101
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Tracking Changes of Chinese Pre-Service Teachers' Aerobic Fitness, Body Mass Index, and Grade Point Average Over 4-years of College. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16060966. [PMID: 30889842 PMCID: PMC6466098 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16060966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Although increasing attention has been given to student academic achievement, usually measured by grade point average (GPA), and fitness in children and adolescents, much fewer studies have been conducted in higher education settings, especially in China. This study investigated the longitudinal associations of aerobic fitness (AF), body mass index (BMI), and GPA in Chinese pre-service teachers at a university. A longitudinal research design was employed to track changes in AF, BMI, and GPA, for a total of 1980 students for four years. Multi-level growth models were used to examine the interactive changes of the above three variables. It was found that GPA and BMI increased each year, while AF declined dramatically at the fourth year. The three-way interaction among GPA, gender, and BMI was significant, suggesting females who were overweight/obese had lower GPA. The data from the current study suggested that AF did not impact students' GPA. Class standing (i.e., the fourth year) and gender (i.e., females) need to be taken into consideration when designing interventions to improve student overall fitness and academic performance in Chinese pre-service teacher populations.
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102
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Kuo M, Barnes M, Jordan C. Do Experiences With Nature Promote Learning? Converging Evidence of a Cause-and-Effect Relationship. Front Psychol 2019; 10:305. [PMID: 30873068 PMCID: PMC6401598 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Do experiences with nature - from wilderness backpacking to plants in a preschool, to a wetland lesson on frogs-promote learning? Until recently, claims outstripped evidence on this question. But the field has matured, not only substantiating previously unwarranted claims but deepening our understanding of the cause-and-effect relationship between nature and learning. Hundreds of studies now bear on this question, and converging evidence strongly suggests that experiences of nature boost academic learning, personal development, and environmental stewardship. This brief integrative review summarizes recent advances and the current state of our understanding. The research on personal development and environmental stewardship is compelling although not quantitative. Report after report - from independent observers as well as participants themselves - indicate shifts in perseverance, problem solving, critical thinking, leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Similarly, over fifty studies point to nature playing a key role in the development of pro-environmental behavior, particularly by fostering an emotional connection to nature. In academic contexts, nature-based instruction outperforms traditional instruction. The evidence here is particularly strong, including experimental evidence; evidence across a wide range of samples and instructional approaches; outcomes such as standardized test scores and graduation rates; and evidence for specific explanatory mechanisms and active ingredients. Nature may promote learning by improving learners' attention, levels of stress, self-discipline, interest and enjoyment in learning, and physical activity and fitness. Nature also appears to provide a calmer, quieter, safer context for learning; a warmer, more cooperative context for learning; and a combination of "loose parts" and autonomy that fosters developmentally beneficial forms of play. It is time to take nature seriously as a resource for learning - particularly for students not effectively reached by traditional instruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Kuo
- Landscape and Human Health Laboratory, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Michael Barnes
- Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Catherine Jordan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States.,Children & Nature Network, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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103
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Werneck AO, Silva DR, Oyeyemi AL, Fernandes RA, Romanzini M, Cyrino ES, Arruda M, Ronque ER. Tracking of physical fitness in elementary school children: The role of changes in body fat. Am J Hum Biol 2019; 31:e23221. [DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- André O. Werneck
- Study and Research Group in Physical Activity and Exercise – GEPAFE/Study and Research Group in Metabolism, Nutrition, and Exercise – GEPEMENE State University of Londrina – UEL Londrina Brazil
- Scientific Research Group Related to Physical Activity (GICRAF), Laboratory of Investigation in Exercise (LIVE), Department of Physical Education São Paulo State University (UNESP) Presidente Prudente Brazil
| | - Danilo R. Silva
- Department of Physical Education Federal University of Sergipe – UFS São Cristóvão Brazil
| | - Adewale L. Oyeyemi
- Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medical Sciences University of Maiduguri Maiduguri Borno State Nigeria
| | - Rômulo A. Fernandes
- Scientific Research Group Related to Physical Activity (GICRAF), Laboratory of Investigation in Exercise (LIVE), Department of Physical Education São Paulo State University (UNESP) Presidente Prudente Brazil
| | - Marcelo Romanzini
- Study and Research Group in Physical Activity and Exercise – GEPAFE/Study and Research Group in Metabolism, Nutrition, and Exercise – GEPEMENE State University of Londrina – UEL Londrina Brazil
