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Visier-Alfonso ME, Ros-Segura L, Sánchez-López M, Jiménez-López E, Martínez-Vizcaíno V. Direct and indirect effects of physiological, psychological and cognitive variables on academic achievement in children. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03322-0. [PMID: 38944661 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03322-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Associations between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), screen time, psychological well-being, executive functions, and academic achievement have been reported, however, few studies have analysed models considering the effect of all these variables on academic achievement. This study aims to analyse the direct and indirect associations of mothers' education level, CRF, screen time, psychological well-being, executive functions, with academic achievement in schoolchildren, by sex. METHODS This was a cross-sectional analysis of MOVI-daFit! study including 519 schoolchildren (49.52% girls) aged 9-11 years old. Executive functions were assessed with the NIH Toolbox, CRF with the 20-m shuttle run test, academic achievement through the final academic grades in language and mathematics and mother's education level, screen time and well-being by questionnaires. RESULTS Structural equation modelling revealed that in boys cognitive flexibility had a significant direct effect on academic achievement and screen time a total significant effect on academic achievement. In girls, CRF was associated with inhibition and psychological well-being, and this was associated with academic achievement. CONCLUSIONS Physiological, psychological, and behavioural variables act together to impact academic achievement, and that differences by sex might exist. Thus, strategies to enhance academic achievement in schoolchildren should consider psychological well-being, CRF, screen time, and sex differences. IMPACT Physiological, psychological, and behavioural variables, such as cardiorespiratory fitness, screen time, psychological well-being, and cognition all together have an impact on academic achievement, with differences by sex. Previous studies have demonstrated the separate effect of these variables, however, to date, this is the first study that analyses all together in the same model their impact on academic achievement, by sex. This study shows that in boys cognitive flexibility and screen time impact academic achievement. In girls, cardiorespiratory fitness is highly associated with psychological well-being, and this, in turn, was associated with academic achievement.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Eugenia Visier-Alfonso
- Faculty of Nursing, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Camino de Nohales 4, 16002, Cuenca, Spain.
- Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Health and Social Research Center, Camino de Pozuelo, 16071, Cuenca, Spain.
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, C/ Almansa 14, 02008, Albacete, Spain.
| | - Laura Ros-Segura
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, C/ Almansa 14, 02008, Albacete, Spain
| | - Mairena Sánchez-López
- Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Health and Social Research Center, Camino de Pozuelo, 16071, Cuenca, Spain
- Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, School of Education, C/ Altagracia 50, 13001, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Estela Jiménez-López
- Faculty of Nursing, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Camino de Nohales 4, 16002, Cuenca, Spain
- Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Health and Social Research Center, Camino de Pozuelo, 16071, Cuenca, Spain
| | - Vicente Martínez-Vizcaíno
- Faculty of Nursing, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Camino de Nohales 4, 16002, Cuenca, Spain
- Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Health and Social Research Center, Camino de Pozuelo, 16071, Cuenca, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Cinco Pte. N°1670 Talca, Maule, Chile
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2
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Agbangla NF, Pater Maire M, Maillot P, Vitiello D. Is there a relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and executive performance as function of mental workload in young adults? Front Psychol 2022; 13:932345. [PMID: 35936329 PMCID: PMC9353114 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.932345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the current study, we have decided to investigate the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and executive functions in young adults as a function of mental workload. To achieve our objectives, we have solicited 29 young adults (18–25 years; 12 women) who have first realized the Random Number Generation (RNG) task with two levels of complexity. After each level of complexity, the participants were asked to report on their perceived difficulty. Secondly, participants performed the RABIT® test, during which oxygen consumption was measured through the Metamax 3B-R2. The results showed that executive performance and perceived difficulty deteriorate with increasing task complexity. Additionally, oxygen consumption increased significantly to reach a peak during the hardest phase of the RABIT® test. Finally, as in previous studies, we could not observe a correlation between cardiorespiratory fitness and executive functions. Our findings support the lack of a direct relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and executive functions. Future studies should explore the relationship between the composite measure of executive function, hemodynamic activity, and cardiorespiratory fitness in healthy youth and their peers with cardiovascular disease. This will examine an indirect effect of Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) on Executive functions (EFs) through brain activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nounagnon Frutueux Agbangla
- Laboratory URePSSS – SHERPAS (ULR 7369), Université d’Artois, Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale, Université de Lille, UFR STAPS, Liévin, France
- *Correspondence: Nounagnon Frutueux Agbangla,
| | - Marion Pater Maire
- Institut des Sciences du Sport-Santé de Paris (I3SP - URP 3625), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Pauline Maillot
- Institut des Sciences du Sport-Santé de Paris (I3SP - URP 3625), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Damien Vitiello
- Institut des Sciences du Sport-Santé de Paris (I3SP - URP 3625), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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3
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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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4
