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Bi C, Cai R, Zhao Y, Lin H, Liu H. Associations between cardiorespiratory fitness and executive function in Chinese adolescents. Sci Rep 2024; 14:21089. [PMID: 39256417 PMCID: PMC11387637 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62481-6] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Executive function (EF) has a significant impact on career achievement in adolescence and later adulthood, and there are many factors that influence EF. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an important factor in the physical fitness of adolescents and is of great significance to healthy development. However, the current association between CRF and EF in Chinese adolescents is still unclear. For this reason, this study analysed the association between CRF and EF. A three-stage stratified cluster sampling method was used to investigate the demographic information, CRF, EF and multiple covariates of 1245 adolescents in China. One-way analysis of variance and chi-square test were used to compare the EF status of different CRFs. The association between CRF and EF was analysed using multiple linear regression analysis and logistic regression analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for relevant confounding factors, compared with Chinese adolescents with VO2max < P25, the inhibition function reaction time, 1back reaction time, 2back reaction time, and cognitive flexibility response time of adolescents with VO2max > P75 decreased by 1.41 ms, 238.73 ms, 273.09 ms, 74.14 ms. Logistic regression analysis showed that compared with Chinese adolescents with VO2max > P75, Chinese adolescents with VO2max < P25 developed inhibitory function dysfunction (OR 2.03, 95% CI: 1.29, 3.20), 1back dysfunction (OR 6.26, 95% CI 3.94, 9.97), 2back dysfunction (OR 8.94, 95% CI 5.40, 14.82), cognitive flexibility dysfunction (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.44, 3.57) The risk was higher (P < 0.01). There is a positive association between CRF and EF in Chinese adolescents. High-grade CRF adolescents have higher EF levels, that is, shorter response times. This study provides reference and lessons for better promoting adolescents' executive function development in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cunjian Bi
- School of Physical Education, Chizhou University, Chizhou, 247000, China
- Sports Health Promotion Center, Chizhou University, Chizhou, 247000, China
| | - Ruibao Cai
- School of Physical Education, Chizhou University, Chizhou, 247000, China
- Sports Health Promotion Center, Chizhou University, Chizhou, 247000, China
| | - Yongxing Zhao
- School of Physical Education, Chizhou University, Chizhou, 247000, China.
- Sports Health Promotion Center, Chizhou University, Chizhou, 247000, China.
| | - Hongniu Lin
- School of Physical Education, Chizhou University, Chizhou, 247000, China
- Sports Health Promotion Center, Chizhou University, Chizhou, 247000, China
| | - He Liu
- Research Department of Physical Education, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
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Etnier JL, Kibildis SW, DuBois SL. Exercise and Acute Cognitive Enhancement. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2024. [PMID: 39212905 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2024_492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Substantial research has explored the effects of a single session of exercise on cognitive performance. Meta-analytic reviews provide summary statistics relative to these effects when the cognitive task is performed while exercising and when performed after exercise. When performed concomitantly the effects of exercise are typically small or negative with the exception of moderate effects for speed of cognitive performance during moderate intensity exercise. When cognitive performance is assessed following the cessation of exercise, the effects are typically positive. When considering the effects following exercise, most studies have focused on executive function and episodic memory as the cognitive outcomes of interest with meta-analyses supporting small-to-moderate benefits. When potential moderators related to exercise parameters or participants characteristics are examined, results suggest that 20 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity exercise consistently benefits performance with larger effects evident for executive function tasks with higher cognitive demands, for long-term memory tasks when exercise is performed prior to information encoding, and when considering individuals with lower initial cognitive performance levels. These observed benefits are likely due to the impacts acute exercise can have on physiological arousal, brain function, and brain neurotrophic factors. Advancements in our understanding of the potential of a single session of exercise to benefit cognitive performance are important for exercise prescription and to inform chronic exercise programs designed to benefit cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Etnier
- Department of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA.
| | - Samuel W Kibildis
- Department of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Samantha L DuBois
- Department of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
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Wang J, Yang Y, Li L, Yang X, Guo X, Yuan X, Xie T, Yang K, Zhuang J. Comparative efficacy of physical activity types on executive functions in children and adolescents: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Sci Med Sport 2024; 27:187-196. [PMID: 38042755 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2023.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigates the impact of various physical activity (PA) types on executive functions (EFs) in children and adolescents. DESIGN A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. METHODS We searched databases such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science up to April 2023, including randomized controlled trials involving 6 distinct PA types for healthy children and adolescents. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the risk of bias, and a random-effects model in STATA 17.0 was used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS Ball Games emerged as the most effective modality for improving updating accuracy, securing a SUCRA score of 94.4 %, and for reducing inhibition reaction time, with a SUCRA score of 94.8 %. Cognitively Engaging Physical Activity led in improving inhibition accuracy with a SUCRA score of 71.7 %. Dance excelled in improving update accuracy and reducing shifting reaction time, with SUCRA scores of 86.6 % and 99.5 %, respectively. CONCLUSIONS PA has a significant benefit in EFs in children and adolescents, however the size of the effect varies by type of PA. Ball Games emerged as the most efficacious modality for enhancing updating accuracy and for expediting inhibition reaction time. Cognitively Engaging Physical Activity proved to be the preeminent strategy for improving inhibition accuracy. Dance was distinguished as the optimal approach for improving updating accuracy and reducing shifting reaction time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyu Wang
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, China; Officers College of PAP, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Institute for Brain Sciences Research, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, China
| | - Longkai Li
- Putuo District Sports Administration Center of Shanghai, China
| | | | | | | | - Ting Xie
- Chengdu Xinqiao Primary School, China
| | - Kunyi Yang
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, China
| | - Jie Zhuang
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, China.
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Lin C, Li D, Wang X, Yang S. Chronic exercise interventions for executive function in overweight children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Sports Act Living 2024; 6:1336648. [PMID: 38435336 PMCID: PMC10907994 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1336648] [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: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of chronic exercise in physical activity (PA) as an intervention for executive functions (EFs) in children. Methods We conducted a systematic search in the following online databases: Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and EBSCOhost. The timing is from database inception to July 2023, following PRISMA guidelines. Our inclusion criteria required studies reporting executive function (EF) levels in overweight children (age 0-18 years) before and after interventions. The Cochrane risk of bias tool assessed study bias, and Egger's test examined publication bias. Subgroup analyses considered three moderators: intervention duration, weekly frequency, and session length. Results The meta-analysis included a total of 10 studies with 843 participants. It revealed a statistically significant yet relatively small overall positive effect (g = 0.3, 95% CI 0.16-0.44, P < 0.01) of chronic exercise on EF in overweight children. Importantly, there was no significant heterogeneity (Q = 11.64, df = 12, P = 0.48; I2 = 0). Conclusions Chronic exercise interventions had a consistent positive impact on EF, irrespective of intervention duration, weekly frequency, or session length. However, given limitations in the number and design of studies, further high-quality research is needed to strengthen these conclusions. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO identifier (CRD42023468588).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shuo Yang
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
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Altermann W, Gröpel P. Physical fitness is related to concentration performance in adolescents. Sci Rep 2024; 14:587. [PMID: 38182759 PMCID: PMC10770038 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50721-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to test the relationship between physical fitness and attention in a sample of adolescents. The hypothesis was that the overall fitness as well as its single components (speed, endurance, strength, coordination, and flexibility) would be positively related to participants' performance in a test of attention. Participants were adolescent students (N = 140) aged 15 to 18 years. Physical fitness was measured with the German Motor Test. Attention was assessed with the d2-Test of Attention. Overall, physical fitness explained 26% of the variance in the attentional test performance. Endurance, strength, coordination, and flexibility were all positively linked to participants' attention, whereas speed was unrelated to attention. Endurance and flexibility better predicted how fast participants processed the test items, while strength and coordination better predicted the accuracy with which the participants detected the targets. Better physical fitness seems to be an advantage for adolescents' cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Altermann
- Division of Sport Psychology, Centre for Sport Science and University Sports, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Gröpel
- Division of Sport Psychology, Centre for Sport Science and University Sports, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Lane JM, Wright RO, Eggers S. The interconnection between obesity and executive function in adolescence: The role of the gut microbiome. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 153:105337. [PMID: 37524139 PMCID: PMC10592180 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
