hermassi S, Hayes LD, Sanal-Hayes NEM, Schwesig R. Differences in Health-Related Physical Fitness and Academic School Performance in Male Middle-School Students in Qatar: A Preliminary Study. Front Psychol 2022; 13:791337. [PMID: 35391970 PMCID: PMC8980685 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.791337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the differences in the level of physical fitness and academic performance among male middle-school children based on different body status categories. A total of 69 male children [age: 12.4 ± 0.7 years; body mass: 58.5 ± 7.2 kg; height: 1.62 ± 0.09 m; and body mass index (BMI): 22.4 ± 3.3 kg/m2] participated and were divided into BMI age-adjusted groups (i.e., lowest, middle, and highest BMI). Height, mass, BMI, stork test of static balance, 10 and 15 m sprint as an indicator for speed, hand-grip strength test, agility T-half test, medicine ball throw (MBT), and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) were assessed. School records were retrieved for grade point averages (GPA) of mathematics, science, and Arabic. We found significant group differences regarding anthropometric (height: ηp2 = 0.24, mass: ηp2 = 0.33, and BMI: ηp2 = 0.66), physical (sprint 10 m: ηp2 = 0.26), and academic (mathematics: ηp2 = 0.19 and science: ηp2 = 0.15) performance parameters. The largest difference (p < 0.001) was observed between the lowest and highest group for the 10 m sprint. All pairwise differences were between the lowest and highest BMI group or the lowest and middle BMI group. No relevant (r > 0.5) correlation between parameters of different dimensions (e.g., anthropometric vs. physical performance parameters) was found. In conclusion, the highest BMI group exhibited similar physical and academic performances than the lowest group. Thus, these data emphasize the importance and appropriateness to engage young Qatari schoolchildren in physical activity as it associates with superior academic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souhail Hermassi
- Physical Education Department, College of Education, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Lawrence D Hayes
- Institute of Clinical Exercise and Health Science, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Nilihan E M Sanal-Hayes
- Institute of Clinical Exercise and Health Science, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - René Schwesig
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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18
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Contreras-Osorio F, Guzmán-Guzmán IP, Cerda-Vega E, Chirosa-Ríos L, Ramírez-Campillo R, Campos-Jara C. Anthropometric Parameters, Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Executive Functions among Primary School Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19053045. [PMID: 35270736 PMCID: PMC8910200 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19053045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Physical activity during childhood and adolescence favors brain development and cognitive functioning, particularly the executive functions. This study aimed to assess potential associations between anthropometric parameters, physical activity, physical fitness, and executive functions among elementary school children returning to school after the COVID-19 lockdown in Chile. School-age male and female participants (n = 90; age, 10−12 years) participated in the study. To determine the association between variables, a multivariable linear regression analysis was performed. Higher fat-related anthropometric indexes were associated with lower working memory, cognitive flexibility, planning, and attention (r = −0.55 to −0.22; p = 0.031 to <0.001). In contrast, higher physical activity levels, better sprint performance, higher lower-body muscular power, and greater upper-body muscular strength were associated with better working memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibition, planning, and/or attention (r = 0.19 to −0.54; p = 0.04 to <0.001). Current results consistently suggest the need for adequate levels of physical activity, physical fitness, and anthropometric parameters among the school-age population to promote healthy and adequate executive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falonn Contreras-Osorio
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain; (F.C.-O.); (L.C.-R.)
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Laboratory, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago de Chile 7591538, Chile
| | - Iris Paola Guzmán-Guzmán
- Faculty of Chemical-Biological Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo de los Bravo 39087, Mexico;
| | - Enrique Cerda-Vega
- Pedagogy in Physical Education and Health Career, Department of Health Science, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago de Chile 7820436, Chile;
| | - Luis Chirosa-Ríos
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain; (F.C.-O.); (L.C.-R.)
| | - Rodrigo Ramírez-Campillo
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Laboratory, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago de Chile 7591538, Chile;
| | - Christian Campos-Jara
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Laboratory, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago de Chile 7591538, Chile
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-9-42057069
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19
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Abstract
Physical activities, according to the embodied cognition theory, are an important manifestation of cognitive functions. As a result, in this paper, the Activate Test of Embodied Cognition (ATEC) system is proposed to assess various cognitive measures. It consists of physical exercises with different variations and difficulty levels designed to provide assessment of executive and motor functions. This work focuses on obtaining human activity representation from recorded videos of ATEC tasks in order to automatically assess embodied cognition performance. A self-supervised approach is employed in this work that can exploit a small set of annotated data to obtain an effective human activity representation. The performance of different self-supervised approaches along with a supervised method are investigated for automated cognitive assessment of children performing ATEC tasks. The results show that the supervised learning approach performance decreases as the training set becomes smaller, whereas the self-supervised methods maintain their performance by taking advantage of unlabeled data.
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20
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Guimond FA, Laursen B. Low Body Image Satisfaction Predicts Declining Academic Engagement in Primary School Children. SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12310-022-09503-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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21
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Williams RA, Cooper SB, Dring KJ, Hatch L, Morris JG, Sun FH, Nevill ME. Physical fitness, physical activity and adiposity: associations with risk factors for cardiometabolic disease and cognitive function across adolescence. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:75. [PMID: 35109814 PMCID: PMC8809029 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03118-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cross-sectional associations between physical activity, physical fitness and adiposity with risk factors for cardiometabolic disease (particularly novel ones such as inflammatory cytokines) and cognitive function across the period of adolescence are not well understood. Additionally, novel physical activity metrics that summarise activity volume and intensity in a continuous manner have not been investigated in this context. Therefore, this study investigated the cross-sectional associations between physical activity, physical fitness and adiposity with risk factors for cardiometabolic disease and cognitive function. These associations were compared between younger and older adolescents. METHODS Seventy younger (11-12y, 35 girls) and 43 older (14-15y, 27 girls) adolescents volunteered to take part in the study. Physical fitness (multi-stage fitness test, MSFT) and adiposity (waist circumference) were determined, followed 7d later by resting blood pressure, a fasted blood sample (glucose, plasma insulin, IL6, IL10, IL15 and IL-1β concentrations) and a cognitive function test battery. Habitual physical activity was monitored via hip-worn accelerometers over this 7-d period and the average acceleration (activity volume), and intensity gradient (intensity distribution of activity) were determined. RESULTS Average acceleration and intensity gradient were negatively associated with mean arterial blood pressure (β = -0.75 mmHg, p = 0.021; β = -10 mmHg, p = 0.006, respectively), and waist circumference was positively associated with IL-6 concentration (β = 0.03%, p = 0.026), with stronger associations observed in older adolescents. Higher physical fitness (MSFT distance) was positively associated with anti-inflammatory IL-15 concentration (β = 0.03%, p = 0.038) and faster response times on the incongruent Stroop task (β = -1.43 ms, p = 0.025), the one-item level of the Sternberg paradigm (β = -0.66 ms, p = 0.026) and the simple (β = 0.43 ms, p = 0.032) and complex (β = -2.43 ms, p = 0.020) levels of the visual search test, but these were not moderated by age group. CONCLUSIONS The present study highlights the important role of physical activity (both the volume and intensity distribution) and physical fitness for cardio-metabolic health. Furthermore, the present study highlights the importance of physical fitness for a variety of cognitive function domains in adolescents, irrespective of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan A Williams
- Exercise and Health Research Group Sport Health and Performance Enhancement (SHAPE) Research Centre Department of Sport Science, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK.