| | - Edilson S. Cyrino
- Study and Research Group in Physical Activity and Exercise – GEPAFE/Study and Research Group in Metabolism, Nutrition, and Exercise – GEPEMENE State University of Londrina – UEL Londrina Brazil
| | - Miguel Arruda
- Faculty of Physical Education State University of Campinas – UNICAMP Campinas Brazil
| | - Enio R.V. Ronque
- Study and Research Group in Physical Activity and Exercise – GEPAFE/Study and Research Group in Metabolism, Nutrition, and Exercise – GEPEMENE State University of Londrina – UEL Londrina Brazil
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104
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Mezcua-Hidalgo A, Ruiz-Ariza A, Suárez-Manzano S, Martínez-López EJ. 48-Hour Effects of Monitored Cooperative High-Intensity Interval Training on Adolescent Cognitive Functioning. Percept Mot Skills 2019; 126:202-222. [PMID: 30665339 DOI: 10.1177/0031512518825197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Physical activity has been positively related to better cognitive performance though the effects of varied exercise type and intensity and the duration of cognitive benefits are unclear. This study analyzed the effect of 16 minutes of monitored cooperative high-intensity interval training (monitored C-HIIT) at the start of the school day, on various cognitive variables over the next 24-48 hours. We randomly assigned 158 participants either to a control group ( n = 81) that engaged only in static stretching or to an experimental group ( n = 77) that performed monitored C-HIIT. We assessed cognitive functioning before the exercise, immediately afterward, and for five follow-up time points over the next two days (i.e., at 2, 3, 4, 24, and 48 hours). We analyzed age, sex, body mass index, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity as potential confounder variables. Adolescents in the monitored C-HIIT group increased selective attention by 17.39% during the next hour ( p = .015) and increased concentration by 20.31% and 15.26% during the first ( p = .022) and second ( p = .059) subsequent hours, respectively. This positive short-term benefit of monitored C-HIIT during immediate subsequent hours is an important finding with implications for the school curricula and schedule.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alberto Ruiz-Ariza
- 1 Faculty of Humanities and Educational Sciences, University of Jaén, Spain
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105
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Pate RR, Dowda M. Raising an Active and Healthy Generation: A Comprehensive Public Health Initiative. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 2019; 47:3-14. [PMID: 30334849 DOI: 10.1249/jes.0000000000000171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Physical activity (PA) provides important health benefits to youth, but most U.S. children and adolescents fail to meet federal PA guidelines. The purpose of this article is to present a plan for a large-scale public health initiative aimed at producing population-level increases in PA among U.S. youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell R Pate
- Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
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106
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Moradi A, Sadri Damirchi E, Narimani M, Esmaeilzadeh S, Dziembowska I, Azevedo LB, Luiz do Prado W. Association between Physical and Motor Fitness with Cognition in Children. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2019; 55:E7. [PMID: 30621232 PMCID: PMC6358867 DOI: 10.3390/medicina55010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background and objective: There is an increased interest in exploring the association between fitness components with cognitive development in children in recent years. One of the scopes is to find the best exercise prescription to enhance health and cognition. Most of the studies so far have focused on cardiorespiratory fitness with little evidence on other fitness components. The present study aimed to explore the association between physical fitness (PF) and motor fitness (MF) with cognitive performance in children. Methods: Two hundred and six schoolboys (11.0 ± 0.8 y) underwent a battery of tests to measure information processing speed (i.e., simple and choice reaction time) and inhibitory control (i.e., Simon task). PF components (i.e., flexibility, muscular strength, and endurance) and MF components (speed and agility) were measured. Results: Multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders (i.e., age, socioeconomic status, %fat and physical activity) revealed no relationship between flexibility, speed, muscular strength, and endurance with either information processing tasks or inhibitory control tasks. However, a positive association was observed between agility with both congruent reaction time and incongruent reaction time. Conclusions: No relationship was observed between the underlying fitness components with either information processing or inhibitory control. However, an association was observed between agility with inhibitory control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akbar Moradi
- Islamic Azad University Science and Research Branch, Tehran 1477893855, Iran.
| | | | - Mohammad Narimani
- Department of Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil 5619911367, Iran.
| | | | - Inga Dziembowska
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | - Liane B Azevedo
- School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University, Middlesbrough TS1 3BA, UK.
| | - Wagner Luiz do Prado
- Human Movement Sciences and Rehabilitation Graduation Program, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 11030-020, Brazil.