In the United States, adolescent obesity is a growing epidemic associated with maladaptive executive functioning. Likewise, data link the microbiome to obesity. Emerging microbiome research has demonstrated an interconnection between the gut microbiome and the brain, indicating a bidirectional communication system within the gut-microbiome-brain axis in the pathophysiology of obesity. This narrative review identifies and summarizes relevant research connecting adolescent obesity as it relates to three core domains of executive functioning and the contribution of the gut microbiome in the relationship between obesity and executive functions in adolescence. The review suggests that (1) the interconnection between obesity, executive function, and the gut microbiome is a bidirectional connection, and (2) the gut microbiome may mediate the neurobiological pathways between obesity and executive function deficits. The findings of this review provide valuable insights into obesity-associated executive function deficits and elucidate the possible mediation role of the gut microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamil M Lane
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert O Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, USA
| | - Shoshannah Eggers
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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Feng ZT, Mao ZX, Liu FB, Ou XW. Time course efficiency of MICE and HIIE on inhibitory control and HRV in adolescents with obesity and different cardiorespiratory fitness. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1242190. [PMID: 37663339 PMCID: PMC10470641 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1242190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescent obesity is associated with impaired inhibitory control. Acute exercise can improve executive function. However, due to the influence of exercise intensity, cognitive test timing, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CF) level, the most effective exercise program remains controversial. Methods The current study investigated the time-course effects of moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) and high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) on inhibitory control (Stroop) and task-related heart rate variability (HRV) in adolescents with different CF. A mixed experimental design of 2 CF levels (high CF, HCF; low CF, LCF) × 3 exercise methods (MICE, HIIE, CON) × 3 test timing (pre, post-0, post-20) was adopted. Heart rate variability (HRV) and Stroop task tests were conducted before exercise (pre), immediately after exercise (post-0), and 20 min after exercise (post-20). Results Individuals with HCF exhibited a positive decrease in Stroop response time immediately and 20 min after MICE and HIIE, compared to pretest response times (RT). Conversely, individuals with LCF showed a slight increase in Stroop task (RT) only immediately after HIIE. All individuals had a slight increase in ACC after MICE and HIIE compared to before exercise. In addition, compared with the control group, the time-domain index (the square root of the mean squared differences of successive NN intervals, RMSSD) of HRV was significantly decreased, the frequency-domain index (the absolute power of the Low-Frequency band/the absolute power of the High-Frequency band ratio, LF/HF) was significantly increased after MICE and HIIE, and the effect of HIIE on RMSSD and LF/HF was significantly greater than that of MICE. Conclusion The current study found that the acute effects of MICE and HIIE on inhibitory control in obese adolescents were influenced by the interaction of cognitive test timing and cardiorespiratory fitness. Individuals with high cardiorespiratory fitness performed better on the Stroop task than individuals with low cardiorespiratory fitness. The inhibitory control of HIIE in high-cardiorespiratory obese adolescents produced positive effects similar to those in MICE but more lasting, suggesting that HIIE is more beneficial for high-cardiorespiratory obese adolescents. MICE promoted inhibitory control in obese adolescents with low cardiorespiratory fitness, but HIIE impaired inhibitory control in obese adolescents with low cardiorespiratory fitness immediately after exercise, suggesting that low cardiopulmonary fitness obese adolescents may be suitable for MICE rather than HIIE exercise intervention. The shift from balanced HRV to sympathetic dominance after acute exercise reflects increased arousal levels and may be one of the underlying mechanisms by which acute exercise brings benefits to executive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan-Tao Feng
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
- College of Sports and Health, Shandong Sport University, Rizhao, China
| | - Zhi-Xiong Mao
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Feng-Bo Liu
- School of Physical Education, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Wei Ou
- College of Sports and Health, Shandong Sport University, Rizhao, China
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Liu X, Turel O, Xiao Z, Lv C, He Q. Neural differences of food-specific inhibitory control in people with healthy vs higher BMI. Appetite 2023; 188:106759. [PMID: 37390598 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.106759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Consistent with the idea that deficits in inhibition limit resistance to tempting, tasty, high-calorie foods, and might result in a higher BMI, we test whether people with higher BMIs (BMI >25 kg/m2) present inefficient inhibitory control over food-related responses. To unpack this association, we also examine individual differences in the neural mechanisms of food inhibitory control in healthy vs higher BMI individuals. We test these aspects with a sample of 109 participants (49 with higher BMI and 60 with healthy BMI) and the food stop-signal task, which was used to examine individuals' inhibitory control. Results demonstrated that people with higher BMI had significantly poorer food inhibitory control than healthy BMI individuals. fMRI results showed that, in both Go (Go_food vs Go_nature) and Stop conditions (Stop_food vs Stop_nature), compared to healthy BMI individuals, individuals with higher BMI had lower activation in the superior frontal gyrus, precuneus, precentral gyrus, and supramarginal gyrus in the food stimulus condition. Moreover, ROI analysis results showed that under the Stop_food condition, the activation in the inferior frontal gyrus in the higher BMI group was significantly negatively correlated with inhibitory control abilities. These results suggest that people with a higher BMI have limited ability to inhibit food impulsions, and that the prefrontal regions and parietal cortex may contribute to the progression of inhibitory control limitations in relation to food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Liu
- Faculty of Psychology, MOE Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ofir Turel
- Computing Information Systems, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Zhibing Xiao
- Faculty of Psychology, MOE Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chenyu Lv
- Faculty of Psychology, MOE Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qinghua He
- Faculty of Psychology, MOE Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Southwest University Branch, Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment toward Basic Education Quality at Beijing Normal University, Chongqing, China.
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Liu Y, Zhang F, Gan L, Shi L, Yin X, Guo Y, Sun P. Associations between waist circumference and executive function among Chinese Tibetan adolescents living at high altitude. Front Nutr 2023; 10:996785. [PMID: 37020808 PMCID: PMC10069088 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.996785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Associations between body composition and execution function (EF) were currently studied in low altitude (LA) areas. However, the research on the correlation between waist circumference (WC) and EF among adolescents living at high altitude (HA) was limited. Objective We sought to explore the association between WC and EF in Chinese Tibetan adolescents aged 13-18 years in HA areas. Methods After excluding invalid data and extreme values, 1,228 participants (583 boys and 645 girls) were eventually included. The areas of Lhasa (average elevation of 3650 m), Nagqu (4500 m), Qamdo (3500 m), and Nyingchi (3100 m) in China were chosen as study sites. Participants completed tasks to measure inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. The predictive association between WC and EF was explored by One-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and linear regression analysis. Results After controlling for concomitant variables, the reaction time (RT) of responding to inhibitory control (difference incongruent and congruent), working memory (1-back, 2-back), and cognitive flexibility (heterogeneous, difference in heterogeneous and homogeneous) stimuli in subjects with WC ≥ 85th percentile was longer than that in those with WC of the 15th percentile or below [by 1.785 ms (95% CI: 0.078, 3.491), 208.734 ms (95% CI: 96.886, 320.582), 106.679 ms (95% CI: 16.485, 196.873), 82.307 ms (95% CI: 19.171, 145.442), and 58.397 ms (95% CI: 0.343,116.452), respectively], (P < 0.05). Conclusion After adjustment for concomitant variables, WC was significantly positively associated with the RT of inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility among Chinese Tibetan adolescents in HA areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of the Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of the Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Leimin Gan
- Department of Physical Education, East China University of Political Science and Law, Shanghai, China
| | - Lijuan Shi
- Research Department of Primary Education and Preschool Education, Shanghai Teacher Training Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojian Yin
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of the Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaojian Yin,
| | - Yaru Guo
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of the Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengwei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of the Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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Longitudinal Changes of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Performance in High School: Association with Individual and School-Based Variables. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9121884. [PMID: 36553326 PMCID: PMC9776970 DOI: 10.3390/children9121884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to model adolescents' cardiorespiratory fitness performance change trajectories longitudinally across high school years and its relation to school- and individual/student-level factors. We employed hierarchical linear modeling to examine longitudinal cardiorespiratory fitness performance changes, as measured by the progressive aerobic capacity endurance run (PACER), over the years, between sexes, and in association with the school-level variables. Participants were 76,227 adolescents from 80 high schools in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. School-level academic performance (SAP), the percent of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals (FARM), and physical education student-faculty ratio were obtained with permission from the school districts. The number of laps completed in PACER test improved throughout the first three years of high school, however, proportions of those within the healthy fitness zone (HFZ) decreased overall from 9th to 11th grade. Furthermore, the number of laps completed by adolescents appeared to have plateaued at 11th grade, with a significant decline during the final year of high school. Sex-based discrepancies in performance in meeting HFZ were evident, where girls significantly outperformed boys during 9th and 10th grades, and boys significantly outperformed girls during 12th grade. Additionally, SAP and FARM were positively and negatively, respectively, significantly associated with PACER performance at the school level. The odds ratio of adolescents performing in the HFZ declined significantly over the years, even though the number of PACER laps improved in the first three years. Concerted efforts should be targeted at improving cardiorespiratory fitness in high school due to its positive relationship to academic achievement in schools, and negative association with cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and all-cause mortality in adulthood.