| | - Simon B Cooper
- Exercise and Health Research Group Sport Health and Performance Enhancement (SHAPE) Research Centre Department of Sport Science, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Karah J Dring
- Exercise and Health Research Group Sport Health and Performance Enhancement (SHAPE) Research Centre Department of Sport Science, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Lorna Hatch
- Exercise and Health Research Group Sport Health and Performance Enhancement (SHAPE) Research Centre Department of Sport Science, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - John G Morris
- Exercise and Health Research Group Sport Health and Performance Enhancement (SHAPE) Research Centre Department of Sport Science, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Feng-Hua Sun
- Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mary E Nevill
- Exercise and Health Research Group Sport Health and Performance Enhancement (SHAPE) Research Centre Department of Sport Science, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
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22
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Socioeconomic status, BMI, and brain development in children. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:33. [PMID: 35075111 PMCID: PMC8786961 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01779-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Low socioeconomic status (SES) in childhood is associated with deficits in executive function and changes in cortical morphology. Furthermore, rates of childhood obesity are greater among low SES children and childhood obesity is also associated with cortical alterations and impaired neurocognition, specifically in the domain of executive function. To investigate the influence of BMI on the relationships between SES and both neurocognition and brain morphology, we used data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study to construct multiple linear regression models and conduct mediation analyses. Overall, SES as measured by household income, highest level of parental education, and area deprivation, was associated with lower BMI, greater total and prefrontal cortical volume, and better performance on assessments of executive function. Mediation analysis indicated that BMI had a significant indirect effect on associations between area deprivation and both total and prefrontal cortical volumes. BMI also played a mediating role in the associations between area deprivation and composite neurocognitive scores, which were driven by performance on tasks of working memory and cognitive flexibility, but not cognitive control. These findings suggest that BMI should be considered in future studies investigating the relationship between low SES and poor neurodevelopmental outcomes.
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Hsieh SS, Raine LB, Ortega FB, Hillman CH. The Role of Chronic Physical Activity in Alleviating the Detrimental Relationship of Childhood Obesity on Brain and Cognition. JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s41465-021-00230-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Childhood obesity and its negative relation with children’s brain health has become a growing health concern. Over the last decade, literature has indicated that physical activity attenuates cognitive impairment associated with obesity and excess adiposity in children. However, there is no comprehensive review that considers the extent to which these factors affect different domains of cognition. This narrative review comprehensively summarizes behavioral, neuroimaging, and neuroelectric findings associated with chronic physical activity and fitness on brain and cognition in childhood obesity. Based on the literature reviewed, increased adiposity has a demonstrated relationship with neurocognitive health via mechanisms triggered by central inflammation and insulin resistance, with the most pronounced decrements observed for cognitive domains that are prefrontal- and hippocampal-dependent. Fortunately, physical activity, especially interventions enhancing aerobic fitness and motor coordination, have demonstrated efficacy for attenuating the negative effects of obesity across different subdomains of structural and functional brain imaging, cognition, and multiple academic outcomes in children with overweight or obesity. Such mitigating effects may be accounted for by attenuated central inflammation, improved insulin sensitivity, and increased expression of neurotrophic factors. Lastly, individual differences appear to play a role in this relationship, as the manipulation of physical activity characteristics, the employment of a wide array of cognitive and academic measures, the inclusion of different adiposity measures that are sensitive to neurocognitive function, and the utilization of an inter-disciplinary approach have been found to influence the relationship between physical activity and excess adiposity on brain and cognition.
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Predictors of on-task Behaviors: Evaluating Student-level Characteristics. HEALTH BEHAVIOR AND POLICY REVIEW 2021; 8:159-167. [PMID: 34734099 DOI: 10.14485/hbpr.8.2.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective In this study, we examined students' fitness, body mass index (BMI), and demographics as predictors of observed time on-task (TOT) behaviors as an indicator of behavioral inattention. Methods We collected demographics, fitness estimates, and BMI from 2020 fourth-graders (Mean age = 8.6 (SD = 0.5); 47% girls; 49% white) from 28 schools. We measured TOT through momentary time sampling observations. Three-level linear models were conducted to determine whether characteristics predicted differences in TOT. We tested interactions between characteristics and TOT. Results Older students exhibited greater percent of TOT (estimate = 2.34, SE = 1.02, df = 919, t = 2.30, p < .05). Additionally, boys spent less percent TOT (estimate = -3.59, SE = 1.03, df = 906, t = -3.49, p < .05). There were no differences by race/ethnicity, SES, BMI, fitness, or time of day and percent TOT. Furthermore, none of the interactions were statistically significant (p > .15). Conclusions Girls and older students spent more TOT. These findings are of interest to educators and psychologists working on the development of research-based guidelines aimed to support elementary students' engagement in the classroom.
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Lemes V, Gaya AR, Sadarangani KP, Aguilar-Farias N, Rodriguez-Rodriguez F, Martins CMDL, Fochesatto C, Cristi-Montero C. Physical Fitness Plays a Crucial Mediator Role in Relationships Among Personal, Social, and Lifestyle Factors With Adolescents' Cognitive Performance in a Structural Equation Model. The Cogni-Action Project. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:656916. [PMID: 34195161 PMCID: PMC8236613 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.656916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The beneficial relationship between physical fitness and cognitive performance is affected and modulated by a wide diversity of factors that seem to be more sensitive during the development stage, particularly during early adolescence. This study aimed to examine the role of physical fitness considering the multivariate association between age, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), school vulnerability index (SVI), body mass index z-score (BMIz), physical activity, and sleep problems with the cognitive performance in boys and girls. Method: Participants were 1,196 adolescents aged 10-14 years (50.7% of boys) from Chile. Three physical fitness components and eight cognitive tasks were measured. BMIz was determined using growth references by age and sex, whereas questionaries were used to assess sleep problems, physical activity, and HRQOL. SVI was established according to the score given by the Chilean Government to educational establishments. We performed a structural equation model (SEM) to test multivariate associations among study' variables by sex. Results: Fitness was positively associated with boys' and girls' cognitive performance (β = 0.23 and β = 0.17; p = 0.001, respectively). Moreover, fitness presented a significant mediator role in the relationships between BMIz, SVI, and physical activity with cognitive performance (indirect effect). Additionally, SVI showed a negative association both direct and indirect effect in all three fitness components and all cognitive tasks, being this relationship stronger in girls than in boys. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that physical fitness and all its components play a crucial mediator role in the associations between several factors associated with adolescents' cognitive performance. Thereby, educational and health strategies should prioritise improving physical fitness through physical activity. They also should address other factors such as school vulnerability, obesity, and the early gender gap in a comprehensive approach boosting cognitive performance among early adolescents. Trial registration: Research Registry (ID: researchregistry5791).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanilson Lemes
- Projeto Esporte Brasil – PROESP-Br, Escola de Educação Física, Fisioterapia e Dança, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Secretaria de Estado da Educação de Santa Catarina – SED-SC, EEB Gracinda Augusta Machado, Imbituba, Brazil
| | - Anelise R. Gaya
- Projeto Esporte Brasil – PROESP-Br, Escola de Educação Física, Fisioterapia e Dança, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Kabir P. Sadarangani
- Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Providencia, Chile
- Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Salud y Odontología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nicolas Aguilar-Farias
- Department of Physical Education, Sports, and Recreation, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- UFRO Activate Research Group, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | | | - Clarice Maria de Lucena Martins
- Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health, and Leisure - CIAFEL, Porto University, Porto, Portugal
- Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Camila Fochesatto
- Projeto Esporte Brasil – PROESP-Br, Escola de Educação Física, Fisioterapia e Dança, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Carlos Cristi-Montero
- IRyS Group, Physical Education School, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
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Differences in Fitness and Academic Attainment between Obese, and Non Obese School-Age Adolescent Handball Players: An Explorative, Cross-Sectional Study. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11094185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated differences in physical fitness and academic attainment in obese and non-obese adolescent handball players. A total of 31 males (age: 15.5 ± 1.2 years; body mass: 77.8 ± 17.7 kg; height: 1.71 ± 0.10 m; body mass index (BMI): 26.8 ± 6.9 kg/m2; body fat: 26.4 ± 6.34%) from the Qatar handball first division participated and were divided into two body fat percentage (%BF) groups (i.e., obese or non-obese). Anthropometrics (height, mass, BMI, and %BF) and physical performance testing ability (T-half test for change-of-direction (COD); squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and 10 and 15 m sprints; medicine ball throw (MBT), and aerobic capacity (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1)) were determined. Academic attainment was determined through grade point averages (GPA). Non-obese participants had superior performances in mathematics (p < 0.001) and science (p = 0.013), agility T-half test (p = 0.001), CMJ (p < 0.001), and 15 m sprint (p = 0.019). Correlations were found between T-half test and mathematics (r = 0.500) and science (r = 0.484). To conclude, obese school-age handball players have poorer fitness and academic performances than normal body weight adolescents.