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107
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Kyan A, Takakura M, Miyagi M. Mediating effect of aerobic fitness on the association between physical activity and academic achievement among adolescents: A cross-sectional study in Okinawa, Japan. J Sports Sci 2018; 37:1242-1249. [PMID: 30547722 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2018.1554552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the potential role of aerobic fitness (AF) as a mediator of the association between physical activity (PA) and academic achievement (AA) among Japanese junior high school students. A cross-sectional data was collected from 608 7th grade students enrolled at five public junior high schools in two suburban municipalities in Okinawa, Japan. Self-reported PA was assessed using the Patient-Centred Assessment and Counselling for Exercise plus Nutrition questionnaire. The 20-meter shuttle run test was performed to determine AF. AA was evaluated using the overall grade point average. Family structure, parental education level, and achievement motives were the self-reported covariates. The results of the bootstrapped mediation analysis indicated that PA had a direct effect on AF, which in turn influenced the AA among boys. After adjusting for AF, the association between PA and AA disappeared while the association of AF with AA still remained. However, neither PA nor AF was associated with the AA of girls. Therefore, the hypothesis that AF might mediate the relationship between PA and AA was supported for boys. Promoting AF, as a result of engaging to PA could positively influence AA particularly in boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Kyan
- a Graduate School of Health Sciences , University of the Ryukyus , Okinawa , Japan
| | - Minoru Takakura
- b Faculty of Medicine , University of the Ryukyus , Nishihara , Japan
| | - Masaya Miyagi
- c Faculty of Education , University of the Ryukyus , Okinawa , Japan
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108
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Esmaeilzadeh S, Hartman E, Farzizadeh R, Azevedo LB, Kalantari HA, Dziembowska I, Kostencka A, Narimani M, Abravesh A. Association between physical fitness and cognitive performance in 19-24 year old males. Biol Sport 2018; 35:355-362. [PMID: 30765921 PMCID: PMC6358526 DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2018.78056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to explore the association between physical fitness (PF) and cognitive performance in a sample of 19-24 year old males. Two hundred and eleven young males (20.2±1.5 years) participated in the study. Cognitive functioning tasks including information processing speed and inhibitory control were measured in addition to PF and motor fitness components such as aerobic fitness, static strength, explosive strength, agility and speed. Regression analysis showed that after adjustment for potential confounders (e.g. age, socioeconomic status, adiposity and physical activity), aerobic fitness (represented by shorter time in the one-mile run) was positively associated with composite inhibitory control scores (standardized β=0.17; p=0.04) and negatively associated with ∆ Simon (standardized β= -0.21; p=0.04). Explosive strength was negatively associated with composite information processing scores (standardized β= -0.24; P=0.01), and composite inhibitory control scores (standardized β= -0.22; p=0.02). Speed of movement, agility and static strength were not associated with any of the cognitive tests. In conclusion, aerobic fitness and explosive strength but not speed, agility or static strength might be indicators of underlying cognitive functioning tasks in 19-24 year old males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samad Esmaeilzadeh
- University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Esther Hartman
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Center for Human Movement Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Reza Farzizadeh
- University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Liane B. Azevedo
- School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Hassan-Ali Kalantari
- University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Inga Dziembowska
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 85-094 Torun, Poland
| | - Alicja Kostencka
- Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz, Faculty of Physical Education, Health and Tourism, Poland
| | - Mohammad Narimani
- University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Department of Psychology, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Akbar Abravesh
- University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Department of Statistics, Ardabil, Iran
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109