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Janicijevic D, Miras-Moreno S, Pérez Castilla A, Vera J, Redondo B, Jiménez R, García-Ramos A. Association of military-specific reaction time performance with physical fitness and visual skills. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14007. [PMID: 36068867 PMCID: PMC9441139 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of the present study was to explore whether military-specific reaction time (RT) test performance is affected by individuals' physical and visual skills. Method In a single testing session, the military-specific Simple and Go, No-Go RT, aerobic power (20-m Multistage Shuttle Run test), maximal upper- and lower-body mechanical capacities (bench press and squat against different loads), and visual skills (multiple object tracking and dynamic visual acuity) of 30 young men (15 active-duty military personnel and 15 sport science students) were evaluated. Results The main findings revealed that the Simple RT and Go, No-Go RT presented (1) with aerobic power non-significant small correlations in military personnel (r = -0.39 and -0.35, respectively) and non-significant negligible correlations in sport science students (r = -0.10 and 0.06, respectively), (2) inconsistent and generally non-significant correlations with the maximal mechanical capacities of the upper- and lower-body muscles (r range = -0.10, 0.67 and -0.27, 0.48, respectively), (3) non-significant correlations with visual skills (r magnitude ≥ 0.58) with the only exception of the Go, No-Go RT that was significantly correlated to all visual variables in the group of students (i.e., students who achieved better results during visual tests had shorter RT; r magnitude ≥ 0.58), and (4) none of the physical and visual variables significantly predicted the Simple RT or Go, No-Go RT. Conclusion Altogether, these results indicate that military-specific RT performance is generally independent of physical and visual skills in both military personnel and active university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danica Janicijevic
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China,Research Academy of Human Biomechanics, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China,University of Belgrade, Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, The Research Centre, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sergio Miras-Moreno
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Alejandro Pérez Castilla
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Jesus Vera
- CLARO (Clinical and Laboratory Applications of Research in Optometry) Research Group, Department of Optics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Beatriz Redondo
- CLARO (Clinical and Laboratory Applications of Research in Optometry) Research Group, Department of Optics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Raimundo Jiménez
- CLARO (Clinical and Laboratory Applications of Research in Optometry) Research Group, Department of Optics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Amador García-Ramos
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain,Department of Sports Sciences and Physical Conditioning, Faculty of Education, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción, Chile
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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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13
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Mayer MA, Catalani F, Fraire J, Deltetto N, Martín L, Beneitez A, Fischman D, Orden AB. Inhibitory control and obesity in adolescents: A prospective cohort study. Appetite 2022; 171:105910. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.105910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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14
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Contreras-Osorio F, Guzmán-Guzmán IP, Cerda-Vega E, Chirosa-Ríos L, Ramírez-Campillo R, Campos-Jara C. Effects of the Type of Sports Practice on the Executive Functions of Schoolchildren. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:3886. [PMID: 35409571 PMCID: PMC8998109 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19073886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
There is a close relationship between the development of complex motor skills and executive functions during childhood. This study aimed to analyze the differences in different dimensions of executive functions in children practicing an open-skill sport (handball) and a closed-skill sport (athletics) and controls who did not participate in sports activities after a 12-week intervention period. School-aged male and female subjects (n = 90; mean ± standard deviation = 11.45 ± 0.68 years) participated in a non-randomized controlled study. Data analysis was performed using the STATA V.15 statistical software. The athletics intervention promoted semantic fluency (p = 0.007), whereas handball increased inhibition (p = 0.034). Additionally, physical activity improved in both intervention groups (p = < 0.001), whereas sprint performance improved in the handball group following intervention (p = 0.008), lower body muscular power improved in athletics (p = 0.04), and evidence of improvement in upper body muscular strength was noted in handball (p = 0.037). In turn, an increase in the Physical Activity Questionnaire for older Children score showed an association with the Standard Ten scores of executive functions. In conclusion, compared to controls, both athletics and handball induced meaningful improvements in physical activity and executive functions. However, sport-specific adaptations were noted after athletics (i.e., semantic fluency and lower body muscular power) and handball (i.e., inhibition, sprint, and upper-body muscular strength).
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Affiliation(s)
- Falonn Contreras-Osorio
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain; (F.C.-O.); (L.C.-R.)
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Laboratory, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago de Chile 7591538, Chile;
| | - Iris Paola Guzmán-Guzmán
- Faculty of Chemical-Biological Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo de los Bravo 39087, Mexico;
| | - Enrique Cerda-Vega
- Pedagogy in Physical Education and Health Career, Department of Health Science, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago de Chile 7820436, Chile;
| | - Luis Chirosa-Ríos
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain; (F.C.-O.); (L.C.-R.)
| | - Rodrigo Ramírez-Campillo
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Laboratory, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago de Chile 7591538, Chile;
| | - Christian Campos-Jara
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Laboratory, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago de Chile 7591538, Chile;
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15
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Contreras-Osorio F, Guzmán-Guzmán IP, Cerda-Vega E, Chirosa-Ríos L, Ramírez-Campillo R, Campos-Jara C. Anthropometric Parameters, Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Executive Functions among Primary School Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19053045. [PMID: 35270736 PMCID: PMC8910200 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19053045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Physical activity during childhood and adolescence favors brain development and cognitive functioning, particularly the executive functions. This study aimed to assess potential associations between anthropometric parameters, physical activity, physical fitness, and executive functions among elementary school children returning to school after the COVID-19 lockdown in Chile. School-age male and female participants (n = 90; age, 10−12 years) participated in the study. To determine the association between variables, a multivariable linear regression analysis was performed. Higher fat-related anthropometric indexes were associated with lower working memory, cognitive flexibility, planning, and attention (r = −0.55 to −0.22; p = 0.031 to <0.001). In contrast, higher physical activity levels, better sprint performance, higher lower-body muscular power, and greater upper-body muscular strength were associated with better working memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibition, planning, and/or attention (r = 0.19 to −0.54; p = 0.04 to <0.001). Current results consistently suggest the need for adequate levels of physical activity, physical fitness, and anthropometric parameters among the school-age population to promote healthy and adequate executive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falonn Contreras-Osorio
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain; (F.C.-O.); (L.C.-R.)
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Laboratory, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago de Chile 7591538, Chile
| | - Iris Paola Guzmán-Guzmán
- Faculty of Chemical-Biological Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo de los Bravo 39087, Mexico;
| | - Enrique Cerda-Vega
- Pedagogy in Physical Education and Health Career, Department of Health Science, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago de Chile 7820436, Chile;
| | - Luis Chirosa-Ríos
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain; (F.C.-O.); (L.C.-R.)
| | - Rodrigo Ramírez-Campillo
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Laboratory, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago de Chile 7591538, Chile;
| | - Christian Campos-Jara
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Laboratory, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago de Chile 7591538, Chile
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-9-42057069
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16
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Zheng K, Zou L, Wei G, Huang T. Concurrent Performance of Executive Function during Acute Bouts of Exercise in Adults: A Systematic Review. Brain Sci 2021; 11:1364. [PMID: 34679428 PMCID: PMC8533767 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11101364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to systematically review the evidence on the effects of an acute bout of exercise on concurrent performance of core executive function (EF) during exercise in adults. Four electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and SportDiscus) were searched from inception dates to 30 December 2020. The literature searches were conducted using the combinations of two groups of relevant items related to exercise and executive function. Articles were limited to human studies in adults. The search process, study selection, data extraction, and study quality assessments were carried out independently by two researchers. A total of 4899 studies were identified. Twenty-two studies met our inclusion criteria. Of the 42 reported outcomes in the 22 studies, 13 (31%) of the 42 outcomes showed that core EF performance was enhanced during exercise and 14 (33%) found that core EF performance did not differ from control conditions. Fifteen (36%) found that core EF performance was impaired. Notably, improved EF performances tend to be observed during moderate-intensity exercise, whereas impaired EF performances were more likely to be observed at vigorous-high intensity. The review suggests mixed findings regarding the effects of an acute bout of exercise on concurrent performance of core EF. Exercise intensity seems to influence the effects. The underlying neural mechanisms remain to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kefeng Zheng
- Department of Physical Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China;
| | - Liye Zou
- Exercise Psychophysiology Laboratory, Institute of KEEP Collaborative Innovation, School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China;
| | - Gaoxia Wei
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100864, China;
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Physical Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China;
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17
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Jaakkola T, Hakkarainen A, Gråsten A, Sipinen E, Vanhala A, Huhtiniemi M, Laine A, Salin K, Aunio P. Identifying childhood movement profiles and comparing differences in mathematical skills between clusters: A latent profile analysis. J Sports Sci 2021; 39:2503-2508. [PMID: 34219620 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2021.1949114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this study were; 1) to identify different movement profiles in sixth graders, and 2) to investigate if there are differences in their mathematical basic (BasicMath) and problem solving (ProbSol) skills between existing movement profiles. The sample included 461 (223 girls, 238 boys) students with a mean age of 11.27 ± .32 years from southern and middle Finland. A latent profile analysis (LPA) revealed four movement profiles: "poor movers", "average movers", "skilled movers" and "expert movers". These profiles differed substantially in their motor competence (MC) and health-related fitness (HRF). A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) also revealed that "poor movers" and "average movers" obtained lower results in BasicMath comparing with "skilled movers". The results of this study suggest that cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, MC and BasicMath are interrelated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Jaakkola
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyvaskyla, Finland
| | - Airi Hakkarainen
- Open University of Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Arto Gråsten
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyvaskyla, Finland
| | - Elina Sipinen
- Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anssi Vanhala
- Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko Huhtiniemi
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyvaskyla, Finland
| | - Anu Laine
- Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kasper Salin
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyvaskyla, Finland
| | - Pirjo Aunio
- Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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18
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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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19
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Alatorre-Cruz GC, Downs H, Hagood D, Sorensen ST, Williams DK, Larson-Prior L. Effect of obesity on inhibitory control in preadolescents during stop-signal task. An event-related potentials study. Int J Psychophysiol 2021; 165:56-67. [PMID: 33872629 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Preadolescence is a period in which structural and functional changes occur in brain network reorganization that relate to the development of executive control functions, particularly in the areas of attention and cognitive inhibition. Obesity has been associated with a deficit in executive functions and behavioral and electrophysiological differences using the go/no-go task (proactive inhibition), but no study has assessed brain-electrical activity using the stop-signal task (reactive inhibition) in this population. Therefore, we hypothesized that obese preadolescents would show less efficiency in reactive inhibition than their same-age non-obese peers. To test this hypothesis, event-related potentials (ERPs) were collected during a stop-signal task and compared between 27 obese preadolescents (mean BMI = 25.9; 9.65 years old) and 29 normal-weight preadolescents (mean BMI = 17.5; 9.60 years old). No significant differences between groups were observed in behavioral responses. As for ERPs, the obese group had an electrophysiological pattern associated with less efficient conflict monitoring during the "no-go" condition (i.e., less modulation of N200 latency based on the experimental condition), differences in attentional allocation in the "go" condition (less modulation of P300a latency based on experimental condition), and difficulties in rule retrieval from working memory associated with the trial-type in both experimental conditions (smaller P300b amplitude). We conclude that obese preadolescents displayed less ability to modulate conflict-monitoring in the "no-go" condition and attention allocation in the "go" condition, evidencing differences between groups in the development of attention and inhibitory control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graciela C Alatorre-Cruz
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States of America; Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, 15 Children's Way, Little Rock, AR 72202, United States of America.
| | - Heather Downs
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, 15 Children's Way, Little Rock, AR 72202, United States of America.
| | - Darcy Hagood
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, 15 Children's Way, Little Rock, AR 72202, United States of America.
| | - Seth T Sorensen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States of America; Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, 15 Children's Way, Little Rock, AR 72202, United States of America.
| | - D Keith Williams
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, 15 Children's Way, Little Rock, AR 72202, United States of America; Department of Biostatistics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States of America.
| | - Linda Larson-Prior
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, 15 Children's Way, Little Rock, AR 72202, United States of America; Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, Pediatrics and Biomedical Informatics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR, United States of America.