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Martinez-Vizcaino V, Álvarez-Bueno C, Sanchez-Lopez M, Jimenez-Lopez E, Soriano-Cano A, Ortega FB, Cavero-Redondo I, Garrido-Miguel M. A Cluster Mediation Analysis Confirms the Validity of the "Fat but Fit" Paradigm in Children's Cognitive Function and Academic Achievement. J Pediatr 2021; 231:231-238.e1. [PMID: 33373671 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2020.12.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the fat but fit conceptual model, testing whether this paradigm for body mass index (BMI) and maximum rate of oxygen consumption (VO2max) exists in schoolchildren and whether executive functions mediate the relationship between fat but fit categories and academic achievement. STUDY DESIGN Cluster cross-sectional analyses of data from 554 children aged 9-11 from Cuenca, Spain. BMI, VO2max, core executive functions (inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility) and academic achievement (language and mathematics). RESULTS Cluster analysis of BMI and VO2max z-scores resulted in a 4-cluster solution that could be interpreted according to fat unfit, unfat unfit, fat fit, and unfat fit categories. ANCOVA models confirmed an increasing trend by cluster category in terms of VO2max levels and, conversely, a decreasing trend in terms of adiposity variables. These models also confirmed that children in the fat fit and unfat fit categories scored higher than their peers in the fat unfit and unfat unfit categories. Mediation analyses using fat but fit clusters as multicategory independent variable, executive functions as mediators, and academic achievement as outcome variable showed that the positive association between the BMI-VO2max clusters and academic achievement was mediated by inhibition levels in fat fit and unfat fit individuals, by working memory levels only in those classified as fat fit, and by cognitive flexibility only in unfat fit individuals. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms the validity of the 4-cluster conceptual model regarding BMI and VO2max and reinforces the predictive validity, proving that fitness levels are able to counteract the detrimental effect of obesity on academic achievement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Martinez-Vizcaino
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, Social and Health Care Research Center, Cuenca, Spain; Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Faculty of Medicine, Providencia Talca, Chile
| | - Celia Álvarez-Bueno
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, Social and Health Care Research Center, Cuenca, Spain; Universidad Politécnica y Artística de Paraguay, Asunción, Paraguay.
| | - Mairena Sanchez-Lopez
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, Social and Health Care Research Center, Cuenca, Spain; University of Castilla-La Mancha, Faculty of Education, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Estela Jimenez-Lopez
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, Social and Health Care Research Center, Cuenca, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Virgen de La Luz, Cuenca, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba Soriano-Cano
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, Social and Health Care Research Center, Cuenca, Spain
| | - Francisaco B Ortega
- PROmoting FITness and Health Through Physical Activity Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Ivan Cavero-Redondo
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, Social and Health Care Research Center, Cuenca, Spain; Universidad Politécnica y Artística de Paraguay, Asunción, Paraguay
| | - Miriam Garrido-Miguel
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, Social and Health Care Research Center, Cuenca, Spain
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McGowan AL, Chandler MC, Pontifex MB. Aerobic fitness relates to superior exact and approximate arithmetic processing in college-aged adults. Trends Neurosci Educ 2021; 23:100154. [PMID: 34006363 DOI: 10.1016/j.tine.2021.100154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aerobic fitness relates to superior math achievement, but the underlying reasons remain unclear. This study tested how more efficient processing (efficiency hypothesis) or enhanced allocation of cognitive resources (resources hypothesis) underly fitness-related differences in arithmetic cognition in a sample of 138 college-aged adults. METHOD Participants completed an arithmetic task while pupillary measures were recorded prior to an aerobic fitness test. RESULTS Higher aerobic fitness was associated with shorter reaction time for all problems and greater pupillary reactivity for problems requiring approximate and exact arithmetic. CONCLUSIONS Superior aerobic fitness relates to greater cognitive resources available to execute exact and approximate arithmetic faster. Fitness-related differences in math achievement may be driven by the cognitive resources underlying arithmetic strategy. These differences may extend beyond educational achievement and affect the motivation to engage in health behaviors based on quantitative information. Thus, improving cardiovascular fitness has the potential to also ameliorate health numeracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L McGowan
- Department of Kinesiology Michigan State University, 308 W. Circle Drive, 38 IM Sports Circle, East Lansing, MI, United States, 48823.
| | - Madison C Chandler
- Department of Kinesiology Michigan State University, 308 W. Circle Drive, 38 IM Sports Circle, East Lansing, MI, United States, 48823
| | - Matthew B Pontifex
- Department of Kinesiology Michigan State University, 308 W. Circle Drive, 38 IM Sports Circle, East Lansing, MI, United States, 48823
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Meijer A, Königs M, de Bruijn AGM, Visscher C, Bosker RJ, Hartman E, Oosterlaan J. Cardiovascular fitness and executive functioning in primary school-aged children. Dev Sci 2021; 24:e13019. [PMID: 32673418 PMCID: PMC7988586 DOI: 10.1111/desc.13019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Previous research in children has shown that higher cardiovascular fitness is related to better executive functioning. However, the available literature is hampered by methodological limitations. The present study investigates the relationship between cardiovascular fitness and executive functioning in a large sample of healthy children (N = 814). Cardiovascular fitness was assessed with estimated VO2Max from 20 m Shuttle Run Test performance. Executive functioning was assessed using a set of computerized neurocognitive tasks aimed at executive functions (working memory, motor inhibition, interference control) and lower-level neurocognitive functions (information processing and attention). Dependent measures derived from the neurocognitive tests were subjected to principal component analysis. Mixed model analyses tested the relation between cardiovascular fitness and neurocognitive functioning components. Results showed that children with higher cardiovascular fitness performed better on the neurocognitive function components Information Processing and Control, Visuospatial Working Memory and Attention Efficiency. The following measures contained in these components contributed to the observed relations: information processing measures, visuospatial working memory, and speed of alerting attention. No relationship was found between cardiovascular fitness and the other components: Verbal Working Memory, Attention Accuracy, and Interference Control. The present study suggests that there is a relationship between cardiovascular fitness and a specific set of executive functions and lower level neurocognitive functions. These findings highlight the importance of cardiovascular fitness for the overall health of school-aged children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Meijer
- Clinical Neuropsychology SectionVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Marsh Königs
- Emma Neuroscience GroupDepartment of PediatricsAmsterdam Reproduction & DevelopmentEmma Children's HospitalAmsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Anne G. M. de Bruijn