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Hsieh SS, Tsai JR, Chang SH, Cheng CF, Sung YT, Hung TM. The Relations between 3-year Changes in Physical Fitness and Academic Performance in Nationally Representative Sample of Junior High School Students. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15978. [PMID: 30374046 PMCID: PMC6206081 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34370-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of the current study was to examine the relationship between different components of physical fitness across 3 years of junior high school with academic performance assessed at the end of the period. Two nationwide representative datasets were used. The first was the physical fitness profile assessed at the beginning of each of the three school years. The second contained the scores on a standardized test administered at the end of the third year. All data were standardized by calculating percentile rank (PR). Students were classified as "High-fit" if their fitness scores ≧ top 25% PR on the age- and sex-adjusted norms. All other students were classified as "not high-fit". The relationships between fitness and exam performance were tested adjusting for sex, body mass index, and level of urbanization. Students who were in the high-fit group in both years 1 and 3 academically outperformed those who were outside this classification during both assessments. The degree of outperformance was greatest for those who were aerobically fit, followed by those who were high-fit in terms of muscular endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility, respectively. It is therefore concluded that the relationship between physical fitness and academic performance in Taiwanese junior high school students is strongest in the case of aerobic fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Shih Hsieh
- Department of Physical Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Ren Tsai
- Department of Statistics and Information Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Hsi Chang
- Department of Physical Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Fu Cheng
- Department of Physical Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Ting Sung
- Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Min Hung
- Department of Physical Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Institute for Research Excellence in Learning Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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110
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SILVEIRA-RODRIGUES JG, SOARES GA, LAMOUNIER JA, SOARES DD, DAMASCENO VDO, GONÇALVES R. Relationship between aerobic capacity with Birth Weight and breastfeeding patterns in children: A cross-sectional study. REV NUTR 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-98652018000500004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective To analyze if aerobic capacity is related to Birth Weight and breastfeeding patterns in boys and girls, products of a term pregnancy and normal weight. Methods A representative sample of 230 Brazilian children (6-10 years old), born at term (after 37-weeks’ gestation) with normal weight (between 2.5 and 4.0kg). These children performed a Yo-Yo Test to estimate their aerobic capacity and mothers reported their children’s Birth Weight and breastfeeding patterns. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to measure the association between aerobic capacity with Birth Weight and breastfeeding patterns. Results We did not observe any significant associations between aerobic capacity with Birth Weight and breastfeeding time in either sexes (p>0.05). Conclusion These results indicate that aerobic capacity is not related with Birth Weight or breastfeeding time in children born with normal weight and gestational age, suggesting that this complex physiological parameter does not appear to be determined by intrauterine factors that dictate the Birth Weight and breastfeeding patterns in the beginning of life.
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111
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Garber MD, Stanhope KK, Shah MP, Cheung P, Gazmararian JA. Effect of Cardiorespiratory Fitness on Academic Achievement is Stronger in High-SES Elementary Schools Compared to Low. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2018; 88:707-716. [PMID: 30203484 DOI: 10.1111/josh.12678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Academic achievement is influenced by factors at the student, school, and community levels. We estimated the effect of cardiorespiratory fitness performance on academic performance at the school level in Georgia elementary schools and examined effect modification by sociodemographic factors. METHODS This study is a repeat cross-sectional analysis of Georgia elementary schools between 2011 and 2014 (approximately 1138 schools per year). Multivariable beta regression estimated the effect of the proportion of 4th and 5th graders meeting cardiorespiratory fitness standards on the proportion of 5th graders passing standardized tests for Reading, English and Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies and considered potential interaction by school-level socioeconomic status (SES), racial composition, and urbanity. RESULTS There was a 0.15 higher estimated odds (OR: 1.15 (1.09, 1.22)) of passing the mathematics standardized test for every 10-percentage-point increase in school-level cardiorespiratory fitness among high-SES schools and 0.04 higher odds (OR: 1.04 (1.02, 1.05)) for low-SES schools. This pattern was similar for other academic subjects. No effect modification by racial composition or urbanity was observed for any academic subject. CONCLUSIONS Promoting physical fitness may be effective in improving academic performance among high-SES schools, but additional strategies may be needed among lower-SES schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Garber
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Kaitlyn K Stanhope
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Monica P Shah
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Patricia Cheung
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Julie A Gazmararian
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322
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112