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20
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Chandler MC, McGowan AL, Brascamp JW, Pontifex MB. Phasic activity of the locus-coeruleus is not a mediator of the relationship between fitness and inhibition in college-aged adults. Int J Psychophysiol 2021; 165:1-7. [PMID: 33774078 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2021.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Aerobic fitness is consistently and robustly associated with superior performance on assessments of cognitive control. One potential mechanism underlying this phenomenon is activation of the locus-coeruleus. Specifically, individuals with greater aerobic fitness may be better able to sustain engagement in a cognitively demanding task via a superior ability to meet the metabolic demands of this neural system. Accordingly, the present investigation examined 1) the relationship between aerobic fitness and phasic activation of the locus-coeruleus (indexed using pupillometry) and 2) the potential mediating influence of locus-coeruleus activity on the relationship between aerobic fitness and cognitive task performance. Participants performed an inhibition task while their pupillary responses were measured using an infrared eye tracker. A VO2max test was then performed to determine individuals' aerobic fitness levels. Consistent with previous research, higher levels of aerobic fitness were related to shorter reaction time. However, phasic activity of the locus-coeruleus did not mediate this relationship - nor did it relate to aerobic fitness level. These results suggest that aerobic fitness does not relate to differences in locus-coeruleus activity in the context of cognitive control in college-aged adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison C Chandler
- Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, United States of America.
| | - Amanda L McGowan
- Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, United States of America
| | - Jan W Brascamp
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, United States of America
| | - Matthew B Pontifex
- Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, United States of America
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21
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McGowan AL, Chandler MC, Pontifex MB. Aerobic fitness relates to superior exact and approximate arithmetic processing in college-aged adults. Trends Neurosci Educ 2021; 23:100154. [PMID: 34006363 DOI: 10.1016/j.tine.2021.100154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aerobic fitness relates to superior math achievement, but the underlying reasons remain unclear. This study tested how more efficient processing (efficiency hypothesis) or enhanced allocation of cognitive resources (resources hypothesis) underly fitness-related differences in arithmetic cognition in a sample of 138 college-aged adults. METHOD Participants completed an arithmetic task while pupillary measures were recorded prior to an aerobic fitness test. RESULTS Higher aerobic fitness was associated with shorter reaction time for all problems and greater pupillary reactivity for problems requiring approximate and exact arithmetic. CONCLUSIONS Superior aerobic fitness relates to greater cognitive resources available to execute exact and approximate arithmetic faster. Fitness-related differences in math achievement may be driven by the cognitive resources underlying arithmetic strategy. These differences may extend beyond educational achievement and affect the motivation to engage in health behaviors based on quantitative information. Thus, improving cardiovascular fitness has the potential to also ameliorate health numeracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L McGowan
- Department of Kinesiology Michigan State University, 308 W. Circle Drive, 38 IM Sports Circle, East Lansing, MI, United States, 48823.
| | - Madison C Chandler
- Department of Kinesiology Michigan State University, 308 W. Circle Drive, 38 IM Sports Circle, East Lansing, MI, United States, 48823
| | - Matthew B Pontifex
- Department of Kinesiology Michigan State University, 308 W. Circle Drive, 38 IM Sports Circle, East Lansing, MI, United States, 48823
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22
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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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23
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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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24
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Logan NE, Raine LB, Drollette ES, Castelli DM, Khan NA, Kramer AF, Hillman CH. The differential relationship of an afterschool physical activity intervention on brain function and cognition in children with obesity and their normal weight peers. Pediatr Obes 2021; 16:e12708. [PMID: 33249759 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.12708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity (PA) is beneficial for cognitive and brain health during preadolescence. Given that childhood obesity (OB) is a public health concern, investigating this effect in children with OB is an important societal consideration. OBJECTIVES To identify the effects of weight status and PA on neuroelectric indices of executive function in preadolescence. METHODS Children were randomly assigned to a PA intervention or a wait-list control group and completed a task that manipulated inhibitory control, while task performance and neuroelectric (P3 component) outcomes were assessed. About 103 children with OB were matched to a sample of 103 normal weight (NW) children based on treatment allocation and demographic variables. RESULTS Children with OB in the control group demonstrated reduced P3 amplitude from pre- to post-test, meanwhile those with OB in the PA intervention maintained P3 amplitude at post-test compared to pre-test. Additionally, NW children in the PA intervention group showed that decreased visceral adipose tissue corresponded with faster task performance, a relationship not observed in children with OB. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that a 9-month PA intervention may be particularly beneficial to the cognitive and brain health of children with OB. These results are important to consider given the public health concerns associated with childhood OB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole E Logan
- Northeastern University, Department of Psychology, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lauren B Raine
- Northeastern University, Department of Psychology, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eric S Drollette
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Department of Kinesiology, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Darla M Castelli
- University of Texas at Austin, Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Naiman A Khan
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Arthur F Kramer
- Northeastern University, Department of Psychology, Boston, MA, USA.,Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Charles H Hillman
- Northeastern University, Department of Psychology, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
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25
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Tarp J, Gejl AK, Hillman CH, Wedderkopp N, Bugge A. Does Additional Physical Education Improve Exam Performance at the End of Compulsory Education? A Secondary Analysis from a Natural Experiment: The CHAMPS-Study DK. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8010057. [PMID: 33477570 PMCID: PMC7831119 DOI: 10.3390/children8010057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
It remains unclear whether the provision of additional physical activity in school improves academic outcomes. We conducted a secondary analysis of the Childhood Health, Activity, and Motor Performance School Study Denmark (CHAMPS-study DK), a natural experiment based on a trebling of curricular physical education, to investigate whether children receiving additional physical education performed better on their academic exams at the conclusion of compulsory education (i.e., 9th grade). Children from six intervention schools received 3–7 years of exposure to 270 weekly minutes of physical education (sports schools), while children from four control schools received the 90-min national standard (normal schools). Academic performance was based on the standard Danish 7-point scale (ranging from −03 to 12) and retrieved from national registries. The primary outcome was calculated as the average exam grade. Comparisons of participants at sports and normal schools were adjusted for individual socioeconomic factors and school-level academic environment. There were no differences in the pooled exam performance among 691 sports- and 510 normal-school participants (0.20 (95% confidence interval: −0.12 to 0.52)). Results for subject-specific exams indicated similar results. This analysis from a non-randomized natural experiment did not provide evidence that simply adding additional physical education is sufficient to affect academic performance relative to the national standard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Tarp
- Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, 0863 Oslo, Norway
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +47-2-326-2322
| | - Anne Kær Gejl
- Department of Midwifery, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Psychomotor Therapy, Faculty of Health, University College Copenhagen, 1799 Copenhagen, Denmark; (A.K.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Charles H. Hillman
- Department of Psychology, Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, & Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Niels Wedderkopp
- Department of Regional Health, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark;
- Department of Orthopedics, University Hospital of South West Jutland, 6700 Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Anna Bugge
- Department of Midwifery, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Psychomotor Therapy, Faculty of Health, University College Copenhagen, 1799 Copenhagen, Denmark; (A.K.G.); (A.B.)