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Alves JM, Angelo BC, Zink J, Chow T, Yunker AG, Clark K, Luo S, Belcher BR, Herting MM, Dieli-Conwright CM, Xiang AH, Page KA. Child physical activity as a modifier of the relationship between prenatal exposure to maternal overweight/obesity and neurocognitive outcomes in offspring. Int J Obes (Lond) 2021; 45:1310-1320. [PMID: 33731834 PMCID: PMC8164988 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-021-00794-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES With rising obesity rates among pregnant women, more children are exposed in utero to maternal obesity. In prior epidemiological studies, exposure to maternal obesity was associated with lower intelligence quotient (IQ) scores and worse cognitive abilities in offspring. Further studies have shown that offspring exposed to maternal obesity, exhibit differences in the white matter microstructure properties, fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD). In contrast, physical activity was shown to improve cognition and white matter microstructure during childhood. We examined if child physical activity levels modify the relationship between prenatal exposure to maternal obesity with IQ and white matter microstructure in offspring. SUBJECTS/METHODS One hundred children (59% girls) age 7-11 years underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging and IQ testing. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was abstracted from electronic medical records. White matter was assessed using diffusion tensor imaging with the measures, global FA, MD. The 3-day physical activity recall was used to measure moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and vigorous physical activity (VPA). Linear regression was used to test for interactions between prenatal exposure to maternal overweight/obesity and child PA levels on child IQ and global FA/MD. RESULTS The relationship between prenatal exposure to maternal overweight/obesity and child IQ and global FA varied by child VPA levels. Children exposed to mothers with overweight/obesity who engaged in more VPA had higher IQ scores and global FA compared to exposed children who engaged in less VPA. Associations were independent of child age, sex, BMI Z-score and socioeconomic status. Children born to normal-weight mothers did not differ in either IQ or global FA by time in VPA. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support findings in rodent models and suggest that VPA during childhood modifies the relationship between prenatal exposure to maternal obesity and child IQ and white matter microstructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin M Alves
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Brendan C Angelo
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Jennifer Zink
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Ting Chow
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, 91101, USA
| | - Alexandra G Yunker
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Kristi Clark
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Shan Luo
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Britni Ryan Belcher
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Megan M Herting
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Christina M Dieli-Conwright
- Division of Population Sciences, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Anny H Xiang
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, 91101, USA
| | - Kathleen A Page
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
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5
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Cabral LLP, Browne RAV, Freire YA, Schwade D, Souto GC, Dantas M, Lima FAS, Farias-Junior LF, Costa EC, Barros JF. Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Performance in Multiple Domains of Executive Functions in School-Aged Adolescents. Front Physiol 2021; 12:640765. [PMID: 33737887 PMCID: PMC7960783 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.640765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and performance in multiple domains of executive functions in school–aged adolescents. A sample of 132 adolescents (43% girls) aged 11–16 years were included in this cross–sectional study. Each participant completed a progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance running (PACER) test, computerized cognitive tasks (Attentional Network, Berg’s Card Sorting, Go/No–Go oddball, Sternberg’s Working Memory, and Tower of London) and questionnaire for daytime sleepiness, as well as other factors that might influence cognitive performance (age, sex, school year, pubertal stage, and body mass index – BMI). Generalized linear model was used to calculate the coefficient estimates (β) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) for the cognitive tasks using PACER laps as a predictor, controlling for potential confounding variables. There was a negatively association of PACER laps with planning (β = –17.1, 95% CI –31.9, –2.3) and solution (β = –44.6, 95% CI –75.1, –14.2) time in performing the Tower of London task, as well as with perseverative errors in performing Berg’s task (β = –0.073, 95% CI –0.133, –0.013). Moderating effect of sex was found for the association of PACER laps with completed categories and perseverative errors in Berg’s task (p < 0.05). Mediating effect of BMI was found for the association between PACER laps and NoGo task, revealing a full mediator accounted for 81% of the total effect mediated (standardized indirect effect, –0.069, 95% CI –0.140, –0.020; standardized direct effect, 0.011, 95% CI –0.149, 0.165). No association was found for Attentional or Sternberg’s tasks. The findings suggest that school–aged adolescents with higher CRF level showed better planning and problem–solving abilities and cognitive flexibility. Additionally, the positive association of CRF with cognitive flexibility was sex–moderated and with inhibitory control was BMI–mediated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yuri Alberto Freire
- Graduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Daniel Schwade
- Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Costa Souto
- Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Matheus Dantas
- Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | | | - Eduardo Caldas Costa
- Graduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.,Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Jônatas França Barros
- Graduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.,Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
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Hernández D, Heinilä E, Muotka J, Ruotsalainen I, Lapinkero HM, Syväoja H, Tammelin TH, Parviainen T. Physical activity and aerobic fitness show different associations with brain processes underlying anticipatory selective visuospatial attention in adolescents. Brain Res 2021; 1761:147392. [PMID: 33639201 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147392] [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: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Current knowledge about the underlying brain processes of exercise-related benefits on executive functions and the specific contributions of physical activity and aerobic fitness during adolescence is inconclusive. We explored whether and how physical activity and aerobic fitness are associated with the oscillatory dynamics underlying anticipatory spatial attention. We studied whether the link between physical exercise level and cognitive control in adolescents is mediated by task-related oscillatory activity. Magnetoencephalographic alpha oscillations during a modified Posner's cueing paradigm were measured in 59 adolescents (37 females and 22 males, 12-17 years). Accelerometer-measured physical activity and aerobic fitness (20-m shuttle run test) were used to divide the sample into higher- and lower-performing groups. The interhemispheric alpha asymmetry during selective attention was larger in the high than in the low physical activity group, but there was no difference between the high and low aerobic fitness groups. Exploratory mediation analysis suggested that anticipatory interhemispheric asymmetry mediates the association between physical activity status and drift rate in the selective attention task. Higher physical activity was related to increased cue-induced asymmetry, which in turn was associated with less efficient processing of information. Behaviorally, more physically active males showed stronger dependence on the cue, while more fit females showed more efficient processing of information. Our findings suggest that physical activity may be associated with a neural marker of anticipatory attention in adolescents. These findings might help to explain the varying results regarding the association of physical activity and aerobic fitness with attention and inhibition in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Hernández
- Department of Psychology, Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Research, University of Jyväskylä, Mattilanniemi 6, FI-40014 Jyväskylä, Finland.