- Groningen Institute for Educational ResearchUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Chris Visscher
- University Medical Center GroningenCenter for Human Movement SciencesUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Roel J. Bosker
- Groningen Institute for Educational ResearchUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Esther Hartman
- University Medical Center GroningenCenter for Human Movement SciencesUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Jaap Oosterlaan
- Clinical Neuropsychology SectionVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Emma Neuroscience GroupDepartment of PediatricsAmsterdam Reproduction & DevelopmentEmma Children's HospitalAmsterdam UMCUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
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Hermassi S, Chelly MS, Michalsik LB, Sanal NEM, D. Hayes L, Cadenas-Sanchez C. Relationship between fatness, physical fitness, and academic performance in normal weight and overweight schoolchild handball players in Qatar State. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246476. [PMID: 33606780 PMCID: PMC7895367 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between physiological parameters (namely fatness and physical fitness) with academic performance (namely mathematics and science grade point average [GPA]) in normal weight and overweight schoolchild handball players. Thirty-six young male team handball players (age: 9±1 years; body mass: 45.5±14.2 kg; height: 1.38±9.1 m; body fat: 19.7±5.6%) at the highest national league for their age group participated. Anthropometry was examined by measuring body mass, body fat percentage (%BF), and body mass index (BMI). Fitness testing included the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (level 1), squat jumps (SJ) and counter-movement jumps (CMJ), and upper-limb throwing performance (2 kg medicine ball seated front throw), a 15 m sprint test, and a T-half test for change-of-direction (COD) ability. Academic performance was evaluated through school records of grade point average (GPA) of mathematics and science. BMI was negatively correlated with science GPA (r = -0.57, p<0.001) and mathematics GPA (r = -0.39, p<0.001). Significant correlations between Yo-Yo test performance and science GPA (r = 0.73, p<0.001) and mathematics GPA (r = 0.66, p<0.001) existed. T-half test score (less time taken meant a superior performance) was negatively correlated with science GPA (r = 0.48, p = 0.003) and mathematics GPA (r = 0.63, p<0.01). In conclusion, fatness and physical fitness (except for the upper-muscular strength) were significantly related to academic performance in in schoolchild handball players. Based on results of this study, it seems pragmatic and appropriate to engage young schoolchild in physical activity as it associates with superior academic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souhail Hermassi
- Physical Education Department, College of Education, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- * E-mail:
| | - Mohamed Souhaiel Chelly
- Research Unit (UR17JS01) « Sport Performance, Health & Society», Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar-Saîd, University of “La Manouba”, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Lars Bojsen Michalsik
- Department of Sport Science and Clinical Biomechanics, Muscle Physiology and Biomechanics Research Unit, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Lawrence D. Hayes
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Cristina Cadenas-Sanchez
- Institute for Innovation & Sustainable Development in Food Chain (IS-FOOD), Public University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
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Hermassi S, Hayes LD, Bragazzi NL, Schwesig R. Physical Fitness and Academic Performance in Normal Weight, Overweight, and Obese Schoolchild Handball Players in Qatar: A Pilot Study. Front Psychol 2021; 11:616671. [PMID: 33519640 PMCID: PMC7838153 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.616671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the relationships between physical fitness and academic performance in youth handball players of different BMI classifications. Thirty-three male handball players (age: 10.3 ± 0.61 years; body mass: 47.1 ± 12.1 kg; height: 1.43 ± 0.09 m; BMI: 23.1 ± 4.37 kg/m2; body fat: 20.6 ± 6.27%) were recruited from the Qatar handball first league and were assigned to their BMI age-adjusted groups (i.e., normal weight, overweight, and obese). Measurements included anthropometric data (height, mass, body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (%BF), and physical performance tests: agility T-half test; squat jump (SJ), and countermovement jump (CMJ), 10 and 15 m sprint; medicine ball throw (MBT). Aerobic capacity was evaluated using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1). Academic achievement was assessed through school records of grades point average (GPA) of Mathematics, Science and Arabic. None academic performance parameter and four physical performance parameters (agility T-half: p = 0.035; CMJ: p = 0.001; SJ: p = 0.007; sprint 10 m: p = 0.028) were different between BMI related groups. In 43% (3/7) of performance parameters and all academic parameters, the normal weight group showed the highest performance level, whereas the overweight group had the best performance in both sprint tests. The obese group was only superior in the medicine ball throw, but not at the p < 0.05 level. A relevant relationship (r > 0.5) between academic and physical performance parameters was only found between Yo-Yo IR 1 and science (r = 0.548). A relevant correlation were found between CMJ and BMI (r = −0.569). The agility T-half test was correlated with CMJ (r = −0.614) and 10 m sprint (r = 0.523). These findings suggest being overweight or obese are related to science academic performance among schoolchildren athletes in Qatar. Possibly, a normal BMI could positively influence academic performance. Physical education teachers, staff, and administrators should be cognizant that health promotion interventions improving composition may have the additional potential to improve dimensions of academic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souhail Hermassi
- Sport Science Program, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Lawrence D Hayes
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- Postgraduate School of Public Health, Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), Genoa, Italy
| | - René Schwesig
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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Effect of overweight and obesity on cognitive function in children from 8 to 12 years of age: a descriptive study with a cross-sectional design. NUTR HOSP 2021; 38:690-696. [PMID: 34092076 DOI: 10.20960/nh.03474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Introducción: el sobrepeso y la obesidad en la infancia y la adolescencia se han incrementado progresivamente durante los últimos años. Además de las comorbilidades conocidas, la obesidad se ha relacionado con un bajo rendimiento escolar en todas las edades, asociándose a alteraciones cognitivas. Objetivo: determinar la diferencia que existe en la función cognitiva de unos niños de 8 a 12 años con normopeso, sobrepeso u obesidad. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional y transversal en 46 niños de 8 a 12 años. Los niños se clasificaron en 3 grupos: normopeso, sobrepeso y obesidad. Posteriormente se realizaron pruebas de función cognitiva. Resultados: la mayoría de los niños con obesidad presentaron deterioro cognitivo (63 %; p = 0.02)), con mayor grado de deterioro en comparación con el observado en los demás grupos (80 %; p < 0.05). Por otro lado se observó que los niños con sobrepeso aún tienen posibilidad de evitar el desarrollo del padecimiento si corrigen sus hábitos, ya que los resultados de este grupo fueron similares a los del grupo con normopeso. Conclusiones: encontramos un incremento significativo no solo del déficit cognitivo sino también del grado de severidad de este en los niños obesos en comparación con aquellos con sobrepeso o normopeso.