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26
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Shigeta TT, Leahy AA, Smith JJ, Eather N, Lubans DR, Hillman CH. Cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness associations with older adolescent cognitive control. JOURNAL OF SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCE 2021; 10:82-90. [PMID: 32442694 PMCID: PMC7856563 DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Participation in physical activity supports greater cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), a correlate of cognitive control. However, the relationship between muscular fitness (MF) and cognitive control is less clear. The present study investigated the differential relationship of CRF and MF with cognitive control in older adolescents. METHODS This cross-sectional study involved students (15-17 years old, n = 541, 43% female) from 20 secondary schools who completed tests of inhibition (modified flanker task), working memory (n-back task), CRF (Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run), and MF (standing long jump and push-up test). Multilevel analyses tested the association between CRF or MF and cognitive outcomes while accounting for the influence of the other fitness variable and relevant demographic factors. RESULTS CRF predicted response accuracy during incongruent flanker trials, the condition requiring greater inhibition. For the working memory task, CRF predicted greater target accuracy and greater d' scores on the 1-back task, requiring lesser amounts of working memory. In the 2-back task, which requires greater amounts of working memory, CRF also predicted greater target and non-target accuracy and d' scores. Comparatively, MF did not predict any cognitive outcomes after adjustment for CRF. CONCLUSION CRF was selectively related to better performance during task conditions that require greater amounts of inhibition and working memory. This finding suggests that CRF, but not MF, may benefit cognitive control in older adolescents. This selective influence of CRF on older adolescents' cognition highlights the value of aerobic physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya T Shigeta
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Angus A Leahy
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Jordan J Smith
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Narelle Eather
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - David R Lubans
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Charles H Hillman
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02131, USA
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27
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Silva EKP, Ramos IA, Brandão PS, Pereira RMDS, Brito SV, Moraes JFVND, Arsa G, Atlas S, Rasul A, Castro HDO, Lewis JE, Simões HG, Campbell CSG. A SINGLE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SESSION IMPROVES SUBSEQUENT ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN RURAL SCHOOL STUDENTS. REV BRAS MED ESPORTE 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/1517-8692202026062019_0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Introduction: Activity breaks or physical exercise interventions in schools are linked to better cognitive function in adolescents. However, few studies have evaluated the relationship between physical exercise and cognition in rural schools, where drop-out levels tend to be higher and academic achievement lower. Objective: To analyze the effects of a physical exercise class (PE) on subsequent academic performance of students, and how they felt during mathematics (MATH) and Portuguese language (PL) tests. Methods: Thirty-six students (14.9 ± 1.5 years) randomly carried out 30 min of PE, performed at 74.3 ± 11.8%HRmax, while a control group (CON) remained seated watching a movie, prior to the tests (PE-MATH; PE-PL; CON-MATH; CON-PL). Results: The PE-MATH group presented higher scores (5.3 ± 2.2) than the CON-MATH group (4.0 ± 2.2). The tests were completed more quickly in PE-PL (7.8 ± 3.3 minutes) than in CON-PL (10.5 ± 4.2 minutes). The number of correct answer per minute was higher in PE-MATH and PE-PL (0.52 ± 0.25; 0.64 ± 0.51) than in CON-MATH and CON-PL (0.35 ± 0.19; 0.41 ± 0.41). Furthermore, 38.9% of PE-MATH felt more focused during the test, while only 16.7% of CON-MATH felt more focused. During the Portuguese language test, 27.8% of CON-PL complained of greater apprehensiveness, compared to 8.3% for PE-PL. Also, 36.1% reported feeling fatigued during PL after PE, compared to 8.3% in the CON-PL group. Conclusions: PE improved the adolescents' academic performance. Despite feeling fatigue, more students who performed physical exercise felt less apprehensive and more focused during the tests after PE. Level of evidence I; STARD: studies of diagnostic accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Steve Atlas
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, United States
| | - Ammar Rasul
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, United States
| | - Henrique de Oliveira Castro
- Centro Universitário Instituto de Educação Superior de Brasília, Brazil; Faculdade Anhanguera de Ciência e Tecnologia de Brasília, Brazil
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28
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Wen HJ, Tsai CL. Effects of Acute Aerobic Exercise Combined with Resistance Exercise on Neurocognitive Performance in Obese Women. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10110767. [PMID: 33105799 PMCID: PMC7690637 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10110767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
To the best of the author’s knowledge, there have been no previous studies conducted on the effects of a combination of acute aerobic and resistance exercise on deficit of inhibitory control in obese individuals. The aim of this study was, thus, to examine the effect of a single bout of such an exercise mode on behavioral and cognitive electrophysiological performance involving cognitive interference inhibition in obese women. After the estimated VO2max and percentage fat (measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (Hologic, Bedford, MA, USA) were assessed, 32 sedentary obese female adults were randomly assigned to an exercise group (EG) and a control group (CG), with their behavioral performance being recorded with concomitant electrophysiological signals when performing a Stroop task. Then, the EG engaged in 30 min of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise combined with resistance exercise, and the CG rested for a similar duration of time without engaging in any type of exercise. After the interventions, the neurocognitive performance was measured again in the two groups. The results revealed that although acute exercise did not enhance the behavioral indices (e.g., accuracy rates (ARs) and reaction times (RTs)), cognitive electrophysiological signals were improved (e.g., shorter N2 and P3 latencies, smaller N2 amplitudes, and greater P3 amplitudes) in the Stroop task after the exercise intervention in the EG. The findings indicated that a combination of acute moderate-intensity aerobic and resistance exercise may improve the neurophysiological inhibitory control performance of obese women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huei-Jhen Wen
- Physical Education Center, College of Education and Communication, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
- Sports Medicine Center, Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (H.-J.W.); (C.-L.T.); Tel.: +886-3-8565-301 (ext. 1217) (H.-J.W.); +886-6-2757-575 (ext. 81809) (C.-L.T.)
| | - Chia-Liang Tsai
- Institution of Physical Education, Health and Leisure Studies, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (H.-J.W.); (C.-L.T.); Tel.: +886-3-8565-301 (ext. 1217) (H.-J.W.); +886-6-2757-575 (ext. 81809) (C.-L.T.)
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29
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Skog H, Lintu N, Haapala HL, Haapala EA. Associations of cardiorespiratory fitness, adiposity, and arterial stiffness with cognition in youth. Physiol Rep 2020; 8:e14586. [PMID: 32951313 PMCID: PMC7507089 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the associations of cardiorespiratory fitness, adiposity, and arterial stiffness with cognition in 16‐ to 19‐year‐old adolescents. Methods Fifty four adolescents (35 girls; 19 boys) participated in the study. Peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) and peak power output (Wmax) were measured by the maximal ramp test on a cycle ergometer and ventilatory threshold (VT) was determined with ventilation equivalents. Lean mass (LM) and body fat percentage (BF%) were measured using a bioelectrical impedance analysis. Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVao) and augmentation index (AIx%) were measured by a non‐invasive oscillometric device. Working memory, short term memory, visual learning and memory, paired‐associate learning, attention, reaction time, and executive function were assessed by CogState tests. Results V̇O2peak/LM (β = 0.36 p = .011) and Wmax/LM (β = 0.30 p = .020) were positively associated with working memory. Wmax/LM was also positively associated with visual learning (β = 0.37, p = .009). V̇O2 at VT/LM was positively associated with working memory (β = 0.30 p = .016), visual learning (β = 0.31 p = .026), and associated learning (β = −0.27 p = .040). V̇O2 at VT as % of V̇O2peak, BF%, PWVao, and AIx% were not associated with cognition. Conclusion Cardiorespiratory fitness was related to better cognitive function, while BF% and arterial stiffness were not associated with cognition in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannamari Skog
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio Campus, Finland
| | - Niina Lintu
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio Campus, Finland
| | - Henna L Haapala
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Eero A Haapala
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio Campus, Finland.,Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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30
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Czysz A. Impact of Medical Comorbidity in Biomarker Discovery for Major Depressive Disorder. Psychiatr Ann 2020. [DOI: 10.3928/00485713-20200507-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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31
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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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32
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Ruotsalainen I, Gorbach T, Perkola J, Renvall V, Syväoja HJ, Tammelin TH, Karvanen J, Parviainen T. Physical activity, aerobic fitness, and brain white matter: Their role for executive functions in adolescence. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2020; 42:100765. [PMID: 32072938 PMCID: PMC7013351 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2020.100765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical activity and exercise beneficially link to brain properties and cognitive functions in older adults, but the findings concerning adolescents remain tentative. During adolescence, the brain undergoes significant changes, which are especially pronounced in white matter. Studies provide contradictory evidence regarding the influence of physical activity or aerobic-exercise on executive functions in youth. Little is also known about the link between both fitness and physical activity with the brain's white matter during puberty. We investigated the connection between aerobic fitness and physical activity with the white matter in 59 adolescents. We further determined whether white matter interacts with the connection of fitness or physical activity with core executive functions. Our results show that only the level of aerobic fitness, but not of physical activity relates to white matter. Furthermore, the white matter of the corpus callosum and the right superior corona radiata moderates the links of aerobic fitness and physical activity with working memory. Our results suggest that aerobic fitness and physical activity have an unequal contribution to the white matter properties in adolescents. We propose that the differences in white matter properties could underlie the variations in the relationship between either physical activity or aerobic fitness with working memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Ruotsalainen
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Interdisciplinary Brain Research, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.