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Fitness and academic performance in adolescents. The mediating role of leptin: DADOS study. Eur J Pediatr 2018; 177:1555-1563. [PMID: 30046894 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-018-3213-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED We tested the mediating effect of leptin on the association between physical fitness (PF) components and academic performance indicators in healthy adolescents. A total of 263 adolescents (13.9 ± 0.3 years, 47.5% girls, 12.5% overweight) from the DADOS (Deporte, ADOlescencia y Salud) Study were included in the analysis. PF components were assessed by the handgrip test for upper-limb muscular strength, standing long jump test for lower-limb muscular strength, 4 × 10-m shuttle run test for speed-agility, and 20-m shuttle run test for cardiorespiratory fitness. Plasma leptin concentration was assessed from antecubital vein blood after an overnight fast using a sensitive ELISA kit. Academic performance indicators were assessed through final school grades and through the Spanish version of the SRA Test of Educational Ability. Body composition was assessed by body mass index and skinfold thicknesses. Boot-strapped mediation procedures were performed and indirect effects with confidence intervals not including zero were interpreted as statistically significant. Our findings suggest that the positive associations observed between cardiorespiratory fitness and lower-limb muscular strength with academic performance indicators were mediated by leptin concentration after adjusting for sex, pubertal stage, socioeconomic status, and adiposity (percentage of mediation ranging from 54.61 to 82.02%). CONCLUSIONS Improvements on PF components, particularly in cardiorespiratory fitness and lower-limb muscular strength, might reduce leptin concentration with potential benefits on academic performance in adolescents, independently of adiposity. What is Known: • Academic performance is associated with physical fitness and leptin concentration in children and adolescents. • Fitness modulates leptin concentration levels, regardless of physical activity and adiposity. What is New: • Leptin concentration mediates the association of cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength with academic performance in adolescents. • Improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength might reduce leptin concentration levels enhancing academic performance.
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113
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Fairclough SJ, Dumuid D, Mackintosh KA, Stone G, Dagger R, Stratton G, Davies I, Boddy LM. Adiposity, fitness, health-related quality of life and the reallocation of time between children's school day activity behaviours: A compositional data analysis. Prev Med Rep 2018; 11:254-261. [PMID: 30109170 PMCID: PMC6080199 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2018.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Sedentary time (ST), light (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) constitute the range of school day activity behaviours. This study investigated whether the composition of school activity behaviours was associated with health indicators, and the predicted changes in health when time was reallocated between activity behaviours. Accelerometers were worn for 7-days between October and December 2010 by 318 UK children aged 10-11, to provide estimates of school day ST, LPA, and MVPA. BMI z-scores and percent waist-to-height ratio were calculated as indicators of adiposity. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was assessed using the 20-m shuttle run test. The PedsQL™ questionnaire was completed to assess psychosocial and physical health-related quality of life (HRQL). Log-ratio multiple linear regression models predicted health indicators for the mean school day activity composition, and for new compositions where fixed durations of time were reallocated from one activity behaviour to another, while the remaining behaviours were unchanged. The school day activity composition significantly predicted adiposity and CRF (p = 0.04-0.002), but not HRQL. Replacing MVPA with ST or LPA around the mean activity composition predicted higher adiposity and lower CRF. When ST or LPA were substituted with MVPA, the relationships with adiposity and CRF were asymmetrical with favourable, but smaller predicted changes in adiposity and CRF than when MVPA was replaced. Predicted changes in HRQL were negligible. The school day activity composition significantly predicted adiposity and CRF but not HRQL. Reallocating time from ST and LPA to MVPA is advocated through comprehensive school physical activity promotion approaches. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN03863885.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart J. Fairclough
- Movement Behaviours, Health and Wellbeing Research Group, Department of Sport and Physical Activity, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, UK
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Dorothea Dumuid
- Alliance for Research in Exercise Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Sansom Institute, School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kelly A. Mackintosh
- Research Centre in Applied Sports, Technology Exercise and Medicine, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - Genevieve Stone
- Faculty of Health and Social Care, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, UK
| | - Rebecca Dagger
- Department of Health Sciences, Liverpool Hope University, Hope Park, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Gareth Stratton
