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Kirstin S, Matthias G, Valentin B, Valerie S, Andrea F, Nedelina S, Claus K, Jochen R, Regula E. Cerebral blood flow and structural connectivity after working memory or physical training in paediatric cancer survivors - Exploratory findings. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2024:1-27. [PMID: 38809147 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2024.2356294] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Paediatric cancer survivors often suffer from cognitive long-term difficulties. Consequently, strengthening cognition is of major clinical relevance. This study investigated cerebral changes in relation to cognition in non-brain tumour paediatric cancer survivors after working memory or physical training compared to a control group. Thirty-four children (≥one-year post-treatment) either underwent eight weeks of working memory training (n = 10), physical training (n = 11), or a waiting period (n = 13). Cognition and MRI, including arterial spin labelling and diffusion tensor imaging, were assessed at three time points (baseline, post-training, and three-month follow-up). Results show lower cerebral blood flow immediately after working memory training (z = -2.073, p = .038) and higher structural connectivity at the three-month follow-up (z = -2.240, p = .025). No cerebral changes occurred after physical training. Short-term changes in cerebral blood flow correlated with short-term changes in cognitive flexibility (r = -.667, p = .049), while long-term changes in structural connectivity correlated with long-term changes in working memory (r = .786, p = .021). Despite the caution given when interpreting data from small samples, this study suggests a link between working memory training and neurophysiological changes. Further research is needed to validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Schuerch Kirstin
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Division of Neuropediatrics, Development and Rehabilitation, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Health Science, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Grieder Matthias
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Benzing Valentin
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Division of Neuropediatrics, Development and Rehabilitation, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Siegwart Valerie
- Division of Neuropediatrics, Development and Rehabilitation, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Federspiel Andrea
- Support Center for Advanced Neuroimaging (SCAN), Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Slavova Nedelina
- Support Center for Advanced Neuroimaging (SCAN), Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kiefer Claus
- Support Center for Advanced Neuroimaging (SCAN), Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Roessler Jochen
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Everts Regula
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Division of Neuropediatrics, Development and Rehabilitation, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Bao R, Wade L, Leahy AA, Owen KB, Hillman CH, Jaakkola T, Lubans DR. Associations Between Motor Competence and Executive Functions in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sports Med 2024:10.1007/s40279-024-02040-1. [PMID: 38769244 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-024-02040-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motor competence and executive functions co-develop throughout childhood and adolescence, and there is emerging evidence that improvements in motor competence may have cognitive benefits in these populations. There is a need to provide a quantitative synthesis of the cross-sectional, longitudinal and experimental studies that have examined the association between motor competence and executive functions in school-aged youth. OBJECTIVES The primary aim of our systematic review was to synthesise evidence of the association between motor competence and executive functions in school-aged children and adolescents (5-18 years). Our secondary aim was to examine key moderators of this association. METHODS We searched the PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus and EMBASE databases from inception up to 27 June 2023. We included cross-sectional, longitudinal and experimental studies that assessed the association between motor competence (e.g., general motor competence, locomotor skills, object control skills and stability skills) and executive functions (e.g., general executive functions, inhibition, working memory and cognitive flexibility) in children and adolescents aged 5-18 years. RESULTS In total, 12,117 records were screened for eligibility, and 44 studies were included. From the 44 included studies, we meta-analysed 37 studies with 251 effect sizes using a structural equation modelling approach in the statistical program R. We found a small positive association (r = 0.18, [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13-0.22]) between motor competence and executive functions. The positive associations were observed in cross-sectional (r = 0.17, [95% CI 0.13-0.22]), longitudinal (r = 0.15, [95% CI 0.03-0.28]) and experimental studies (r = 0.25, [95% CI 0.01-0.45]). We also found that general motor competence (r = 0.25, [95% CI 0.18-0.33]), locomotor (r = 0.15, [95% CI 0.09-0.21]), object control (r = 0.14, [95% CI 0.08-0.20]) and stability (r = 0.14, [95% CI 0.08-0.20]) skills were associated with executive functions. We did not find any moderating effects for participants' age on the associations between motor competence and executive functions. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest a small-to-moderate positive association between motor competence and executive functions in children and adolescents. The small number of experimental studies included in this review support the assertion that interventions targeting children's motor competence may be a promising strategy to improve their executive functions; however, more research is needed to confirm these findings. Future studies should explore the underlying mechanisms linking motor competence and executive functions as their comprehension may be used to optimise future intervention design and delivery. PROSPERO REGISTRATION CRD42021285134.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Bao
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- College of Human and Social Futures, School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Active Living Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Levi Wade
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- College of Human and Social Futures, School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Active Living Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Angus A Leahy
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- College of Human and Social Futures, School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Active Living Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Katherine B Owen
- SPRINTER, Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Charles H Hillman
- Center for Cognitive and Brain Health, Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Timo Jaakkola
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyvaskyla, Finland
| | - David Revalds Lubans
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
- College of Human and Social Futures, School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
- Active Living Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyvaskyla, Finland.