| | - Tetiana Gorbach
- Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Jaana Perkola
- Clinical Neurophysiology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland
| | - Ville Renvall
- Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland; AMI Centre, Aalto NeuroImaging, School of Science, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Heidi J Syväoja
- LIKES Research Centre for Physical Activity and Health, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Tuija H Tammelin
- LIKES Research Centre for Physical Activity and Health, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Juha Karvanen
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Tiina Parviainen
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Interdisciplinary Brain Research, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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33
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The association of the executive functions with overweight and obesity indicators in children and adolescents: A literature review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 107:59-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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34
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Oberste M, Javelle F, Sharma S, Joisten N, Walzik D, Bloch W, Zimmer P. Effects and Moderators of Acute Aerobic Exercise on Subsequent Interference Control: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Psychol 2019; 10:2616. [PMID: 31824387 PMCID: PMC6881262 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Acute aerobic exercise leads to positive physiological adaptations within the central nervous system. These findings inspired research on potential cognitive benefits following acute aerobic exercise. The effects of acute aerobic exercise on subsequent cognitive performance, by far, have been the most researched for interference control, a subcomponent of executive function. The results of primary studies on the effects of acute aerobic exercise on subsequent interference control performance are inconsistent. Therefore, we used meta-analytic methods to pool available effect sizes, and to identify covariates that determine the magnitude of exercise-induced interference control benefits. Methods: Medline, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus were searched for eligible records. Hedges' g corrected standardized mean difference values (SMDs) were used for analyses. Random-effects weights were used to pool effect sizes. Moderator analyses were conducted using meta-regressions and subgroups analyses. Covariates that were here tested for moderation included parameters of the applied exercise regimen (exercise intensity and exercise duration), characteristics of examined participants (age and fitness), and methodological features of existing research (type of control group, familiarization with test procedure, type of test variable, delay between exercise cessation, and testing). Results: Fifty studies, with data from 2,366 participants, were included in qualitative and quantitative synthesis. A small, significant beneficial effect of acute aerobic exercise on time-dependent measures of interference control was revealed (k = 49, Hedges' g = -0.26, 95%CI: -34 to -0.18). Effect sizes from time-dependent measures of interference control varied widely and heterogeneity reached statistical significance (T 2 = 0.0557, I 2 = 28.8%). Moderator analyses revealed that higher exercise intensities (vigorous intensity and high-intensity interval training), also participants at younger or older age, and participants who are familiar with the testing procedure prior to the experiment, benefitted most from acute aerobic exercise. However, noticeable heterogeneity remained unexplained within specific subgroups (high-intensity interval training, preadolescent children, and active and supervised control group). Conclusion: Acute aerobic exercise improves subsequent interference control performance. However, the covariates exercise intensity, participants' age, and familiarization with testing procedure determine the magnitude of that effect. Methodological features were not found to influence the magnitude of effects. This dismisses some doubts that exercise induced benefits for interference control performance are scientific artifacts. The fact that large heterogeneity remained unexplained in some subgroups indicates the need for further research on covariates within these subgroups. It should be noted that effect sizes for all analyses were small.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Oberste
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Sport Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Florian Javelle
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Sport Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sophia Sharma
- Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Niklas Joisten
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Sport Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - David Walzik
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Sport Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Wilhelm Bloch
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Sport Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Philipp Zimmer
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Sport Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Exercise and Health, Institute of Sports Science, Leibniz University Hannover, Hanover, Germany
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35
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Núñez JL, Mahbubani L, Huéscar E, León J. Relationships between cardiorespiratory fitness, inhibition, and math fluency: A cluster analysis. J Sports Sci 2019; 37:2660-2666. [PMID: 31448693 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2019.1654594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
This study identified clusters of adolescents who share similar cardiorespiratory fitness levels and analysed the relationships between cardiorespiratory fitness, inhibition, and math fluency in each of the clusters. The subjects were 490 high-school students aged 10-16 years. The mean age was 13.82 years (SD = 1.12). Latent class analysis identified three clusters with high, medium, and low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness. The high-fitness cluster achieved higher scores in inhibition and math fluency than the low-fitness cluster. Path analysis revealed that the influence of cardiorespiratory fitness on inhibition was non-existent in the three clusters. The effect of inhibition on math fluency was positive and significant in all three cardiorespiratory fitness levels. Cardiorespiratory fitness had a direct, positive, and significant effect on math fluency only in the high-fitness cluster. Therefore, a high level of cardiorespiratory fitness is a significant determining factor in the explanation of math fluency. These results indicate that inhibition does not mediate the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and math fluency. However, the benefits of cardiorespiratory fitness affect math fluency, which has important implications for the educational environment and the teaching/learning process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan L Núñez
- Department of Psychology, Sociology and Social Work, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria , Las Palmas de Gran Canaria , Spain
| | - Luis Mahbubani
- Department of Psychology, Sociology and Social Work, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria , Las Palmas de Gran Canaria , Spain
| | - Elisa Huéscar
- Department of Health Psychology, Miguel Hernández University of Elche , Alicante , Spain
| | - Jaime León
- Department of Education, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria , Las Palmas de Gran Canaria , Spain
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Gu Q, Zou L, Loprinzi PD, Quan M, Huang T. Effects of Open Versus Closed Skill Exercise on Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1707. [PMID: 31507472 PMCID: PMC6718477 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Exercise modes can be divided into open skill exercise (OSE) and closed skill exercise (CSE). While research has shown that these two exercise modes may have different effects on cognitive function, this possibility has not been systematically reviewed. Objective The purpose of the present review was to objectively evaluate the research literature regarding the effects of OSE versus CSE on cognitive function. Methods Six electronic databases (Web of Science, EMBASE, Google Scholar, PubMed, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus) were searched from inception dates to December 2018 for studies examining the associations of OSE and CSE with cognitive function. The literature searches were conducted using the combinations of two groups of relevant search items related to exercise modes (i.e., OSE and CSE) and cognitive function. Articles were limited to human studies in all age groups. Both intervention and observational studies with full text published in English-language peer-reviewed journals were considered eligible. The search process, study selection, data extraction, and study quality assessment were carried out independently by two researchers. Results A total of 1,573 articles were identified. Fourteen observational and five intervention studies met the inclusion criteria. Twelve of the 14 observational studies found that OSE benefits cognitive function, and seven of these 14 observational studies supported superior effects of OSE compared with CSE for enhancing cognitive function. Three of the five intervention studies found that OSE (versus CSE) led to greater improvements in cognitive function in both children and older adults. Conclusion Although the majority of studies in this review were observational cross-sectional designs, the review tends to support that OSE is more effective for improving some aspects of cognitive function compared with CSE. More rigorous randomized control trials with long-term follow-ups are needed in order to confirm these differential cognitive effects of the two exercise modes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Gu
- Department of Physical Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liye Zou
- Lifestyle (Mind-Body Movement) Research Center, College of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Paul D Loprinzi
- Exercise & Memory Laboratory, Department of Health, Exercise Science and Recreation Management, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, United States
| | - Minghui Quan
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Physical Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Associations of Cognitive Function with BMI, Body Fat Mass and Visceral Fat in Young Adulthood. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 55:medicina55060221. [PMID: 31142005 PMCID: PMC6631832 DOI: 10.3390/medicina55060221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Existing studies concerning the associations of cognitive function with adiposity in young adults are sparse. The purpose of the study was to examine the associations of adiposity with cognitive control in young adults. Materials and Methods: Participants were 213 young adults (98 women and 115 men). Cognitive control was measured using a modified task-switching paradigm. Anthropometrics were measured by standardized procedures. Body fat mass and visceral fat area were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results: The results showed that increased body mass index (BMI, p = 0.02), body fat percentage (p = 0.02), and visceral fat area (p = 0.01) were significantly correlated with larger global switch costs of accuracy in women. In men, high levels of body fat percentage (p = 0.01) and visceral fat area (p = 0.03) were significantly correlated with larger local switch costs of reaction time. Conclusions: The results indicated that elevated adiposity was associated with worse performance on measures of cognitive control in young adults.
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Xue Y, Yang Y, Huang T. Effects of chronic exercise interventions on executive function among children and adolescents: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med 2019; 53:1397-1404. [PMID: 30737201 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2018-099825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To synthesise randomised controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the effects of chronic exercise interventions on different domain-specific executive functions (EFs) among children and adolescents. DESIGN Systematic review with meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES PsycINFO, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Academic Search Premier, Embase and Web of Science were searched. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES RCTs or cluster RCT design, which employ chronic exercise interventions and target healthy children (age 6-12 years) and adolescents (age 13-17 years). We defined chronic exercise as physical activity (PA) which consists of multiple exercise sessions per week and lasts for an extended period of time (typically over 6 weeks). RESULTS We included 19 studies, with a total of 5038 participants. The results showed that chronic exercise interventions improved overall EFs (standardised mean difference (SMD)=0.20, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.30, p<0.05) and inhibitory control (SMD=0.26, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.45, P<0.05). In meta regression, higher body mass index was associated with greater improvements in overall EFs performance (β=0.03, 95% CI 0.0002 to 0.06, p<0.05), whereas age and exercise duration were not. In subgroup analysis by intervention modality, sports and PA programme (SMD=0.21, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.31, p<0.05) and curricular PA (SMD=0.39, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.69, p<0.05) improved overall EFs performance, but integrated PA did not (SMD=0.02, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.09, p>0.05). Interventions with a session length < 90 minutes improved overall EFs performance (SMD=0.24, 95%CI 0.10 to 0.39, p=0.02), but session length ≥ 90 minutes did not (SMD=0.05, 95%CI -0.03 to 0.14). No other moderator was found to have an effect. CONCLUSIONS Despite small effect sizes, chronic exercise interventions, implemented in curricular or sports and PA programme settings, might be a promising way to promote multiple aspects of executive functions, especially inhibitory control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Xue