- Research Centre in Applied Sports, Technology Exercise and Medicine, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - Ian Davies
- School of Sport Studies, Leisure and Nutrition, Liverpool John Moores University, IM Marsh, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Lynne M. Boddy
- Physical Activity Exchange, Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
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114
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Does Physical Fitness Affect Academic Achievement among Japanese Adolescents? A Hybrid Approach for Decomposing Within-Person and Between-Persons Effects. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15091901. [PMID: 30200446 PMCID: PMC6163541 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15091901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Positive association between physical fitness and academic achievement in adolescents has been suggested yet the causal effect of physical fitness on academic achievement remains unclear. This study examined if longitudinal changes in physical fitness were associated with changes in academic achievement among junior high school students. Analyses were based on a two-year with three time-point data of 567 students (aged 12–13 years old at the baseline-point; 303 boys) who entered in five Japanese junior high schools in 2015. Academic achievement was evaluated using the student’s overall grade point average. Comprehensive physical fitness score was summed up from eight fitness tests: 50-m sprint, standing broad jump, repeated side-steps, sit and reach, sit-ups, hand-grip strength, handball throw, and 20-m shuttle run or endurance run. The hybrid regression model was applied to examine the impact of change in physical fitness on change in academic achievement using multiple imputation to account for non-response at follow-up. The changes in fitness score within-person and the differences in average of fitness score of three-time points between-person were associated with change in overall grade point average for boys. No significant association between fitness score and overall grade point average was observed in girls. Opportunities for increased physical fitness may be important to support academic achievement, particularly in junior high school boys.
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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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Physical Fitness Is Longitudinally Associated With Academic Performance During Childhood and Adolescence, and Waist Circumference Mediated the Relationship. Pediatr Exerc Sci 2018. [PMID: 29526135 DOI: 10.1123/pes.2017-0206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The current investigation aimed to investigate the longitudinal association between physical fitness and academic performance over 3 years in adolescents. A secondary aim was to determine to what extent waist circumference mediated the association between physical fitness and academic performance. METHODS For the current study, 1020 students from first grade [mean age: 7.87 (0.34) y] to fifth grade [mean age: 11.87 (0.37) y] were monitored annually for 3 years (2010-2013). Physical fitness was assessed using the Andersen test, 5 × 5-m shuttle run, jump height, and grip strength tests and by constructing a composite score combining all 4 fitness tests. Academic performance was assessed by national standardized tests in Danish language and math. Generalized structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the relationships between these variables. RESULTS The Andersen test (standardized β = 0.15 SD), shuttle run (β = -0.18 SD), jump height (β = 0.10 SD), and the fitness composite score (β = 0.23 SD) were positively associated with academic performance over 3 years. In addition, waist circumference partially mediated the association between physical fitness and academic performance. CONCLUSION Thus, physical fitness abilities should be stimulated during childhood and early adolescence because of their positive association with academic performance.
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Physical Activity and Health-Related Fitness of Adolescents within the Juvenile Justice System. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:9710714. [PMID: 30105270 PMCID: PMC6076947 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9710714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Background The purpose of this study was to examine the physical activity patterns and health-related fitness levels of adolescents within the Juvenile Justice System. Methods Participants included 68 adolescents (Mean age = 17.1 ± 1.0 years) in two secure Juvenile Justice correctional facilities in the Western USA. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was monitored for one week using the ActiGraph GT9X accelerometer. Health-related fitness was measured using the FITNESSGRAM test battery. Results Adolescents averaged 43.3±21.6 minutes of MVPA per weekday compared to 42.7±27.5 per weekend day. During school hours, adolescents accumulated 17.1±9.0 minutes of MVPA compared to 5.9±3.4 minutes before school and 21.0±13.6 minutes after school. Adolescents averaged 18.9±11.0 push-ups, 44.5±26.4 curl-ups, 34.7±24.8 PACER laps, and 22.1%±10.0% body fat. Conclusions Adolescents within the Juvenile Justice System are falling short of the recommended 60 minutes of MVPA per day and 30 minutes of MVPA during school and also need to improve their health-related fitness, especially cardiorespiratory endurance.