| | - Erkka Heinilä
- Department of Psychology, Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Research, University of Jyväskylä, Mattilanniemi 6, FI-40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Joona Muotka
- Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Mattilanniemi 6, FI-40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Ilona Ruotsalainen
- Department of Psychology, Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Research, University of Jyväskylä, Mattilanniemi 6, FI-40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Hanna-Maija Lapinkero
- Department of Psychology, Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Research, University of Jyväskylä, Mattilanniemi 6, FI-40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Heidi Syväoja
- LIKES Research Center for Physical Activity and Health, Jyväskylä, Rautpohjankatu 8, FIN-40700 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Tuija H Tammelin
- LIKES Research Center for Physical Activity and Health, Jyväskylä, Rautpohjankatu 8, FIN-40700 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Tiina Parviainen
- Department of Psychology, Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Research, University of Jyväskylä, Mattilanniemi 6, FI-40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
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Wade NE, Wallace AL, Sullivan RM, Swartz AM, Lisdahl KM. Association between brain morphometry and aerobic fitness level and sex in healthy emerging adults. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242738. [PMID: 33259511 PMCID: PMC7707547 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Aerobic fitness may be beneficial for neuroanatomical structure. However, few have investigated this in emerging adults while also accounting for potential sex differences. Here we examine aerobic fitness level, sex, and their interaction in relation to cortical thickness, surface area, and volume. METHOD Sixty-three young adults between the ages of 16-26 were balanced for sex and demonstrated a wide range of aerobic fitness levels. Exclusion criteria included left-handedness, past-year independent Axis-I disorders, major medical/neurologic disorders, prenatal medical issues, prenatal alcohol/illicit drug exposure, or excessive substance use. Participants completed an MRI scan and a graded exercise test to volitional fatigue (VO2 max). Data analyses were run in Freesurfer and data was corrected for multiple comparisons with Monte Carlo simulations at .05. RESULTS Males demonstrated higher VO2 values. Higher VO2 values were statistically independently related to thinner lateral occipital, superior parietal, cuneus, precuneus, and inferior parietal regions, smaller lateral occipital volume, and larger inferior parietal surface area. Compared to females, males had larger volume in rostral anterior cingulate, lateral occipital, and superior frontal regions, and greater surface area in fusiform, inferior parietal, rostral and caudal anterior cingulate, and superior parietal regions. VO2*Sex interactions revealed higher-fit females had higher inferior parietal, paracentral, and supramarginal surface area, while lower-fit males showed larger surface area in these same regions. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with higher aerobic fitness performance had thinner cortices, lower volume, and larger surface area in sensorimotor regions than lower fit individuals, perhaps suggesting earlier neuromaturation in higher fit individuals. Larger surface area was associated with higher-fit females and lower-fit males. Thus both sex and aerobic fitness are important in shaping brain health in emerging adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha E. Wade
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - Alexander L. Wallace
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States of America
| | - Ryan M. Sullivan
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States of America
| | - Ann M. Swartz
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States of America
| | - Krista M. Lisdahl
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States of America
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8
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Wade NE, Kaiver CM, Wallace AL, Hatcher KF, Swartz AM, Lisdahl KM. Objective aerobic fitness level and neuropsychological functioning in healthy adolescents and emerging adults: Unique sex effects. PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE 2020; 51:101794. [PMID: 35495562 PMCID: PMC9053538 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2020.101794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Objective Research suggests positive relationships between aerobic fitness and cognition in older adults; however, limited research has adequately investigated the relationship between objectively measured aerobic fitness and broad cognitive functioning in healthy adolescents and young adults without psychiatric or physical health disorders. Further, studies to date have disproportionately examined males and failed to examine sex differences. Here we examine the relationship between aerobic fitness and neuropsychological functioning in physically healthy youth and whether sex moderates these findings. Design Sixty-four healthy emerging adults (16-25 years-old; 32 female) underwent measurement of objective aerobic fitness (VO2 max) and neuropsychological assessment. Exclusion criteria included: left-handedness, prenatal medical issues or alcohol/illicit drug exposure, Axis-I psychiatric disorders, major medical disorders including metabolic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, major neurologic disorders, LOS greater than 2 min, intellectual disability or learning disability, regular substance use (e.g., greater than biweekly use of cannabis) or positive drug toxicology testing. Method Multiple regressions examined VO2 max, sex, sex*VO2interaction in relation to neurocognition, controlling for objectively measured body fat percentage. Results Prior to including body fat percentage, higher VO2 max related to improved working memory (Letter-Number Sequencing; p = .03) and selective attention (CPT-II hit response time standard error; p = .03). Aerobic fitness significantly interacted with sex, as higher-fit males had better performance on two sustained attention tasks while females did not demonstrate this pattern (CPT-II variability standard error, p = .047; Ruff 2&7 Total Speed, p = .02). Body fat percentage was positively slower cognitive flexibility (D-KEFS color-word switching/inhibition, p = .046). Conclusions VO2 independently predicted better working memory and selective attention. Increased aerobic fitness level related to increased performance on sustained attention tasks in males but not females. Therefore, aerobic fitness may be positively related to better cognitive functioning in physically healthy adolescents and emerging adults without metabolic conditions. Further research into factors (e.g., intensity or type of activity) that may relate to beneficial outcomes by sex are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ann M. Swartz
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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9
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Leahy AA, Michels MFI, Eather N, Hillman CH, Shigeta TT, Lubans DR, Smith JJ. Feasibility of test administration and preliminary findings for cognitive control in the Burn 2 learn pilot randomised controlled trial. J Sports Sci 2020; 38:1708-1716. [PMID: 32379010 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1756673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The feasibility requirements of administering field-based cognitive assessments are rarely reported. We examined the feasibility of administering a group-based cognitive test battery in a school setting with older adolescents. Several types of reliability were also assessed in the control group. Preliminary efficacy and the relationship between changes in fitness and changes in cognitive control were also explored following a 14-week HIIT intervention (3 sessions/week). Participants completed a cognitive test battery measuring inhibition (flanker), and working memory (n-back) at baseline and post-test. Health-related fitness assessments were also conducted. Test administration took approximately 30.8 ± 1.5 minutes to complete with up to six participants simultaneously. The test battery demonstrated acceptable reliability (ICC = 0.5-0.81), with significant changes observed for flanker incongruent accuracy, and 2-back non-target accuracy from baseline to post-test. Regarding efficacy, small-to-moderate effects were observed for accuracy outcomes, while several small associations were found between changes in fitness and changes in cognition. Findings from the current study suggest a cognitive test battery can be administered with older adolescents in a school setting. However, there remains a lack of adequate reporting of administration requirements for field-based cognitive assessments. Efficacy findings should be confirmed with a larger and more representative sample of older adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angus A Leahy