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Williams RA, Cooper SB, Dring KJ, Hatch L, Morris JG, Sunderland C, Nevill ME. Effect of football activity and physical fitness on information processing, inhibitory control and working memory in adolescents. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1398. [PMID: 32928161 PMCID: PMC7488749 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09484-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Whilst an acute bout of exercise has been shown to enhance subsequent cognition, including in adolescents, the effects of team games (of which Football is the most popular) has received little attention. Therefore, this study examined: the effect of an acute bout of outdoor Football activity on information processing, inhibitory control, working memory and circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in adolescents; the effect of physical fitness on cognition and; the moderating effect of physical fitness on the acute exercise responses. Methods Following familiarisation, 36 adolescents (16 girls) took part in two trials (60-min Football and 60-min seated rest) separated by 7-d in a counterbalanced, crossover design. Information processing and inhibitory control (Stroop Test), and working memory (Sternberg Paradigm) were assessed 30-min before exercise/rest and immediately, 45- and 90-min post-exercise/rest. Capillary blood samples were obtained before exercise/rest and up to 120-min post-exercise/rest. The median split of distance covered on the MSFT was used to divide the group into high- and low-fit groups. Results Performance on the cognitive function tasks was similar between Football and seated rest (trial*time interactions; all p > .05). However, the high-fit group had overall quicker response times on both levels of the Stroop Task and all three levels of the Sternberg Paradigm (main effect of fitness; all p < .001). Furthermore, the exercise-cognition relationship was moderated by physical fitness, with improvements in working memory response times seen post-exercise, only in the high-fit group (trial*time*fitness interaction, p < .05). Circulating BDNF was unaffected by the Football activity and physical fitness (p > .05). Conclusion The present study shows that higher levels of physical fitness are beneficial for cognitive function and provides novel evidence that an ecologically valid, and popular, form of exercise is beneficial for working memory following exercise, in high-fit participants only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan A Williams
- Department of Sport Science; Exercise and Health Research Group; Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement (SHAPE) Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Simon B Cooper
- Department of Sport Science; Exercise and Health Research Group; Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement (SHAPE) Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Karah J Dring
- Department of Sport Science; Exercise and Health Research Group; Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement (SHAPE) Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Lorna Hatch
- Department of Sport Science; Exercise and Health Research Group; Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement (SHAPE) Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - John G Morris
- Department of Sport Science; Exercise and Health Research Group; Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement (SHAPE) Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Caroline Sunderland
- Department of Sport Science; Exercise and Health Research Group; Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement (SHAPE) Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Mary E Nevill
- Department of Sport Science; Exercise and Health Research Group; Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement (SHAPE) Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
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Giuriato M, Lovecchio N, Fugiel J, Lopez Sanchez GF, Pihu M, Emeljanovas A. Enjoyment and self-reported physical competence according to Body Mass Index: international study in European primary school children. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2020; 60:1049-1055. [DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.20.10550-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Syväoja HJ, Kankaanpää A, Joensuu L, Kallio J, Hakonen H, Hillman CH, Tammelin TH. The Longitudinal Associations of Fitness and Motor Skills with Academic Achievement. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2020; 51:2050-2057. [PMID: 31525169 PMCID: PMC6798746 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Purpose This study aimed to examine both independent and dependent longitudinal associations of physical fitness (PF) components with academic achievement. Methods A total of 954 fourth to seventh graders (9–15 yr [Mage = 12.5 yr], 52% girls) from nine schools throughout Finland participated in a 2-yr follow-up study. Register-based academic achievement scores (grade point average [GPA]) and PF were assessed in the spring of 2013–2015. Aerobic fitness was measured with a maximal 20-m shuttle run test, muscular fitness with curl-up and push-up tests, and motor skills with a 5-leaps test and a throwing–catching combination test. Structural equation modeling was applied to examine the longitudinal associations adjusting for age, gender, pubertal stage, body fat percentage, learning difficulties, and mother’s education. Results The changes in aerobic and muscular fitness were positively associated with the changes in GPA (B = 0.27, 99% confidence interval [CI] = 0.06–0.48; B = 0.36, 99% CI = 0.11–0.63, respectively), whereas the changes in motor skills were not associated with the changes in GPA. Better motor skills in year 2 predicted better GPA a year later (B = 0.06, 99% CI = 0.00–0.11; B = 0.06, 99% CI = 0.01–0.11), whereas aerobic and muscular fitness did not predict GPA. GPA in year 1 predicted both aerobic (B = 0.08, 99% CI = 0.01–0.15) and muscular (B = 0.08, 99% CI = 0.02–0.15) fitness, and motor skills (B = 0.08, 99% CI = 0.02–0.15) a year later. Conclusion The changes in both aerobic and muscular fitness were positively associated with the changes in academic achievement during adolescence, whereas the changes in motor skills had only borderline significant association. However, better motor skills, although not systematically, independently predicted better academic achievement 1 yr later, whereas aerobic or muscular fitness did not. Better academic achievement predicted better motor skills, aerobic fitness, and muscular fitness. Developmental changes in adolescence may induce parallel and simultaneous changes in academic achievement and PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi J Syväoja
- LIKES Research Centre for Physical Activity and Health, Jyväskylä, FINLAND
| | - Anna Kankaanpää
- LIKES Research Centre for Physical Activity and Health, Jyväskylä, FINLAND
| | - Laura Joensuu
- LIKES Research Centre for Physical Activity and Health, Jyväskylä, FINLAND.,Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, FINLAND
| | - Jouni Kallio
- LIKES Research Centre for Physical Activity and Health, Jyväskylä, FINLAND
| | - Harto Hakonen
- LIKES Research Centre for Physical Activity and Health, Jyväskylä, FINLAND
| | - Charles H Hillman
- Department of Psychology and Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
| | - Tuija H Tammelin
- LIKES Research Centre for Physical Activity and Health, Jyväskylä, FINLAND
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Alhusaini AA, Buragadda S, Melam G. Associations among Body Mass Index, sedentary behavior, physical activity, and academic performance in schoolchildren. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2020; 60:1551-1557. [PMID: 32343080 DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.20.10482-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are common among middle and high school grade children. This study aimed to determine the relationship among Body Mass Index (BMI), sedentary behavior, physical activity (PA), and overall academic performance of students. METHODS This is a cross sectional study; 357 students of mean age 12.65±1.68 years were enrolled. PA was subjectively assessed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) and Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ). Sedentary behavior was assessed as hours spent on watching television, playing video games, computer use, and homework. Grade point average (GPA) was calculated to determine their overall academic performance. Participants were divided into two groups based on their GPA. Independent t-test was used to analyze BMI, sedentary time, and PA between the groups. Correlation analysis was performed to determine the associations among BMI, sedentary time, physical activity, and academic grades. RESULTS There was no significant difference in BMI and the level of PA between the two groups. However, significant differences were observed in sedentary time (ST) spent watching television (P=0.04), total screen time (P=0.02), and total ST (P=0.002). There were weak negative correlations among BMI (r=-0.14, P<0.05), total screen time (r=-0.12, P<0.05), and academic scores; however, there was no association with any PA measures. CONCLUSIONS A weak correlation was noted between BMI and sedentary characteristics, with respect to academic performance. As academic performance is negatively associated with body mass index and screen time, public health interventions are needed to reduce their time spent on leisure time sedentary activity, watching television, and computer use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel A Alhusaini
- Department of Rehabilitation Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syamala Buragadda
- Department of Rehabilitation Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -
| | - Ganeswararao Melam
- Department of Rehabilitation Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Season of birth and sugary beverages are predictors of Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices Scores in adolescents. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6145. [PMID: 32273542 PMCID: PMC7145867 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63089-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate factors associated with cognitive functioning in healthy adolescents, a school-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 1370 adolescents aged 11–16 years that were randomly selected from all governorates of Kuwait. Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM), a non-verbal test of intelligence, was used to measure cognitive functioning of the study participants. Data on predictors of cognitive functioning were collected from parents and adolescents. Weight and height of the participants were measured in a standardized manner and blood samples were tested in an accredited laboratory under strict measures of quality control. In multivariable linear regression analysis, factors that showed significant association with the SPM score were gender (p = 0.002), season of birth (p = 0.009), place of residence (p < 0.001), father’s (p < 0.001) and mother’s (p = 0.025) educational level, type of housing (p < 0.001), passive smoking at home (p = 0.031), sleeping hours during weekends (p = 0.017), students’ educational level (p < 0.001) and the frequency of consumption of sugary drinks (p < 0.001). The link between cognitive functioning and season of birth seems to be robust in various geographical locations including the Middle East. The association between sugary drinks and cognitive functioning highlights the importance of diet independently of obesity and support efforts to reduce consumption of sugary drinks among children.