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Cardiorespiratory fitness and academic performance association is mediated by weight status in adolescents: DADOS study. Eur J Pediatr 2018; 177:1037-1043. [PMID: 29704057 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-018-3159-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The aim of our study was to examine the mediation effect of weight status on the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and academic performance (AP). Two hundred sixty-nine adolescents (140 boys) aged 13.9 ± 0.3 years old from the DADOS study were included in this cross-sectional analysis. CRF was assessed by the 20-m shuttle run test and estimated maximum oxygen uptake was used in the analysis. AP was assessed through the final academic grades and the Science Research Associates Test of Educational Abilities for assessing reasoning, verbal, and numeric abilities. Weight status was assessed by body mass index (kg/m2). Boot-strapped mediation procedures were performed and indirect effects (IE) with confidence intervals (CI) not including zero were considered statistically significant. Mediation analysis revealed that weight status acted as a mediator of the relationship of CRF with reasoning ability (IE = 0.039; CI = 0.001; 0.091) and the final grades in Math (IE = 0.011; CI = 0.002; 0.025), Language (IE = 0.013; CI = 0.004; 0.027), and GPA (IE = 0.011; CI = 0.003; 0.023). CONCLUSIONS Our data show that the influence of CRF on academic performance is mediated by weight status in adolescents. We suggest that our data could be considered by educators, families, and policy makers, so that active lifestyles might be promoted when designing programs aimed to improve AP among adolescents. What is Known: • Academic performance is associated with both, cardiorespiratory fitness and weight status. • The role of weight status in the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and academic performance is poorly understood. What is New: • We support the scarce research investigating the mediating role of weight status as mechanism in the association between fitness and academic performance in youth. • Previous knowledge is expanded by suggesting that cardiorespiratory fitness is related to weight status which in turn may positively influence academic performance in adolescents.
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Muntaner-Mas A, Palou P, Vidal-Conti J, Esteban-Cornejo I. A Mediation Analysis on the Relationship of Physical Fitness Components, Obesity, and Academic Performance in Children. J Pediatr 2018; 198:90-97.e4. [PMID: 29685619 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2018.02.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the relationship between a battery of obesity indicators and physical fitness components with academic performance in children and to explore the combined and mediation role of the physical fitness components in the relationship between obesity and academic performance in children. STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional study including data from 250 Spanish schoolchildren (Balearic Islands) between 10 and 12 years of age (mean age, 10.98 ± 0.76 years) was conducted. Obesity measures (body mass index, body fat, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist-to-height ratio), physical fitness components (cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, and speed-agility), and academic performance (Spanish language, Catalan language, English language, natural sciences, social sciences, arts, physical education, religion, and grade point average [GPA]) were collected. RESULTS All obesity measures were negatively related to at least 3 of the 10 academic indicators, including GPA (β range, -0.135 to -0.229; all P < .05). Cardiorespiratory fitness and speed-agility were positively related to all academic indicators (β range, 0.182 to 0.350; all P < .046) and muscular fitness with 3 academic indicators (β range, 0.143 to 0.253; all P < .039). Children considered as fit had better academic performance than their unfit peers (score +0.75; P = .001). The association between body mass index and GPA was mediated by cardiorespiratory fitness and speed-agility. CONCLUSIONS This investigation contributes to the current knowledge by adding evidence about the crucial role of physical fitness in terms of academic performance rather than obesity status, suggesting that physical fitness may ameliorate the negative influence of obesity on academic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrià Muntaner-Mas
- Department of Pedagogy and Specific Didactics, Faculty of Education, University of Balearic Islands, Balearic Islands, Spain; PROFITH "PROmoting FITness and Health through Physical Activity" Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Granada. Granada, Spain.
| | - Pere Palou
- Department of Pedagogy and Specific Didactics, Faculty of Education, University of Balearic Islands, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Josep Vidal-Conti
- Department of Pedagogy and Specific Didactics, Faculty of Education, University of Balearic Islands, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Irene Esteban-Cornejo
- PROFITH "PROmoting FITness and Health through Physical Activity" Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Granada. Granada, Spain; Center for Cognitive and Brain Health, Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
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de Bruijn A, Hartman E, Kostons D, Visscher C, Bosker R. Exploring the relations among physical fitness, executive functioning, and low academic achievement. J Exp Child Psychol 2018; 167:204-221. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2017.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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