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Education, University of Newcastle , Callaghan, Australia
| | - Madieke F I Michels
- Chairgroup Health and Society, Wageningen University and Research , Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Narelle Eather
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Education, University of Newcastle , Callaghan, Australia
| | - Charles H Hillman
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University , Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, & Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University , Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - David R Lubans
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Education, University of Newcastle , Callaghan, Australia
| | - Jordan J Smith
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Education, University of Newcastle , Callaghan, Australia
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Pindus DM, Drollette ES, Raine LB, Kao SC, Khan N, Westfall DR, Hamill M, Shorin R, Calobrisi E, John D, Kramer AF, Hillman CH. Moving fast, thinking fast: The relations of physical activity levels and bouts to neuroelectric indices of inhibitory control in preadolescents. JOURNAL OF SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCE 2019; 8:301-314. [PMID: 31333883 PMCID: PMC6620425 DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Structured vigorous physical activity (VPA) can improve cognitive control in children, but studies relating daily physical activity (PA) to cognitive control have yielded conflicting findings. While objectively measured daily PA summarizes all occurrences of PA within a registered period, a minimum duration of continuous PA is required for registration of a PA bout. Because brief bouts of high-intensity PA can account for a large proportion of children's daily activity-related energy expenditure, this study assessed whether daily and bouted VPA were selectively related to cognitive control in preadolescents relative to other PA intensities. METHODS A total of 75 children between the ages of 8 and 10 years (49% girls) wore an ActiGraph wGT3X+ on the hip for 7 days. The acceleration signal from the vertical axis was summarized over 1 s, 5 s, and 15 s epochs. Daily and bouted moderate PA, moderate-to-vigorous PA, and VPA were measured. PA bouts were expressed as the frequency and time spent in 2 different continuous PA bouts, one lasting ≥10 s and the other lasting ≥30 s at a given intensity. Inhibitory control was assessed using behavioral responses to a modified flanker task (mean reaction time (RTmean) and accuracy). Attentional resource allocation and cognitive processing speed were measured using the amplitude and latency of the P3 component of event-related brain potentials, respectively. Associations between PA, behavioral indices of inhibitory control, P3 amplitude, and latency were assessed using hierarchical regression models. RESULTS Daily VPA was not related to RTmean or accuracy on either congruent or incongruent trials. In contrast, more time spent in VPA bouts lasting ≥30 s predicted shorter P3 latency across epochs and flanker congruencies (all β ≤ -0.24, all p ≤ 0.04). The associations between shorter P3 latency and the time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA bouts lasting ≥30 s were less consistent and largely limited to congruent trials (congruent: β (-0.31, -0.34)). No significant associations were observed upon correction for false discovery rate. CONCLUSION The pattern of uncorrected associations aligns with the dose-response literature and suggests that brief VPA bouts may yield the greatest benefits to cognitive processing speed in preadolescents. Future studies using measures of brain structure and function are needed to understand the mechanisms linking bouted VPA to neurocognitive function during childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika M. Pindus
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Eric S. Drollette
- School of Health and Human Sciences, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 6170, USA
| | - Lauren B. Raine
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Shih-Chun Kao
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Naiman Khan
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Daniel R. Westfall
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Morgan Hamill
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rebecca Shorin
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Emily Calobrisi
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Dinesh John
- Department of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Arthur F. Kramer
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Charles H. Hillman
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, & Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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11
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Ho S, Gooderham GK, Handy TC. Self-reported free-living physical activity and executive control in young adults. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209616. [PMID: 30586447 PMCID: PMC6306224 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
To what extent do our free-living physical activity (PA) levels impact our cognition? For example, if we engage in more intense PA from one week to the next, does this have a corresponding influence on cognitive performance? Across three studies, young adults completed a validated self-report questionnaire (the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, or IPAQ) assessing their involvement in PA at low, moderate, and vigorous intensities over the past week, as well as computer-based measures of executive control and attentional function. In Experiment 1 we found no significant effect of PA intensity on any of our measures of executive control. In a pair of follow-up control studies we examined whether these null findings could be attributed to testing fatigue and task complexity (Experiment 2), or low cognitive demands of the task (Experiment 3). Despite simplifying the task, reducing testing time, and increasing the cognitive load of the task, we still found no significant impact of weekly PA intensity on our measures of executive control. Taken together, our results show that self-reported PA over the past week, at any intensity level, does not appear to have a substantive impact on executive control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Ho
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - G. Kyle Gooderham
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Todd C. Handy
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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12
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Kiriishi K, Doi H, Magata N, Torisu T, Tanaka M, Ohkubo M, Haneda M, Okatomi M, Shinohara K, Ayuse T. Occlusal force predicts global motion coherence threshold in adolescent boys. BMC Pediatr 2018; 18:331. [PMID: 30336772 PMCID: PMC6194662 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-018-1309-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Beneficial effects of mastication on cognitive abilities in the elderly have been shown in human studies. However, little is currently known about the effect of masticatory stimulation on cognitive and perceptual ability in younger populations. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the influences of masticatory stimulation on perceptual ability in adolescent boys. Methods The present study examined the relationship between occlusal force (i.e., masticatory stimulation) and visual perception ability in adolescent boys. Visual perception ability was quantified by measuring global motion coherence threshold using psychophysical method. As an index of masticatory stimulation, occlusal force was measured by pressure sensitive film. We also measured participants’ athletic ability, e.g. aerobic capacity and grip strength, as potential confounding factor. Results The multiple regression analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between global motion coherence threshold and occlusal force, which persisted after controlling for confounding factors such as age and aerobic capacity. Conclusions This finding indicates that masticatory stimulation enhances visual perception in adolescent boys, indicating the possibility that beneficial effects of masticatory stimulation are observed not only in the elderly but in developing population consistently with the findings of the previous animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Kiriishi
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.,Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Doi
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Magata
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.,Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Torisu
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.,Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Mihoko Tanaka
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.,Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Kazuyuki Shinohara
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Takao Ayuse
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan. .,Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan.