- Department of Physical Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- School of Kinesiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Yanxiang Yang
- Department of Physical Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Physical Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Haynes W, Waddington G, Adams R, Isableu B. Relationships Between Accuracy in Predicting Direction of Gravitational Vertical and Academic Performance and Physical Fitness in Schoolchildren. Front Psychol 2018; 9:1528. [PMID: 30190696 PMCID: PMC6115510 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhanced levels of cardio-respiratory fitness (CRF) and physical activity (PA) are both positively associated with health and academic outcomes, but less is known about the spatial processing and perceptual components of PA. Perception of vertical (PV) is a spatial orientation ability that is important for PA, and is usually measured as relative accuracy in aligning an object to gravitational vertical against a tilted background. However, evidence is inconclusive regarding the relationship of PV to educational outcomes – most importantly, numeracy. Students were recruited from primary schools in the Australian Capital Territory. A group of 341 (females n = 162, mean age 11.3 years) children performed all the tests required for this study. A computerised rod and frame test of PV employing a small (20°) visual angle was administered, and socio-economic status (SES), national education test results (NAPLAN, 2010), and CRF and PA data were collected. Correlation and hierarchical regression analysis were used to examine the inter-relationships between PV and CRF, PA, SES and NAPLAN results. The two extreme quartile score groups from the measures of PV, PA and CRF were examined in relation to NAPLAN scores. PV scores arising from testing with a small visual angle and SES were found to be significantly associated with overall academic scores, and with the Numeracy, Reading, and Writing components of academic performance. Female gender was significantly associated with Writing score, and male with Numeracy score. Being less influenced by the background tilted frame, and therefore having visual field independence (FI), was associated with significantly higher academic scores, with the largest effect in Numeracy scores (effect size, d = 0.82) and also associated with higher CRF and PA levels. FI was positively associated with all the academic modules examined, and most strongly with Numeracy test results, suggesting that FI provides an indicator of STEM ability. These findings suggest that further longitudinal research into strategies designed to enhance visual FI deserve consideration, with a focus on specialized PA programs for pre-pubescent children. It is possible that small visual angle spatial tasks during PA may stimulate neural networks involved in numerical cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne Haynes
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Gordon Waddington
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Roger Adams
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Brice Isableu
- Aix-Marseille Univ., PSYCLE, Aix-en-Provence, France
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Raine L, Drollette E, Kao SC, Westfall D, Chaddock-Heyman L, Kramer AF, Khan N, Hillman C. The Associations between Adiposity, Cognitive Function, and Achievement in Children. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2018; 50:1868-1874. [PMID: 29727406 PMCID: PMC6095815 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000001650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Although obesity has been related to measures of academic achievement and cognition in children, the influence of fat distribution, specifically visceral adiposity, on select aspects of achievement and cognitive function remains poorly characterized among preadolescent children. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation of adiposity, particularly visceral adipose tissue (VAT), on achievement and cognitive function among children. METHODS Children with obesity (ages 8-9 yr old, N = 55, 35 females) completed cognitive and academic tests. Normal weight children (N = 55, 35 females) were matched to this group on demographic characteristics and aerobic fitness. Covariate analyses included age, Brief Intellectual Ability, socioeconomic status, and fat-free V˙O2 (V˙O2 peak adjusted for lean mass; mL·kg lean·min). Adiposity (i.e., whole body percent fat, subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue, and VAT) was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS The results of this study revealed that, relative to their normal weight counterparts, children with obesity had significantly lower performance on tests of reading and math. Analyses revealed that among children with obesity, %Fat and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue were not related to cognitive abilities. However, higher VAT was associated with poorer intellectual abilities (Ps ≤ 0.04) and cognitive performance (i.e., thinking ability and cognitive efficiency, Ps ≤ 0.04). However, among normal weight children, VAT was positively associated with intellectual abilities and cognitive efficiency. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the results suggest that VAT was selectively and negatively related with cognition among children with obesity. Along with the dangerous metabolic nature of VAT, its detrimental relationship with obese children's intellectual and cognitive functioning is concerning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Raine
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
| | - Eric Drollette
- Department of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
| | - Shih-Chun Kao
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
| | - Daniel Westfall
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
| | | | - Arthur F Kramer
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Naiman Khan
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Charles Hillman
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
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41
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Increased Adiposity as a Potential Risk Factor for Lower Academic Performance: A Cross-Sectional Study in Chilean Adolescents from Low-to-Middle Socioeconomic Background. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10091133. [PMID: 30134573 PMCID: PMC6165189 DOI: 10.3390/nu10091133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We explored the association between excess body fat and academic performance in high school students from Santiago, Chile. In 632 16-year-olds (51% males) from low-to-middle socioeconomic status (SES), height, weight, and waist circumference were measured. Body-mass index (BMI) and BMI for age and sex were calculated. Weight status was evaluated with 2007 World Health Organization (WHO) references. Abdominal obesity was diagnosed with International Diabetes Federation (IDF) references. Total fat mass (TFM) was measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). TFM values ≥25% in males and ≥35% in females were considered high adiposity. School grades were obtained from administrative records. Analysis of covariance examined the association of fatness measures with academic performance, accounting for the effect of diet and physical activity, and controlling SES background and educational confounders. We found that: (1) having obesity, abdominal obesity, or high adiposity was associated with lower school performance alone or in combination with unhealthy dietary habits or reduced time allocation for exercise; (2) high adiposity and abdominal obesity were more clearly related with lower school grades compared to obesity; (3) the association of increased fatness with lower school grades was more salient in males compared to females.
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42
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Westfall DR, Gejl AK, Tarp J, Wedderkopp N, Kramer AF, Hillman CH, Bugge A. Associations Between Aerobic Fitness and Cognitive Control in Adolescents. Front Psychol 2018; 9:1298. [PMID: 30158882 PMCID: PMC6104451 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research has found positive associations between cognitive control and aerobic fitness in preadolescents and adults; however, fewer studies have investigated these associations in adolescents. Adolescence is of particular interest due to continued maturation of the prefrontal cortex; an area that subserves cognitive control. This study investigated the associations of aerobic fitness and cognitive control in adolescents. An assessment of aerobic fitness (Andersen intermittent running test) and two tests of cognitive control were collected to investigate these associations. Participants completed a test of inhibitory control (flanker task) and a test of cognitive flexibility (switch task). Along with traditional measures of reaction time (RT) and accuracy, diffusion modeling was utilized to combine these measures to calculate latent variables (i.e., drift rate, boundary separation, and nondecision time). Associations between cognitive measures and fitness were assessed with linear regressions while controlling for potential confounding factors. Higher fitness was associated with shorter reaction time and higher accuracy in the flanker task, indicating better inhibitory control performance. In addition, greater aerobic fitness was associated with greater quality of information uptake in the flanker task, as indicated by drift rate. In the switch task, higher aerobic fitness was associated with greater accuracy and longer switch RT indicating a speed-accuracy tradeoff. Results from the switch task diffusion modeling supported this conclusion as indicated by greater fitness associated with greater boundary separation, or response conservativeness. Further, greater drift rate in the switch task was associated with greater fitness. These findings corroborate growing evidence indicating the importance of aerobic fitness for inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. This study extends the literature by demonstrating these effects in a large sample of adolescents with a computational model of the mechanisms that underlie cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Westfall
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Anne K Gejl
- Centre of Research in Childhood Health, Institute for Sport Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jakob Tarp
- Centre of Research in Childhood Health, Institute for Sport Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Niels Wedderkopp
- Centre of Research in Childhood Health, Institute for Sport Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Sports Medicine Clinic Orthopedic Department, Institute of Regional Health Research, Middelfart Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Middlefart, Denmark
| | - Arthur F Kramer
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States.,Beckman Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Charles H Hillman
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Anna Bugge
- Centre of Research in Childhood Health, Institute for Sport Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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43
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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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44
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Cardiorespiratory fitness and academic performance association is mediated by weight status in adolescents: DADOS study. Eur J Pediatr 2018; 177:1037-1043. [PMID: 29704057 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-018-3159-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The aim of our study was to examine the mediation effect of weight status on the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and academic performance (AP). Two hundred sixty-nine adolescents (140 boys) aged 13.9 ± 0.3 years old from the DADOS study were included in this cross-sectional analysis. CRF was assessed by the 20-m shuttle run test and estimated maximum oxygen uptake was used in the analysis. AP was assessed through the final academic grades and the Science Research Associates Test of Educational Abilities for assessing reasoning, verbal, and numeric abilities. Weight status was assessed by body mass index (kg/m2). Boot-strapped mediation procedures were performed and indirect effects (IE) with confidence intervals (CI) not including zero were considered statistically significant. Mediation analysis revealed that weight status acted as a mediator of the relationship of CRF with reasoning ability (IE = 0.039; CI = 0.001; 0.091) and the final grades in Math (IE = 0.011; CI = 0.002; 0.025), Language (IE = 0.013; CI = 0.004; 0.027), and GPA (IE = 0.011; CI = 0.003; 0.023). CONCLUSIONS Our data show that the influence of CRF on academic performance is mediated by weight status in adolescents. We suggest that our data could be considered by educators, families, and policy makers, so that active lifestyles might be promoted when designing programs aimed to improve AP among adolescents. What is Known: • Academic performance is associated with both, cardiorespiratory fitness and weight status. • The role of weight status in the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and academic performance is poorly understood. What is New: • We support the scarce research investigating the mediating role of weight status as mechanism in the association between fitness and academic performance in youth. • Previous knowledge is expanded by suggesting that cardiorespiratory fitness is related to weight status which in turn may positively influence academic performance in adolescents.