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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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Abdelkarim O, Aly M, ElGyar N, Shalaby AM, Kamijo K, Woll A, Bös K. Association between aerobic fitness and attentional functions in Egyptian preadolescent children. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1172423. [PMID: 37484080 PMCID: PMC10359903 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1172423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence indicates that culture and education can influence cognitive constructs. Studies targeting Western and Asian populations have shown a positive relationship between aerobic fitness and cognitive control in children; however, this association has yet to be explored in the Arab world. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between aerobic fitness and attentional networks in Egyptian preadolescent children. In total, 103 preadolescent children (9.76 ± 0.11) completed an assessment of aerobic fitness using a 6-min running test and a computerized attention network test that allowed for assessing alerting, orienting, and executive networks. The results revealed that higher aerobic fitness was associated with shorter response time and higher response accuracy in a more cognitively demanding task condition (i.e., incongruent trials). Furthermore, higher aerobic fitness was associated with a more efficient executive network. No associations were observed for alerting and orienting networks. These findings corroborate growing evidence indicating the importance of aerobic fitness for cognitive development and extend the literature by suggesting that the positive association between aerobic fitness and cognitive control might be generalized to the Arab population and not significantly change across cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama Abdelkarim
- Faculty of Physical Education, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
- Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Mohamed Aly
- Faculty of Physical Education, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
- Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Chukyo University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Noha ElGyar
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatri, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Amira M. Shalaby
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatri, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Keita Kamijo
- Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Chukyo University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Alexander Woll
- Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Klaus Bös
- Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
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Muntaner-Mas A, Mazzoli E, Abbott G, Mavilidi MF, Galmes-Panades AM. Do Physical Fitness and Executive Function Mediate the Relationship between Physical Activity and Academic Achievement? An Examination Using Structural Equation Modelling. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9060823. [PMID: 35740760 PMCID: PMC9221993 DOI: 10.3390/children9060823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: Physical activity health benefits are widely known. However, the association between physical activity, physical fitness, executive function, and academic performance need further investigation. Additionally, one of the literature gaps reveals scarce and mixed findings on what mediators of physical activity may affect academic achievement. Purpose: This investigation aims to provide knowledge about the mediation role of physical fitness and executive function in the association of physical activity with academic achievement in a cohort of Spanish schoolchildren using a structural equation modelling approach. Methods: The data for this cross-sectional study were collected from a convenience sample of children from Spain (Balearic Islands) aged between 9 and 13 years. Physical activity levels were self-reported with the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children; physical fitness was assessed using the International Fitness Scale; executive function was assessed with the Trail Making Test, and children’s achievements were collected from the school records. Structural equation modelling was used to explore the relationship between physical activity, physical fitness, executive function, and academic achievement. Findings: Statistically significant positive direct associations were observed between physical activity and physical fitness (β = 0.46, 95% CI [0.29, 0.64]), physical fitness and executive function (β = 0.28, 95% CI [0.04, 0.52]), and executive function and academic achievement (β = 0.46, 95% CI [0.28, 0.65]), while adjusting for the confounding effects of sex and body mass index. Furthermore, indirect associations were observed between physical activity and executive function mediated by physical fitness (β = 0.13, bias-corrected 95% CI [0.02, 0.31]) and between physical fitness and academic achievement through executive function (β = 0.13, bias-corrected 95% CI [0.03, 0.32]). Conclusions: This investigation adds to the literature with evidence supporting the idea that regular PA leads to improvements in physical fitness and may support cognitive skills and academic performance in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrià Muntaner-Mas
- GICAFE “Physical Activity and Exercise Sciences Research Group”, Faculty of Education, University of Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma, Spain;
- PROFITH “PROmoting FITness and Health Through Physical Activity” Research Group, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Emiliano Mazzoli
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (E.M.); (G.A.)
| | - Gavin Abbott
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (E.M.); (G.A.)