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13
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Herting MM, Chu X. Exercise, cognition, and the adolescent brain. Birth Defects Res 2018; 109:1672-1679. [PMID: 29251839 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few adolescents engage in the recommended levels of physical activity, and daily exercise levels tend to drastically decrease throughout adolescence. Beyond physical health benefits, regular exercise may also have important implications for the teenage brain and cognitive and academic capabilities. METHODS This narrative review examines how physical activity and aerobic exercise relate to school performance, cognition, and brain structure and function. RESULTS A number of studies have found that habitual exercise and physical activity are associated with academic performance, cognitive function, brain structure, and brain activity in adolescents. We also discuss how additional intervention studies that examine a wide range of neurological and cognitive outcomes are necessary, as well as characterizing the type, frequency, and dose of exercise and identifying individual differences that contribute to how exercise may benefit the teen brain. CONCLUSIONS Routine exercise relates to adolescent brain structure and function as well as cognitive performance. Together, these studies suggest that physical activity and aerobic exercise may be important factors for optimal adolescent brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan M Herting
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, 90023
| | - Xiaofang Chu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, 90023
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14
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Guyatt AL, Stergiakouli E, Martin J, Walters J, O'Donovan M, Owen M, Thapar A, Kirov G, Rodriguez S, Rai D, Zammit S, Gaunt TR. Association of copy number variation across the genome with neuropsychiatric traits in the general population. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2018; 177:489-502. [PMID: 29687944 PMCID: PMC6099375 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Copy number variants (CNVs) are associated with psychiatric conditions in clinical populations. The relationship between rare CNV burden and neuropsychiatric traits in young, general populations is underexplored. A total of 6,807 children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) were studied. CNVs were inferred from single nucleotide polymorphism-array data using PennCNV. After excluding children with known candidate CNVs for schizophrenia (SCZ), rare (<1%) CNV burden (total number of genes affected by CNVs, total length of CNVs, and largest CNV carried) was analyzed in relation to: psychotic experiences (PEs) and anxiety/depression in adolescence; autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), ASD and ADHD traits, and cognitive measures during childhood. Outcomes were also assessed in relation to known SCZ CNVs. The number of genes affected by rare CNVs was associated with a continuous measure of ASD: the standardized mean difference [SMD] per gene affected was increased by 0.018 [95%CI 0.011,0.025], p = 3e-07 for duplications and by 0.021 [95%CI 0.010, 0.032], p = 1e-04 for deletions. In line with our published results on educational attainment in ALSPAC, intelligence quotient (IQ) was associated with CNV burden: the SMD per gene affected was -0.017 [95%CI -0.025, -0.008] p = 1e-04 for duplications and -0.023 [95%CI -0.037, -0.009], p = .002 for deletions. Associations were also observed for measures of coherence, attention, memory, and social cognition. SCZ-associated deletions were associated with IQ (SMD: -0.617 [95%CI -0.936, -0.298], p = 2e-04), but not with PEs or other traits. We found that rare CNV burden and known SCZ candidate CNVs are associated with neuropsychiatric phenotypes in a nonclinically ascertained sample of young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L. Guyatt
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, University of BristolBristolUnited Kingdom
| | - Evie Stergiakouli
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, University of BristolBristolUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Academic Mental Health, Population Health Sciences, University of BristolBristolUnited Kingdom
| | - Joanna Martin
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and GenomicsCardiff UniversityCardiffUnited Kingdom
- Department of Medical Epidemiology & BiostatisticsKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - James Walters
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and GenomicsCardiff UniversityCardiffUnited Kingdom
| | - Michael O'Donovan
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and GenomicsCardiff UniversityCardiffUnited Kingdom
| | - Michael Owen
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and GenomicsCardiff UniversityCardiffUnited Kingdom
| | - Anita Thapar
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and GenomicsCardiff UniversityCardiffUnited Kingdom
| | - George Kirov
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and GenomicsCardiff UniversityCardiffUnited Kingdom
| | - Santiago Rodriguez
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, University of BristolBristolUnited Kingdom
| | - Dheeraj Rai
- Centre for Academic Mental Health, Population Health Sciences, University of BristolBristolUnited Kingdom
| | - Stan Zammit
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, University of BristolBristolUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Academic Mental Health, Population Health Sciences, University of BristolBristolUnited Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and GenomicsCardiff UniversityCardiffUnited Kingdom
| | - Tom R. Gaunt
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, University of BristolBristolUnited Kingdom
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15
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Ishihara T, Morita N, Nakajima T, Okita K, Sagawa M, Yamatsu K. Modeling relationships of achievement motivation and physical fitness with academic performance in Japanese schoolchildren: Moderation by gender. Physiol Behav 2018; 194:66-72. [PMID: 29704529 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 04/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine, using structural equation modeling, the comprehensive relationships of achievement motivation (self-fulfillment achievement motivation [SFAM] and competitive achievement motivation [CAM]), daily behaviors (exercise habits, screen time, and learning duration), body mass index [BMI], and cardiorespiratory fitness [CRF]) with academic performance among schoolchildren. Three hundred twenty-five schoolchildren (172 males and 153 females; 12-13 years old) were recruited. Academic performance was assessed using the total grade points in 8 academic subjects (GP8); CRF using the 20-m shuttle run; and achievement motivation, daily behaviors, and socioeconomic status using questionnaires. Socioeconomic status was included as a control variable. In males, two cascade associations of achievement motivation to GP8 were detected: (1) SFAM → screen time/learning duration → GP8, and (2) CAM → exercise habit → CRF → GP8 (χ2 = 8.72, p = .19, AGFI = .92). In females, two cascade associations were also detected: (1) SFAM → screen time/learning habit → GP8, and (2) exercise habit → BMI2 → GP8 (χ2 = 6.17, p = .41, AGFI = .93). Our results suggest that greater achievement motivation is associated with academic success via various physiological/behavioral factors, and that these associations differ by gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Ishihara