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Pearce AL, Leonhardt CA, Vaidya CJ. Executive and Reward-Related Function in Pediatric Obesity: A Meta-Analysis. Child Obes 2018; 14:265-279. [PMID: 29874102 PMCID: PMC7141423 DOI: 10.1089/chi.2017.0351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined the effect of pediatric obesity on executive function and reward-related decision-making, cognitive processes that are relevant to obesogenic behaviors, and evaluated their association with sample (e.g., age, gender, intelligence, and socioeconomic status, SES) and study/task (e.g., categorical/continuous variable, food stimuli) characteristics. METHODS A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted using Hedge's g effect sizes of published studies from 1960 to 2016, limited to children younger than the age of 21 years without medical comorbidities. Analysis included estimation of heterogeneity (τ2), publication bias (funnel-plot symmetry and fail-safe N), and sensitivity analyses for sample and study/task characteristics. RESULTS Across 68 studies with 70 samples, obesity was associated with worse functioning overall (-0.24; 95CI: -0.30 to -0.19; p < 0.001) and for each component process (attention, switching, inhibition, interference, working memory, reward, delay of gratification: -0.19 to -0.38; p's < 0.017), except trait impulsivity (-0.06; 95CI: -0.18 to 0.07). Deficits increased with age and female composition of the sample for inhibition (p = 0.002). No other characteristics moderated effect of obesity. CONCLUSIONS Small-to-moderate negative associations with obesity were observed for executive and reward-related performance, but not on reported impulsivity in studies with children younger than the age of 21 years. These results were not moderated by IQ, SES, and study/task characteristics. Age and gender moderated association with inhibition, with a larger obesity-related deficit in older and predominantly female samples. These results suggest cognitive and demographic intervention targets for prevention and mitigation of obesogenic behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chandan J. Vaidya
- Department of Psychology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC.,Children's Research Institute, Washington, DC
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Bugge A, Möller S, Westfall DR, Tarp J, Gejl AK, Wedderkopp N, Hillman CH. Associations between waist circumference, metabolic risk and executive function in adolescents: A cross-sectional mediation analysis. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199281. [PMID: 29912925 PMCID: PMC6005548 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to investigate the associations between waist circumference, metabolic risk factors, and executive function in adolescents. Methods: The study was cross-sectional and included 558 adolescents (mean age 14.2 years). Anthropometrics and systolic blood pressure (sysBP) were measured and fasting blood samples were analyzed for metabolic risk factors. A metabolic risk factor cluster score (MetS-cluster score) was computed from the sum of standardized sysBP, triglycerides (TG), inverse high-density lipid cholesterol (HDLc) and insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment). Cognitive control was measured with a modified flanker task. Results: Regression analyses indicated that after controlling for demographic variables, HDLc exhibited a negative and TG a positive association with flanker reaction time (RT). Waist circumference did not demonstrate a statistically significant total association with the cognitive outcomes. In structural equation modeling, waist circumference displayed an indirect positive association with incongruent RT through a higher MetS-cluster score and through lower HDLc. The only statistically significant direct association between waist circumference and the cognitive outcomes was for incongruent RT in the model including HDLc as mediator. Conclusions: These findings are consonant with the previous literature reporting an adverse association between certain metabolic risk factors and cognitive control. Accordingly, these results suggest specificity between metabolic risk factors and cognitive control outcomes. Further, results of the present study, although cross-sectional, provide new evidence that specific metabolic risk factors may mediate an indirect association between adiposity and cognitive control in adolescents, even though a direct association between these variables was not observed. However, taking the cross-sectional study design into consideration, these results should be interpreted with caution and future longitudinal or experimental studies should verify the findings of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bugge
- Centre of Research in Childhood Health, Institute for Sport Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, University College Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Sören Möller
- OPEN–Odense Patient Data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital and Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Daniel R. Westfall
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston MA, United States of America
| | - Jakob Tarp
- Centre of Research in Childhood Health, Institute for Sport Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anne K. Gejl
- Centre of Research in Childhood Health, Institute for Sport Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Niels Wedderkopp
- Centre of Research in Childhood Health, Institute for Sport Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Sports Medicine clinic Orthopedic Department, Middelfart Hospital, Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Middelfart, Denmark
| | - Charles H. Hillman
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston MA, United States of America
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, & Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston MA, United States of America
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47
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Chang YK, Chu CH, Chen FT, Hung TM, Etnier JL. Combined Effects of Physical Activity and Obesity on Cognitive Function: Independent, Overlapping, Moderator, and Mediator Models. Sports Med 2018; 47:449-468. [PMID: 27439944 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-016-0589-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This article reviews studies on physical activity, obesity, and cognition to explore how physical activity and obesity may work independently or together in affecting cognitive function. In particular, we propose six hypotheses derived from four conceptual models to advance our understanding of the combined effects of physical activity and obesity on cognition. The four conceptual models are distinguished by the presumed temporal relationship and the presumed correlation between physical activity and obesity and include an independent model, an overlapping model, a moderator model, and a mediator model. Among the 16 studies testing the effects of physical activity and obesity on cognition in a combined approach, the moderator model, viewing either physical activity or obesity as the potential moderator, was most frequently examined (n = 10), mediator (n = 3) and independent (n = 2) models received relatively less attention, and only a single study used an overlapping model. Results were mixed when considering the moderator, independent, and mediator models. The single study that took an overlapping model approach found support for the model hypothesis. One relevant observation from this review is that the variance within the small extant literature with respect to the choice of conceptual model limits our ability to make assertive conclusions relative to the relations among the examined variables. Given the logic supporting a combined effect of physical activity and obesity on cognition, researchers are encouraged to consider the possible models of the relationship as they design studies to further address this research question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Kai Chang
- Graduate Institute of Athletics and Coaching Science, National Taiwan Sport University, No. 250 Wenhua 1st Rd., Guishan, 333, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China.
| | - Chien-Heng Chu
- Graduate Institute of Athletics and Coaching Science, National Taiwan Sport University, No. 250 Wenhua 1st Rd., Guishan, 333, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Feng-Tzu Chen
- Graduate Institute of Athletics and Coaching Science, National Taiwan Sport University, No. 250 Wenhua 1st Rd., Guishan, 333, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Tsung-Min Hung
- Department of Physical Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Jennifer L Etnier
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, P.O. Box 26170, Greensboro, NC, 27402-6170, USA.
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Wylie SA, Bashore TR, Van Wouwe NC, Mason EJ, John KD, Neimat JS, Ally BA. Exposing an "Intangible" Cognitive Skill among Collegiate Football Players: Enhanced Interference Control. Front Psychol 2018; 9:49. [PMID: 29479325 PMCID: PMC5811505 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
American football is played in a chaotic visual environment filled with relevant and distracting information. We investigated the hypothesis that collegiate football players show exceptional skill at shielding their response execution from the interfering effects of distraction (interference control). The performances of 280 football players from National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I football programs were compared to age-matched controls in a variant of the Eriksen flanker task (Eriksen and Eriksen, 1974). This task quantifies the magnitude of interference produced by visual distraction on split-second response execution. Overall, football athletes and age controls showed similar mean reaction times (RTs) and accuracy rates. However, football athletes were more proficient at shielding their response execution speed from the interfering effects of distraction (i.e., smaller flanker effect costs on RT). Offensive and defensive players showed smaller interference costs compared to controls, but defensive players showed the smallest costs. All defensive positions and one offensive position showed statistically smaller interference effects when compared directly to age controls. These data reveal a clear cognitive advantage among football athletes at executing motor responses in the face of distraction, the existence and magnitude of which vary by position. Individual differences in cognitive control may have important implications for both player selection and development to improve interference control capabilities during play.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott A. Wylie
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Theodore R. Bashore
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO, United States
| | - Nelleke C. Van Wouwe
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Emily J. Mason
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Kevin D. John
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Joseph S. Neimat
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Brandon A. Ally
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
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Santana CCA, Hill JO, Azevedo LB, Gunnarsdottir T, Prado WL. The association between obesity and academic performance in youth: a systematic review. Obes Rev 2017; 18:1191-1199. [PMID: 28742946 DOI: 10.1111/obr.12582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have found that obesity could influence academic performance. The aim of this study was to systematically review the scientific evidence on the association between obesity and academic performance in school children. A systematic review of English articles was undertaken by using databases PubMed/Medline, ERIC, LILACS, SciELO and Web of Science. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies examining the association between obesity and academic performance in children and adolescents, published between January 1990 and December 2016, were included. Risk of bias was assessed by using Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology. Thirty-four studies (23 cross-sectional and 11 longitudinal) matched all inclusion criteria and were included. Seven studies were classified as low risk of bias, 23 as medium risk and four as high risk. After controlling for covariates such as socio-economic status, parental education and physical activity, the association between obesity and academic performance becomes uncertain for most of the studies (55.9%). Therefore, at present, there is insufficient evidence to support a direct link between obesity and poor academic performance in school age children. In order to clarify this issue, we need more longitudinal studies with adequate sample sizes and that control for potential confounders.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C A Santana
- Physical Education Post Graduate Program, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - J O Hill
- Anschutz Center for Health and Wellness, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA
| | - L B Azevedo
- School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - T Gunnarsdottir
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - W L Prado
- Physical Education Post Graduate Program, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.,Department of Human Movement Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Santos, Brazil
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Fonseca Del Pozo FJ, Alonso JV, Álvarez MV, Orr S, Cantarero FJL. Physical fitness as an indicator of health status and its relationship to academic performance during the prepubertal period. Health Promot Perspect 2017; 7:197-204. [PMID: 29085796 PMCID: PMC5647354 DOI: 10.15171/hpp.2017.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Physical activity (PA) is considered one of the most important determinants of the health status in children, and predictor of morbidity/mortality in adults. The aim is to examine the relationship between physical fitness (PF), PA, obesity and academic performance (AP) in primary school children. Methods: Cross-sectional studies including 91 primary school students, aged 9 to 12 years, from the province of Córdoba. Data was collected from April to June 2014. We measured PF using part of the EUROFIT fitness testing battery. The level of PA was measured as low or high PF and the level of obesity was measured using body mass index, waist circumference, percentage of fat mass, lean body mass, percentage of lean mass and basal metabolism. AP by scores on the second quarter was based on the total average of scores of basic subjects and other subjects, including physical education. Cognitive performance was assessed by the Spanish overall and factorial intelligence test. Results: The results of AP were positively related to levels of PF. Students who achieve better PF score better in Maths, (P=0.019), Natural Sciences (P=0.024), Religion (P=0.018) and Physical Education (P<0.001). A direct association between maximal aerobic capacity with Mathematics (r=0.325, P=0.02), AP (r=0.349, P=0.001) and cognitive performance (CP)(r=0.312, P=0.003) was observed. There was also a direct association of better jump tests with higher AP (r=0.328, P=0.002). Conclusion: The AP is associated with higher levels of fitness. Therefore, the education system should consider implementing curriculum strategies favouring the improvement of the PF, and therefore the health and AP of students.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joaquín Valle Alonso
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK
| | | | - Siobhan Orr
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK
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