| | - Myrto F. Mavilidi
- School of Education, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia;
- Early Start, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Aina M. Galmes-Panades
- GICAFE “Physical Activity and Exercise Sciences Research Group”, Faculty of Education, University of Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma, Spain;
- CIBEROBN “CIBER Consortium of Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition”, Carlos III Health Research Institute (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Latomme J, Calders P, Van Waelvelde H, Mariën T, De Craemer M. The Role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in the Relation between Physical Activity and Executive Functioning in Children. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9050596. [PMID: 35626772 PMCID: PMC9139511 DOI: 10.3390/children9050596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Physical activity (PA) can improve children’s executive functioning (EF), which might be caused by increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This study investigated whether acute and/or chronic PA leads to increased BDNF levels and enhanced EF in children. Methods: In total, 47 children (mean age 9.69 ± 0.60; 46.8% boys) participated. Children performed a maximal exercise test to measure acute PA. Before and after, BDNF was collected and EF was measured. Chronic PA was proxy-reported. Repeated Measures ANOVAs were performed to study the effect of acute PA on BDNF and EF. Mediation analyses were performed to investigate the mediation effect of BDNF on the association between chronic PA and BDNF. Results: A borderline significant effect of acute PA on BDNF was found (F = 3.32, p = 0.075) with an increase in BDNF (+29.58 pg/mL) after acute PA. A significant effect was found for performance on inhibition tasks (Flanker (accuracy +5.67%, p = 0.034) and Go/No-Go (+0.15%, p = 0.022)). No effect of acute PA was found on the EF outcomes. No significant correlation between chronic PA and EFs nor BDNF was found. Conclusions: Acute PA might increase BDNF and improve some EFs (i.e., inhibition) in children. Chronic PA was not associated with EF nor BDNF. Trial Registration Number: NCT02503579.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Latomme
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +329-264-6299
| | - Patrick Calders
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (P.C.); (H.V.W.); (T.M.); (M.D.C.)
| | - Hilde Van Waelvelde
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (P.C.); (H.V.W.); (T.M.); (M.D.C.)
| | - Tineke Mariën
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (P.C.); (H.V.W.); (T.M.); (M.D.C.)
| | - Marieke De Craemer
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (P.C.); (H.V.W.); (T.M.); (M.D.C.)
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Could Physical Fitness Be Considered as a Protective Social Factor Associated with Bridging the Cognitive Gap Related to School Vulnerability in Adolescents? The Cogni-Action Project. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph181910073. [PMID: 34639375 PMCID: PMC8507640 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The first aim was to compare differences between school vulnerability groups, fitness levels, and their combination in adolescent cognitive performance. The second aim was to determine the mediation role of fitness in the association between school vulnerability and cognitive performance. A total of 912 Chilean adolescents aged 10–14 years participated in this study. The school vulnerability index (SVI) assigned by the Chilean Government was categorized into high-, mid-, or low-SVI. Adolescents were classified as fit or unfit according to their global fitness z-score computed from their cardiorespiratory (CRF), muscular (MF), and speed/agility fitness (SAF) adjusted for age and sex. A global cognitive score was estimated through eight tasks based on a neurocognitive battery. Covariance and mediation analyses were performed, adjusted for sex, schools, body mass index, and peak high velocity. Independent analyses showed that the higher SVI, the lower the cognitive performance (F(6,905) = 18.5; p < 0.001). Conversely, fit adolescents presented a higher cognitive performance than their unfit peers (F(5,906) = 8.93; p < 0.001). The combined analysis found cognitive differences between fit and unfit adolescents in both the high- and mid-SVI levels (Cohen’s d = 0.32). No differences were found between fit participants belonging to higher SVI groups and unfit participants belonging to lower SVI groups. Mediation percentages of 9.0%, 5.6%, 7.1%, and 2.8% were observed for the global fitness score, CRF, MF, and SAF, respectively. The mediation effect was significant between low- with mid-high-SVI levels but not between mid- and high-SVI levels. These findings suggest that an adequate physical fitness level should be deemed a protective social factor associated with bridging the cognitive gap linked to school vulnerability in adolescents. This favourable influence seems to be most significant in adolescents belonging to a more adverse social background.