- Tamagawa University Brain Science Institute, Machida, Japan
| | - Noriteru Morita
- Department of Sport Cultural Studies, Hokkaido University of Education, Iwamizawa, Japan.
| | - Toshihiro Nakajima
- Department of Teachers Training, Hokkaido University of Education, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Koichi Okita
- Department of Sport Education, Hokusho University, Ebetsu, Japan
| | - Masato Sagawa
- Department of Sport Cultural Studies, Hokkaido University of Education, Iwamizawa, Japan
| | - Koji Yamatsu
- Faculty of Education, Saga University, Saga, Japan
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16
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Mücke M, Andrä C, Gerber M, Pühse U, Ludyga S. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, executive functions and prefrontal brain oxygenation in children: A functional near-infrared spectroscopy study. J Sports Sci 2017; 36:630-636. [PMID: 28538108 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2017.1326619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite accumulating evidence that regular exercise improves executive functioning, the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms have rarely been investigated. The present study aimed to compare cognitive performance as well as task-specific concentration changes in oxygenated haemoglobin in the prefrontal cortex between children with higher and lower moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Physical activity was measured over 7 consecutive days using actigraphy. Afterwards, participants (N = 50) completed verbal fluency tests (VFTs) and mental arithmetic (MA) for the assessment of cognitive flexibility and working memory capacity. During the tasks, changes of oxygenated haemoglobin were measured with functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Using average MVPA of 11-year-old children as cut-point, the sample was divided into children with lower and higher MVPA. Analyses of variance revealed no significant differences in correct and false responses on the cognitive tests between groups. With regard to oxygenated haemoglobin, no group differences were found for concentration changes in response to the cognitive tasks. In conclusion, VFTs and MA increased children's activation in prefrontal regions associated with cognitive flexibility and working memory, respectively. However, these executive functions and cortical activation were not different between children with lower and higher MVPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Mücke
- a Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, Sport Science Section , University of Basel , Basel , Switzerland
| | - Christian Andrä
- b Department of School Sport, Institute of Sports Psychology and Physical Education, Faculty of Sports Science , Leipzig University , Leipzig , Germany
| | - Markus Gerber
- a Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, Sport Science Section , University of Basel , Basel , Switzerland
| | - Uwe Pühse
- a Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, Sport Science Section , University of Basel , Basel , Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Ludyga
- a Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, Sport Science Section , University of Basel , Basel , Switzerland
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17
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Ishihara T, Sugasawa S, Matsuda Y, Mizuno M. Relationship between sports experience and executive function in 6-12-year-old children: independence from physical fitness and moderation by gender. Dev Sci 2017; 21:e12555. [PMID: 28464437 DOI: 10.1111/desc.12555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between sports experience (i.e., tennis experience) and executive function in children while controlling for physical activity and physical fitness. Sixty-eight participants (6-12 years old, 34 males and 34 females) were enrolled in regular tennis lessons (mean = 2.4 years, range = 0.1-7.3 years) prior to the study. Executive functions, including inhibitory control (the Stroop Color-Word Test), working memory (the 2-back Task), and cognitive flexibility (the Local-global Task) were evaluated. Participants' levels of daily physical activity, ranging from moderate to vigorous, were evaluated using triaxial accelerometers. The total score for physical fitness was assessed using the Tennis Field Test. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed interaction effects between gender and tennis experience on participants' reaction time (RT) on the switch cost of the Local-global Task after controlling for age, BMI, gender, physical activity, physical fitness, and tennis experience. Longer tennis experience was associated with shorter switch cost in males but not in females. Higher scores on physical fitness were positively associated with lower interference scores on the Stroop Color-Word Test, RT on the 2-back Task, and RT in the switching condition of the Local-global Task, after controlling for age, BMI, gender, and physical activity. In conclusion, all three foundational components of executive function (i.e., inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility) were more strongly related to physical fitness than to physical activity in males and females, whereas greater cognitive flexibility was related to tennis experience only in the males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Ishihara
- Department of Physical Fitness Science, Graduate School of Education, Hokkaido University, Japan
| | | | | | - Masao Mizuno
- Faculty of Education, Hokkaido University, Japan
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18
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Faught EL, Ekwaru JP, Gleddie D, Storey KE, Asbridge M, Veugelers PJ. The combined impact of diet, physical activity, sleep and screen time on academic achievement: a prospective study of elementary school students in Nova Scotia, Canada. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2017; 14:29. [PMID: 28274260 PMCID: PMC5343372 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-017-0476-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Few studies have investigated the independent associations of lifestyle behaviors (diet, physical activity, sleep, and screen time) and body weight status with academic achievement. Even fewer have investigated the combined effect of these behaviors on academic achievement. We hypothesize that the combined effect of these behaviors will have a higher impact on academic achievement than any behavior alone, or that of body weight status. Methods In 2011, 4253 grade 5 (10–11 years old) students and their parents were surveyed about the child’s diet, physical activity, screen time and sleep. Students’ heights and weights were measured by research assistants. Academic achievement was measured using provincial standardized exams in mathematics, reading and writing, and was expressed as ‘meeting’ or ‘not meeting’ expectations as per standardized criterion. Exams were written 1 year following the measurement of lifestyle behaviors. Lifestyle behaviors were measured with self- and parental proxy reports