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García‐Hermoso A, Hormazábal‐Aguayo I, Fernández‐Vergara O, Izquierdo M, Alonso‐Martínez A, Bonilla‐Vargas KJ, González‐Ruíz K, Ramírez‐Vélez R. Physical fitness components in relation to attention capacity in Latin American youth with overweight and obesity. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2020; 30:1188-1193. [DOI: 10.1111/sms.13649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio García‐Hermoso
- Navarrabiomed Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN) Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA) IdiSNA Pamplona Spain
- Laboratorio de Ciencias de la Actividad Física, el Deporte y la Salud Facultad de Ciencias Médicas Universidad de Santiago de Chile, USACH Santiago Chile
| | - Ignacio Hormazábal‐Aguayo
- Laboratorio de Ciencias de la Actividad Física, el Deporte y la Salud Facultad de Ciencias Médicas Universidad de Santiago de Chile, USACH Santiago Chile
| | - Omar Fernández‐Vergara
- Laboratorio de Ciencias de la Actividad Física, el Deporte y la Salud Facultad de Ciencias Médicas Universidad de Santiago de Chile, USACH Santiago Chile
| | - Mikel Izquierdo
- Navarrabiomed Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN) Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA) IdiSNA Pamplona Spain
- CIBER of Frailty and Healthy Aging (CIBERFES) Instituto de Salud Carlos III Pamplona Spain
| | - Alicia Alonso‐Martínez
- Navarrabiomed Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN) Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA) IdiSNA Pamplona Spain
- CIBER of Frailty and Healthy Aging (CIBERFES) Instituto de Salud Carlos III Pamplona Spain
| | | | - Katherine González‐Ruíz
- Grupo de Ejercicio Físico y Deportes Facultad de Salud Programa de Fisioterapia Universidad Manuela Beltrán Bogotá Colombia
| | - Robinson Ramírez‐Vélez
- Navarrabiomed Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN) Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA) IdiSNA Pamplona Spain
- CIBER of Frailty and Healthy Aging (CIBERFES) Instituto de Salud Carlos III Pamplona Spain
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Cadenas-Sanchez C, Migueles JH, Esteban-Cornejo I, Mora-Gonzalez J, Henriksson P, Rodriguez-Ayllon M, Molina-García P, Löf M, Labayen I, Hillman CH, Catena A, Ortega FB. Fitness, physical activity and academic achievement in overweight/obese children. J Sports Sci 2020; 38:731-740. [PMID: 32091309 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1729516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the associations of fitness and physical activity with academic achievement in children with overweight/obesity. A total of 106 (10.0 ± 1.1y, 61 boys) children participated. The fitness components were assessed by field and laboratory-based tests. Physical activity was measured via accelerometry. The academic achievement was assessed by a standardised test and school-grades. Field-based cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with language skills (ß-standardised- ranging from 0.281 to 0.365, p < 0.01). The field-based muscular strength was associated with grade point average, natural and social sciences, and foreign language (ß = 0.280-0.326, all p ≤ 0.01). Speed-agility was associated with some language-related skills (ß = 0.325-0.393, all p ≤ 0.01). The laboratory-based muscular strength also showed an association with mathematics skills (ß = 0.251-0.306, all p ≤ 0.01). Physical activity did not show significant association with academic achievement (p > 0.01). Overall, the significant associations observed for muscular strength and speed/agility were attenuated and disappeared in many cases after additional adjustments for body mass index and cardiorespiratory fitness, indicating that these associations are inter-dependent. Our study contributes by indicating that other fitness components apart from cardiorespiratory fitness, such as muscular strength and speed-agility, are positively associated with academic achievement. However, these associations appear to be dependent on body mass index and cardiorespiratory fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Cadenas-Sanchez
- PROFITH "Promoting FITness and Health through Physical Activity" Research Group,Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Jairo H Migueles
- PROFITH "Promoting FITness and Health through Physical Activity" Research Group,Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Irene Esteban-Cornejo
- PROFITH "Promoting FITness and Health through Physical Activity" Research Group,Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Center for Cognitive and Brain Health, Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jose Mora-Gonzalez
- PROFITH "Promoting FITness and Health through Physical Activity" Research Group,Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Pontus Henriksson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition at NOVUM, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.,Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - María Rodriguez-Ayllon
- PROFITH "Promoting FITness and Health through Physical Activity" Research Group,Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Pablo Molina-García
- PROFITH "Promoting FITness and Health through Physical Activity" Research Group,Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Marie Löf
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition at NOVUM, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.,Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Idoia Labayen
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Charles H Hillman
- Center for Cognitive and Brain Health, Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, & Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrés Catena
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco B Ortega
- PROFITH "Promoting FITness and Health through Physical Activity" Research Group,Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Department of Biosciences and Nutrition at NOVUM, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
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The association of the executive functions with overweight and obesity indicators in children and adolescents: A literature review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 107:59-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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41
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Buie JJ, Watson LS, Smith CJ, Sims-Robinson C. Obesity-related cognitive impairment: The role of endothelial dysfunction. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 132:104580. [PMID: 31454547 PMCID: PMC6834913 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a global pandemic associated with macro- and microvascular endothelial dysfunction. Microvascular endothelial dysfunction has recently emerged as a significant risk factor for the development of cognitive impairment. In this review, we present evidence from clinical and preclinical studies supporting a role for obesity in cognitive impairment. Next, we discuss how obesity-related hyperinsulinemia/insulin resistance, systemic inflammation, and gut dysbiosis lead to cognitive impairment through induction of endothelial dysfunction and disruption of the blood brain barrier. Finally, we outline the potential clinical utility of dietary interventions, exercise, and bariatric surgery in circumventing the impacts of obesity on cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Jones Buie
- WISSDOM Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Department of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Luke S Watson
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Molecular and Cellular Biology and Pathobiology Program, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Crystal J Smith
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Catrina Sims-Robinson
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Molecular and Cellular Biology and Pathobiology Program, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
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42
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Sneck S, Viholainen H, Syväoja H, Kankaapää A, Hakonen H, Poikkeus AM, Tammelin T. Effects of school-based physical activity on mathematics performance in children: a systematic review. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2019; 16:109. [PMID: 31752903 PMCID: PMC6873534 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-019-0866-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The benefits of physical activity (PA) on children's health and wellbeing are well established. However, the benefits of PA on academic performance and particularly on mathematics performance warrant systematic analysis. Mathematics is one of the core subjects in school education globally. METHODS We systematically searched, analysed and synthesized the literature on the effects of school-based PA interventions on mathematics performance in children aged 4-16. A total of 29 studies consisting of randomised trials and other interventions with control groups were identified through a systematic search, and 11 of them provided sufficient data and appropriate design for a meta-analysis. RESULTS Of the 29 studies involving 11,264 participants, positive overall effects of a PA intervention on mathematics performance were found in 13 studies (45%) and neutral overall effects in 15 studies (52%). Only one study reported a significant negative result for a subgroup of children in the first half of the intervention. In a risk-of-bias assessment, 12 studies had low, 17 moderate, and none had a high risk of bias. The meta-analysis of 11 studies suggested an overall small positive effect (ES = 0.23) of the interventions. Only one study in the meta-analysis indicated a negative effect in one of the intervention groups. CONCLUSIONS Adding PA to the school day may enhance children's mathematics performance or has no negative effects on performance. Several types of PA interventions can be recommended to be added to the school day.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sneck
- LIKES Research Centre for Physical Activity and Health, Rautpohjankatu 8, 40700, Jyväskylä, Finland.