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Solis-Urra P, Sanchez-Martinez J, Olivares-Arancibia J, Castro Piñero J, Sadarangani KP, Ferrari G, Rodríguez-Rodríguez F, Gaya A, Fochesatto CF, Cristi-Montero C. Physical fitness and its association with cognitive performance in Chilean schoolchildren: The Cogni-Action Project. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2021; 31:1352-1362. [PMID: 33638920 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to establish the association and differences in a diversity of cognitive domains according to cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular fitness (MF), and speed-agility fitness (S-AF) level in a large sample of Chilean schoolchildren. 1171 Chilean schoolchildren aged 10-14 years participated. CRF, MF, and S-AF were assessed through the ALPHA-fitness test battery. Cognition was evaluated through the NeuroCognitive Performance Test, which involved eight tests related to four main domains: cognitive flexibility (CF), working memory (WM), inhibitory control (IC), and intelligence (IN). Both global (multivariate) and individual (univariate) analyses were performed to determine the differences in cognitive functioning according to low-, middle-, and high-fitness level. The global analyses showed a significant main effect for CRF, F(16,940) = 3.08, p ≤ .001 and MF groups, F(16,953) = 2.30, p = .002, but not for S-AF, F(16,948) = 1.37, p = .105. CRF shows a significant main effect in seven of eight tests, involving CF, WM, IC, and IN domains, whereas MF shows a significant main effect in five of eight tests without association with IN. SA-F shows a significant main effect only with IC. Statistical differences were found between the low- and middle/high-fitness groups but not between the middle- and high-fitness groups. At a global level, both CRF and MF seem to be associated with a higher cognitive profile in scholars; however, at an individual level, all fitness components show a favorable relationship to some cognitive domine. Then, future cognitive developing strategies should consider all fitness components, prioritizing those low-fitness schoolchildren.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricio Solis-Urra
- IRyS Group, Physical Education School, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.,PROFITH "PROmoting FITness and Health through Physical Activity" Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Javier Sanchez-Martinez
- IRyS Group, Physical Education School, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.,Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santo Tomás, Viña del Mar, 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
| | - Jose Castro Piñero
- GALENO Research Group, Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Education Sciences, University of Cádiz, Puerto Real, Spain.,Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cádiz (INiBICA) Research Unit, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Kabir P Sadarangani
- Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Chile.,Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Salud y Odontología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gerson Ferrari
- Escuela de Ciencias de la Actividad Física, el Deporte y la Salud, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Chile
| | | | - Anelise Gaya
- Projeto Esporte Brasil (PROESP-Br), School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy and Dance, Post-graduation Program in Human Movement Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Camila Felin Fochesatto
- Projeto Esporte Brasil (PROESP-Br), School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy and Dance, Post-graduation Program in Human Movement Sciences, Federal University of 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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Graham JD, Bremer E, Fenesi B, Cairney J. Examining the Acute Effects of Classroom-Based Physical Activity Breaks on Executive Functioning in 11- to 14-Year-Old Children: Single and Additive Moderation Effects of Physical Fitness. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:688251. [PMID: 34414142 PMCID: PMC8369035 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.688251] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Research supports the efficacy of acute, classroom-based, physical activity breaks on executive functioning in children. However, research pertaining to the effect of physical fitness on the acute physical activity-executive functioning relationship remains limited. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of classroom-based, teacher-delivered, physical activity breaks on executive functioning in 11-14-year-old children. We also investigated the potential moderating effects of both aerobic and musculoskeletal fitness on the acute physical activity-executive functioning relationship. Method: Participants (N = 116) completed pre- and post-test assessments of executive functioning (i.e., inhibition, switching, and updating) separated by a classroom-based physical activity break or sedentary classroom work. We manipulated the dose (i.e., length) and type of physical activity breaks. With regards to dose, participants in the experimental conditions engaged in 5-, 10-, or 20-min of physical activity whereas controls completed sedentary classroom math work at their desk. With regards to type, one experimental condition completed traditional physical activity breaks whereas the other experimental condition completed academic physical activity breaks (i.e., performed mental math and physical activity). Participants' mood, motivation, and self-efficacy were also assessed following the experimental manipulations. Results: Overall, executive function scores improved across each assessment following the physical activity breaks when compared to sedentary classroom work regardless of dose and type. Participants also reported more positive mood states, higher motivation to complete the executive function tests, and higher self-efficacy to perform the executive functions tests following the physical activity breaks. Single moderation analyses showed that low-moderate levels of aerobic fitness moderated the acute physical activity-executive functioning relationship. Additive moderation analysis showed, collectively, that both aerobic and musculoskeletal fitness moderated the acute physical activity-executive functioning relationship. Conclusion: Findings from the present study provide evidence for the acute effects of short (i.e., 5-20 min) classroom-based physical activity breaks on executive functioning and psychological states in children. Results also suggest levels of both aerobic and musculoskeletal fitness moderate these effects, however future research is needed to further elucidate this complex relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D Graham
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON, Canada
| | - Emily Bremer
- Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Barbara Fenesi
- Faculty of Education, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - John Cairney
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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