and expressed as meeting recommendations (yes/no) for each behavior. Mixed effects logistic regression models adjusting for demographic confounders and caloric intake were used to determine the independent and combined associations. Results Meeting dietary recommendations was associated with increased likelihood of meeting academic expectations for each of math, reading and writing. Meeting recommendations for screen time and sleep was associated with meeting expectations for writing. For all three subjects, meeting additional lifestyle behavior recommendations was associated with higher likelihood of meeting expectations. Children who met 7–9 lifestyle behavior recommendations had greater than three-times the odds of meeting expectations for reading compared to those who met 0–3 recommendations (OR: 3.07, 95% CI: 2.09, 4.51), and 1.47 and 2.77 times the odds of meeting expectations in mathematics and writing, respectively. Body weight status was not associated with academic achievement. Conclusions We found that lifestyle behaviors, not body weight status, are strongly associated with student academic performance. Promoting compliance with established healthy lifestyle recommendations could improve both the health and educational outcomes of school-aged children. School-based health promotion initiatives that target multiple lifestyle behaviors may have a greater effect on academic achievement than those that focus on a single behavior. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12966-017-0476-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L Faught
- Population Health Intervention Research Unit, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-50 University Terrace, 8303-112 street, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2T4, Canada
| | - John P Ekwaru
- Population Health Intervention Research Unit, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-50 University Terrace, 8303-112 street, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2T4, Canada
| | - Douglas Gleddie
- Department of Elementary Education, University of Alberta, 436 Education South Tower, 11210 - 87 ave, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G5, Canada
| | - Kate E Storey
- Population Health Intervention Research Unit, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-50 University Terrace, 8303-112 street, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2T4, Canada
| | - Mark Asbridge
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Dalhousie University, Centre for Clinical Research, 4th Floor, 5790 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V7, Canada
| | - Paul J Veugelers
- Population Health Intervention Research Unit, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-50 University Terrace, 8303-112 street, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2T4, Canada.
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19
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Owens S, Galloway R, Gutin B. The Case for Vigorous Physical Activity in Youth. Am J Lifestyle Med 2016; 11:96-115. [PMID: 30202319 DOI: 10.1177/1559827615594585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although it is widely recognized that regular physical activity is associated with a variety of health-related benefits in youths, the extent to which vigorous physical activity, as opposed to moderate or light physical activity, may be especially beneficial for youths is not completely understood. This review will examine the evidence for the efficacy of vigorous physical activity for promoting the well-being of youths as indicated by body composition, physical fitness, cardiometabolic biomarkers, and cognitive function. Potential caveats associated with the promotion of vigorous physical activity among youths will also be discussed, as will the inclusion of vigorous physical activity in current recommendations by national organizations for physical activity among youths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Owens
- University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi (SO, RG).,Teachers College, Columbia University, New York (BG).,Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia (BG)
| | - Riley Galloway
- University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi (SO, RG).,Teachers College, Columbia University, New York (BG).,Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia (BG)
| | - Bernard Gutin
- University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi (SO, RG).,Teachers College, Columbia University, New York (BG).,Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia (BG)
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20
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Effectiveness of a School-Based Physical Activity Intervention on Cognitive Performance in Danish Adolescents: LCoMotion-Learning, Cognition and Motion - A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158087. [PMID: 27341346 PMCID: PMC4920412 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Physical activity is associated not only with health-related parameters, but also with cognitive and academic performance. However, no large scale school-based physical activity interventions have investigated effects on cognitive performance in adolescents. The aim of this study was to describe the effectiveness of a school-based physical activity intervention in enhancing cognitive performance in 12–14 years old adolescents. Methods A 20 week cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted including seven intervention and seven control schools. A total of 632 students (mean (SD) age: 12.9 (0.6) years) completed the trial with baseline and follow-up data on primary or secondary outcomes (74% of randomized subjects). The intervention targeted physical activity during academic subjects, recess, school transportation and leisure-time. Cognitive performance was assessed using an executive functions test of inhibition (flanker task) with the primary outcomes being accuracy and reaction time on congruent and incongruent trials. Secondary outcomes included mathematics performance, physical activity levels, body-mass index, waist-circumference and cardiorespiratory fitness. Results No significant difference in change, comparing the intervention group to the control group, was observed on the primary outcomes (p’s>0.05) or mathematics skills (p>0.05). An intervention effect was found for cardiorespiratory fitness in girls (21 meters (95% CI: 4.4–38.6) and body-mass index in boys (-0.22 kg/m2 (95% CI: -0.39–0.05). Contrary to our predictions, a significantly larger change in interference control for reaction time was found in favor of the control group (5.0 milliseconds (95% CI: 0–9). Baseline to mid-intervention changes in physical activity levels did not differ significantly between groups (all p’s>0.05). Conclusions No evidence was found for effectiveness of a 20-week multi-faceted school-based physical activity intervention for enhancing executive functioning or mathematics skills compared to a control group, but low implementation fidelity precludes interpretation of the causal relationship. Trial Registration www.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02012881