- Faculty of Education, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
| | - H Viholainen
- Department of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - H Syväoja
- LIKES Research Centre for Physical Activity and Health, Rautpohjankatu 8, 40700, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - A Kankaapää
- LIKES Research Centre for Physical Activity and Health, Rautpohjankatu 8, 40700, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - H Hakonen
- LIKES Research Centre for Physical Activity and Health, Rautpohjankatu 8, 40700, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - A-M Poikkeus
- Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - T Tammelin
- LIKES Research Centre for Physical Activity and Health, Rautpohjankatu 8, 40700, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Burns RD, Byun W, Brusseau TA. Gross Motor Skills Predict Classroom Behavior in Lower-Income Children. Front Sports Act Living 2019; 1:29. [PMID: 33344953 PMCID: PMC7739582 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2019.00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Children from lower income families tend to have low levels of on-task behavior in the academic classroom. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of gross motor skills and classroom behavior in a sample of lower-income children. Participants were a sample of 1,135 school-aged children (mean age = 8.3 ± 1.8 years) recruited from three low-income US schools. A reduced version of the Test for Gross Motor Development 2nd Edition (TGMD-2) was used to assess gross motor skills. Total TGMD-2 scores, locomotor subtest scores, and object control subtest scores were stratified into quintiles for analysis. Students' classroom behavior was recorded 1 year later using a Planned Activity Check (PLACHECK) 5-s momentary time sampling procedure. Classrooms were dichotomized into those that had students at least 80% on-task and those that did not. Multilevel generalized mixed models were employed to examine the relationship between gross motor skills and meeting at least 80% classroom behavior, adjusting for age, sex, and change in BMI, and aerobic fitness. Children in the highest TGMD-2 quintile had 4.17 higher odds of being in an on-task classroom 1 year later (95%CI [2.25-7.76], p < 0.001). This relationship was primarily driven by the relationship between object control quintile scores and classroom behavior, as children within the higher quintile for object control had 3.81 higher odds of being in an on-task classroom 1 year later (95%CI [2.67-5.46], p < 0.001). There was a significant relationship between individual gross motor skills, specifically object control skills, and group level on-task classroom behavior in lower-income children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D. Burns
- Physical Activity Research Lab, Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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Mora-Gonzalez J, Esteban-Cornejo I, Cadenas-Sanchez C, Migueles JH, Molina-Garcia P, Rodriguez-Ayllon M, Henriksson P, Pontifex MB, Catena A, Ortega FB. Physical Fitness, Physical Activity, and the Executive Function in Children with Overweight and Obesity. J Pediatr 2019; 208:50-56.e1. [PMID: 30902422 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2018.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the associations of physical fitness and physical activity with executive function in children with overweight and obesity. STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional study involving 100 children with overweight and obesity (10.1 ± 1.1 years old; 58.0% boys). We assessed physical fitness components (ie, muscular strength, speed-agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness) using the ALPHA battery, and physical activity and sedentary time by accelerometry. Cognitive flexibility was measured by the Design Fluency Test and Trail Making Test, inhibition by the Stroop test, and planning ability by the Zoo Map Test. RESULTS Handgrip strength was positively associated with planning ability (P = .025). Speed-agility was positively related to cognitive flexibility and inhibition (P < .05). Cardiorespiratory fitness and an overall fitness Z-score were positively associated with indicators of cognitive flexibility (P < .05). No associations were found for physical activity and sedentary time with executive function (P ≥ .05). CONCLUSIONS Muscular strength, speed agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with executive function in children with overweight and obesity. Cognitive flexibility seems to be more robustly associated with all fitness components, whereas planning ability and inhibition might depend on the component analyzed. The positive associations found in the present study in children with overweight and obesity call for more exercise-based randomized controlled trials in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Mora-Gonzalez
- PROFITH "PROmoting FITness and Health through physical activity" Research Group, Department of Physical and Sports Education, Faculty of Sports Science, University of Granada, Spain; Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI.
| | - Irene Esteban-Cornejo
- PROFITH "PROmoting FITness and Health through physical activity" Research Group, Department of Physical and Sports Education, Faculty of Sports Science, University of Granada, Spain; Center for Cognitive and Brain Health, Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
| | - Cristina Cadenas-Sanchez
- PROFITH "PROmoting FITness and Health through physical activity" Research Group, Department of Physical and Sports Education, Faculty of Sports Science, University of Granada, Spain
| | - Jairo H Migueles
- PROFITH "PROmoting FITness and Health through physical activity" Research Group, Department of Physical and Sports Education, Faculty of Sports Science, University of Granada, Spain
| | - Pablo Molina-Garcia
- PROFITH "PROmoting FITness and Health through physical activity" Research Group, Department of Physical and Sports Education, Faculty of Sports Science, University of Granada, Spain; Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - María Rodriguez-Ayllon
- PROFITH "PROmoting FITness and Health through physical activity" Research Group, Department of Physical and Sports Education, Faculty of Sports Science, University of Granada, Spain
| | - Pontus Henriksson
- PROFITH "PROmoting FITness and Health through physical activity" Research Group, Department of Physical and Sports Education, Faculty of Sports Science, University of Granada, Spain; Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden; Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | - Andrés Catena
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Mind, Brain and Behaviour Research Centre (CIMCYC), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco B Ortega
- PROFITH "PROmoting FITness and Health through physical activity" Research Group, Department of Physical and Sports Education, Faculty of Sports Science, University of Granada, Spain
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45
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Yi X, Fu Y, Burns RD, Bai Y, Zhang P. Body mass index and physical fitness among Chinese adolescents from Shandong Province: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:81. [PMID: 30654789 PMCID: PMC6337823 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6420-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to describe the most recent prevalence estimates of adolescent body mass index (BMI) and physical fitness from thirteen regions in Shandong Province, China and to examine differences by social-economic status (SES). Methods The participants were 27,955 adolescents (mean age = 14.4 ± 1.8 years; 13,791 girls) enrolled from 91 public middle and high schools randomly selected from 13 administrative regions in Shandong Province. The Chinese National Student Physical Fitness Standard was employed to assess participants’ fitness once during the school semester. Fitness assessments included BMI, a 50-m sprint run, sit-and-reach, standing-broad jump, sit-ups, pull-ups, and a 1000 m/boy or 800 m/girl distance run. Participants’ fitness performance was categorized as excellent, good, pass, or no pass. Results The percent of Chinese adolescents categorized as “no pass” ranged from just 8.9% for BMI to 67.1% for boy pull-ups. The percent of Chinese adolescents categorized as “excellent” ranged from 5.0% for the girl sit-ups to 35.4% for the 50-m sprint run. Approximately 8.4% of the sample was categorized as excellent for BMI. SES significantly predicted both girl and boy continuous distance run scores (p < 0.05). Adolescents in lower SES strata had lower odds of achieving “pass” or better on cardio-respiratory endurance tests, muscular fitness tests, and flexibility tests, but higher odds of achieving “pass” or better on BMI compared to adolescents who were high SES (p < 0.05). Conclusions The large sample of the adolescents in Shandong province, on average, had healthy weight status and achieved a high prevalence of “pass” or better on physical fitness tests. Adolescents who were low SES demonstrated poorer cardio-respiratory endurance, muscular fitness, and flexibility test achievement but better BMI achievement compared to high SES adolescents in Shandong Province, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangren Yi
- School of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - You Fu
- School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Ryan D Burns
- Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Yang Bai
- Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Exercise Science, East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, PA, USA
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Hye-Yul H, Shin-Jeong K, Wayne EK, Kyung-Ah K. Factors influencing the caregiving performance of mothers of hospitalized toddlers with acute respiratory diseases: A path analysis. J Child Health Care 2018; 22:591-605. [PMID: 29685050 DOI: 10.1177/1367493518767064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Studies on the management of respiratory diseases in children have focused on family members' participation and caregivers' needs. However, evidence-based data on the effectiveness of mothers' management of acute respiratory diseases (ARDs) in toddlers are lacking. This study aimed to examine the factors influencing the caregiving performance of mothers of toddlers hospitalized for an ARD and to test a hypothetical causal model based on the Caregiving Effectiveness Model (CEM). A cross-sectional design was used, and participants included 291 mothers of toddlers aged 12-36 months who were hospitalized for an ARD. Based on the CEM, data were analyzed to identify the path of relationships between the factors influencing mothers' care of their hospitalized children and the mothers' caregiving performance. The modified path model had a good fit with the data, with optimal values for all fit indices. The mothers' caregiving performance was influenced by the children's number of hospitalizations, the mother-child relationship, and the mothers' anxiety level. These three factors explained 51.4% of the variance in the mothers' caregiving performance. Educational interventions targeting controllable factors such as mother-child relationships and mothers' anxiety levels may be considered to improve mothers' caregiving performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Hye-Yul
- 1 Department of Nursing, Sahmyook University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kim Shin-Jeong
- 2 Department of Nursing, Hallym University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | | | - Kang Kyung-Ah
- 1 Department of Nursing, Sahmyook University, Seoul, South Korea
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Brusseau TA, Burns RD. Physical Activity, Health-Related Fitness, and Classroom Behavior in Children: A Discriminant Function Analysis. RESEARCH QUARTERLY FOR EXERCISE AND SPORT 2018; 89:411-417. [PMID: 30285569 DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2018.1519521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the predictive relationship among physical activity, health-related fitness, and on-task classroom behavior in children using a discriminant function analysis. METHOD Participants were a convenience sample of children (N = 533; Mage = 8.8 ± 1.9 years) recruited from 77 1st- through 5th-grade classrooms at 3 low-income schools in a capital city in the Southwest United States. Percent of the school day spent in sedentary behavior (%SED), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (%MVPA), and health-related fitness scores (body mass index [BMI] and Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run [PACER] laps) were assessed during school hours. Classrooms were observed for on-task behavior during the academic year with the use of 5-s momentary time sampling methodology. A discriminant function analysis was performed using a binary on-task behavior outcome, stratified by an 80% on-task behavior cut point. RESULTS The results yielded 1 function (r2 = .26, F = 13.1) explaining approximately one quarter of the total variance. The standardized function coefficients were -.29, .29, -.48, and .48 for %SED, %MVPA, BMI, and PACER laps, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the derived function for classifying a child into an on-task or off-task classroom were .79 and .73, respectively. Children who belonged to classrooms that achieved 80% on-task behavior displayed shorter times in sedentary behaviors (d = 1.01), lower BMI (d = 0.13), and higher PACER scores (d = 0.22) compared with children who belonged to off-task classrooms. CONCLUSION School-day physical activity behaviors and health-related fitness scores can moderately discriminate children who belong to classrooms from low-income schools that are categorized as being sufficiently on task.