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Pindus DM, Drollette ES, Scudder MR, Khan NA, Raine LB, Sherar LB, Esliger DW, Kramer AF, Hillman CH. Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity, Indices of Cognitive Control, and Academic Achievement in Preadolescents. J Pediatr 2016; 173:136-42. [PMID: 26973149 PMCID: PMC4884513 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2016.02.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Revised: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether preadolescents' objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is associated with cognitive control and academic achievement, independent of aerobic fitness. STUDY DESIGN A sample of 74 children (Meanage = 8.64 years, SD = .58, 46% girls) were included in the analyses. Daily MVPA (min/d) was measured over 7 days using ActiGraph wGT3X+ accelerometer. Aerobic fitness was measured using a maximal graded exercise test and expressed as maximal oxygen uptake (mL*kg(-1)*min(-1)). Inhibitory control was measured with a modified Eriksen flanker task (reaction time and accuracy), and working memory with an Operation Span Task (accuracy scores). Academic achievement (in reading, mathematics, and spelling) was expressed as standardized scores on the Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement. The relationships were assessed using hierarchical regression models adjusting for aerobic fitness and other covariates. RESULTS No significant associations were found between MVPA and inhibition, working memory, or academic achievement. Aerobic fitness was positively associated with inhibitory control (P = .02) and spelling (P = .04) but not with other cognitive or academic variables (all P > .05). CONCLUSIONS Aerobic fitness, rather than daily MVPA, is positively associated with childhood ability to manage perceptual interference and spelling. Further research into the associations between objectively measured MVPA and cognitive and academic outcomes in children while controlling for important covariates is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika M. Pindus
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB1 8RN, UK,National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU
| | - Eric S. Drollette
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 906 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, 61801 IL, USA
| | - Mark R. Scudder
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 906 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, 61801 IL, USA
| | - Naiman A. Khan
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 906 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, 61801 IL, USA
| | - Lauren B. Raine
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 906 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, 61801 IL, USA
| | - Lauren B. Sherar
- National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU,The NIHR Leicester-Loughborough Diet, Lifestyle and Physical Activity Biomedical Research Unit
| | - Dale W Esliger
- National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU,The NIHR Leicester-Loughborough Diet, Lifestyle and Physical Activity Biomedical Research Unit
| | - Arthur F. Kramer
- The Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 317 Freer Hall, 405 N. Mathews Avenue, Urbana, 61801 IL, USA
| | - Charles H. Hillman
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 906 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, 61801 IL, USA
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Domazet SL, Tarp J, Huang T, Gejl AK, Andersen LB, Froberg K, Bugge A. Associations of Physical Activity, Sports Participation and Active Commuting on Mathematic Performance and Inhibitory Control in Adolescents. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146319. [PMID: 26727211 PMCID: PMC4699746 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To examine objectively measured physical activity level, organized sports participation and active commuting to school in relation to mathematic performance and inhibitory control in adolescents. Methods The design was cross-sectional. A convenient sample of 869 sixth and seventh grade students (12–14 years) was invited to participate in the study. A total of 568 students fulfilled the inclusion criteria and comprised the final sample for this study. Mathematic performance was assessed by a customized test and inhibitory control was assessed by a modified Eriksen flanker task. Physical activity was assessed with GT3X and GT3X+ accelerometers presented in sex-specific quartiles of mean counts per minute and mean minutes per day in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Active commuting and sports participation was self-reported. Mixed model regression was applied. Total physical activity level was stratified by bicycling status in order to bypass measurement error subject to the accelerometer. Results Non-cyclists in the 2nd quartile of counts per minute displayed a higher mathematic score, so did cyclists in the 2nd and 3rd quartile of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity relative to the least active quartile. Non-cyclists in the 3rd quartile of counts per minute had an improved reaction time and cyclists in the 2nd quartile of counts per minute and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity displayed an improved accuracy, whereas non-cyclists in the 2nd quartile of counts per minute showed an inferior accuracy relative to the least active quartile. Bicycling to school and organized sports participation were positively associated with mathematic performance. Conclusions Sports participation and bicycling were positively associated with mathematic performance. Results regarding objectively measured physical activity were mixed. Although, no linear nor dose-response relationship was observed there was no indication of a higher activity level impairing the scholastic or cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidsel L. Domazet
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, Division of Exercise Epidemiology, Centre of Research in Childhood Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Jakob Tarp
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, Division of Exercise Epidemiology, Centre of Research in Childhood Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, Division of Exercise Epidemiology, Centre of Research in Childhood Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Physical Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Anne Kær Gejl
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, Division of Exercise Epidemiology, Centre of Research in Childhood Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lars Bo Andersen
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, Division of Exercise Epidemiology, Centre of Research in Childhood Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Sport Medicine, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Karsten Froberg
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, Division of Exercise Epidemiology, Centre of Research in Childhood Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anna Bugge
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, Division of Exercise Epidemiology, Centre of Research in Childhood Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Marchetti R, Forte R, Borzacchini M, Vazou S, Tomporowski PD, Pesce C. Physical and Motor Fitness, Sport Skills and Executive Function in Adolescents: A Moderated Prediction Model. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.4236/psych.2015.614189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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