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Raine L, Drollette E, Kao SC, Westfall D, Chaddock-Heyman L, Kramer AF, Khan N, Hillman C. The Associations between Adiposity, Cognitive Function, and Achievement in Children. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2018; 50:1868-1874. [PMID: 29727406 PMCID: PMC6095815 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000001650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Although obesity has been related to measures of academic achievement and cognition in children, the influence of fat distribution, specifically visceral adiposity, on select aspects of achievement and cognitive function remains poorly characterized among preadolescent children. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation of adiposity, particularly visceral adipose tissue (VAT), on achievement and cognitive function among children. METHODS Children with obesity (ages 8-9 yr old, N = 55, 35 females) completed cognitive and academic tests. Normal weight children (N = 55, 35 females) were matched to this group on demographic characteristics and aerobic fitness. Covariate analyses included age, Brief Intellectual Ability, socioeconomic status, and fat-free V˙O2 (V˙O2 peak adjusted for lean mass; mL·kg lean·min). Adiposity (i.e., whole body percent fat, subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue, and VAT) was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS The results of this study revealed that, relative to their normal weight counterparts, children with obesity had significantly lower performance on tests of reading and math. Analyses revealed that among children with obesity, %Fat and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue were not related to cognitive abilities. However, higher VAT was associated with poorer intellectual abilities (Ps ≤ 0.04) and cognitive performance (i.e., thinking ability and cognitive efficiency, Ps ≤ 0.04). However, among normal weight children, VAT was positively associated with intellectual abilities and cognitive efficiency. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the results suggest that VAT was selectively and negatively related with cognition among children with obesity. Along with the dangerous metabolic nature of VAT, its detrimental relationship with obese children's intellectual and cognitive functioning is concerning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Raine
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
| | - Eric Drollette
- Department of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
| | - Shih-Chun Kao
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
| | - Daniel Westfall
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
| | | | - Arthur F Kramer
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Naiman Khan
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Charles Hillman
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
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Gil-Espinosa FJ, Cadenas-Sanchez C, Chillón P. Physical fitness predicts the academic achievement over one-school year follow-up period in adolescents. J Sports Sci 2018; 37:452-457. [PMID: 30084752 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2018.1505184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The purposes of this study were to examine how fitness at the baseline could predict both academic achievement and academic achievement changes one school year in advance. A total of 194 adolescents (mean age: 14.15 ± 0.97 years old, 112 boys) who attended secondary school participated in our study. Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured with the 20 m endurance shuttle-run test. We also assessed the lower-limbs muscular strength with the standing long jump test and flexibility with the sit-and-reach test. The academic achievement was assessed by school grades. We performed linear regression analyses. Additionally, we examined the relationship between fitness and changes in the academic performance following the same statistical methodology. Cardiorespiratory fitness was positively associated with mathematics one school year in advance (p = 0.025). Cardiorespiratory fitness was also positively associated with changes in Spanish language (p = 0.005), mathematics (p = 0.023), and the grade point average (p = 0.006). Muscular strength was also positively associated with changes in Spanish language (p = 0.040) and mathematics (p = 0.010), while flexibility was associated with changes in Spanish language (p = 0.039) and the grade point average (0.027). Our results suggest that cardiorespiratory fitness was positively associated with academic achievement in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Gil-Espinosa
- a Researching in Sport Sciences (RSS) research group. Department of Body Expression, Faculty of Science Education , University of Malaga, Andalusia-tech, IBIMA , Malaga , Spain
| | - Cristina Cadenas-Sanchez
- b PROFITH "PROmoting FITness and Health through physical activity" research group, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences , University of Granada , Granada , Spain
| | - Palma Chillón
- b PROFITH "PROmoting FITness and Health through physical activity" research group, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences , University of Granada , Granada , Spain
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Chang YK, Chu CH, Chen FT, Hung TM, Etnier JL. Combined Effects of Physical Activity and Obesity on Cognitive Function: Independent, Overlapping, Moderator, and Mediator Models. Sports Med 2018; 47:449-468. [PMID: 27439944 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-016-0589-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This article reviews studies on physical activity, obesity, and cognition to explore how physical activity and obesity may work independently or together in affecting cognitive function. In particular, we propose six hypotheses derived from four conceptual models to advance our understanding of the combined effects of physical activity and obesity on cognition. The four conceptual models are distinguished by the presumed temporal relationship and the presumed correlation between physical activity and obesity and include an independent model, an overlapping model, a moderator model, and a mediator model. Among the 16 studies testing the effects of physical activity and obesity on cognition in a combined approach, the moderator model, viewing either physical activity or obesity as the potential moderator, was most frequently examined (n = 10), mediator (n = 3) and independent (n = 2) models received relatively less attention, and only a single study used an overlapping model. Results were mixed when considering the moderator, independent, and mediator models. The single study that took an overlapping model approach found support for the model hypothesis. One relevant observation from this review is that the variance within the small extant literature with respect to the choice of conceptual model limits our ability to make assertive conclusions relative to the relations among the examined variables. Given the logic supporting a combined effect of physical activity and obesity on cognition, researchers are encouraged to consider the possible models of the relationship as they design studies to further address this research question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Kai Chang
- Graduate Institute of Athletics and Coaching Science, National Taiwan Sport University, No. 250 Wenhua 1st Rd., Guishan, 333, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China.
| | - Chien-Heng Chu
- Graduate Institute of Athletics and Coaching Science, National Taiwan Sport University, No. 250 Wenhua 1st Rd., Guishan, 333, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Feng-Tzu Chen
- Graduate Institute of Athletics and Coaching Science, National Taiwan Sport University, No. 250 Wenhua 1st Rd., Guishan, 333, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Tsung-Min Hung
- Department of Physical Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Jennifer L Etnier
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, P.O. Box 26170, Greensboro, NC, 27402-6170, USA.
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