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Huang P, Tint MT, Lee M, Ngoh ZM, Gluckman P, Chong YS, Han W, Fu Y, Wee CL, Fortier MV, Ang KK, Lee YS, Yap F, Eriksson JG, Meaney MJ, Tan AP. Functional activity of the caudate mediates the relation between early childhood microstructural variations and elevated metabolic syndrome scores. Neuroimage 2023; 278:120273. [PMID: 37473977 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic syndrome score in children assesses the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in future. We aim to probe the role of the caudate in relation to the metabolic syndrome score. Furthermore, using both functional and structural neuroimaging, we aim to examine the interplay between functional and structural measures. METHODS A longitudinal birth cohort study with functional and structural neuroimaging data obtained at 4.5, 6.0 and 7.5 years and metabolic syndrome scores at 8.0 years was used. Pearson correlation and linear regression was used to test for correlation fractional anisotropy (FA) and fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (fALFF) of the caudate with metabolic syndrome scores. Mediation analysis was used to test if later brain measures mediated the relation between earlier brain measures and metabolic syndrome scores. Inhibitory control was also tested as a mediator of the relation between caudate brain measures and metabolic syndrome scores. RESULTS FA at 4.5 years and fALFF at 7.5 years of the left caudate was significantly correlated with metabolic syndrome scores. Post-hoc mediation analysis showed that fALFF at 7.5 years fully mediated the relation between FA at 4.5 years and metabolic syndrome scores. Inhibitory control was significantly correlated with fALFF at 7.5 years, but did not mediate the relation between fALFF at 7.5 years and metabolic syndrome scores. CONCLUSIONS We found that variations in caudate microstructure at 4.5 years predict later variation in functional activity at 7.5 years. This later variation in functional activity fully mediates the relation between microstructural changes in early childhood and metabolic syndrome scores at 8.0 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Huang
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Mya Thway Tint
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Marissa Lee
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Zhen Ming Ngoh
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Peter Gluckman
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore; Centre for Human Evolution, Adaptation and Disease, Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yap Seng Chong
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore; Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, National University Hospital Singapore, Singapore
| | - Weiping Han
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore; Center for Neuro-Metabolism and Regeneration Research, Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, China; School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu Fu
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Caroline Lei Wee
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Marielle V Fortier
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore; Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Kai Keng Ang
- Institute for Infocomm Research, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore; School of Computer Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Yung Seng Lee
- Department of Paedatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fabian Yap
- Department of Paediatrics, Endocrinology Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Johan G Eriksson
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Human Potential Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michael J Meaney
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Brain - Body Initiative, Agency for Science and Technology (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Ai Peng Tan
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore; Department of Diagnostic Imaging, National University Hospital Singapore, Singapore.
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2
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Kobiec T, Mardaraz C, Toro-Urrego N, Kölliker-Frers R, Capani F, Otero-Losada M. Neuroprotection in metabolic syndrome by environmental enrichment. A lifespan perspective. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1214468. [PMID: 37638319 PMCID: PMC10447983 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1214468] [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: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined by the concurrence of different metabolic conditions: obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia. Its incidence has been increasingly rising over the past decades and has become a global health problem. MetS has deleterious consequences on the central nervous system (CNS) and neurological development. MetS can last several years or be lifelong, affecting the CNS in different ways and treatments can help manage condition, though there is no known cure. The early childhood years are extremely important in neurodevelopment, which extends beyond, encompassing a lifetime. Neuroplastic changes take place all life through - childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age - are highly sensitive to environmental input. Environmental factors have an important role in the etiopathogenesis and treatment of MetS, so environmental enrichment (EE) stands as a promising non-invasive therapeutic approach. While the EE paradigm has been designed for animal housing, its principles can be and actually are applied in cognitive, sensory, social, and physical stimulation programs for humans. Here, we briefly review the central milestones in neurodevelopment at each life stage, along with the research studies carried out on how MetS affects neurodevelopment at each life stage and the contributions that EE models can provide to improve health over the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Kobiec
- Facultad de Psicología, Centro de Investigaciones en Psicología y Psicopedagogía, Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Centro de Altos Estudios en Ciencias Humanas y de la Salud, Universidad Abierta Interamericana, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Mardaraz
- Centro de Altos Estudios en Ciencias Humanas y de la Salud, Universidad Abierta Interamericana, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Toro-Urrego
- Centro de Altos Estudios en Ciencias Humanas y de la Salud, Universidad Abierta Interamericana, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rodolfo Kölliker-Frers
- Centro de Altos Estudios en Ciencias Humanas y de la Salud, Universidad Abierta Interamericana, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Francisco Capani
- Centro de Altos Estudios en Ciencias Humanas y de la Salud, Universidad Abierta Interamericana, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Matilde Otero-Losada
- Centro de Altos Estudios en Ciencias Humanas y de la Salud, Universidad Abierta Interamericana, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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3
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Sadler JR, Thapaliya G, Ranganath K, Gabay A, Chen L, Smith KR, Osorio RS, Convit A, Carnell S. Paediatric obesity and metabolic syndrome associations with cognition and the brain in youth: Current evidence and future directions. Pediatr Obes 2023; 18:e13042. [PMID: 37202148 PMCID: PMC10826337 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.13042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Obesity and components of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) are associated with differences in brain structure and function and in general and food-related cognition in adults. Here, we review evidence for similar phenomena in children and adolescents, with a focus on the implications of extant research for possible underlying mechanisms and potential interventions for obesity and MetS in youth. Current evidence is limited by a relative reliance on small cross-sectional studies. However, we find that youth with obesity and MetS or MetS components show differences in brain structure, including alterations in grey matter volume and cortical thickness across brain regions subserving reward, cognitive control and other functions, as well as in white matter integrity and volume. Children with obesity and MetS components also show some evidence for hyperresponsivity of food reward regions and hyporesponsivity of cognitive control circuits during food-related tasks, altered brain responses to food tastes, and altered resting-state connectivity including between cognitive control and reward processing networks. Potential mechanisms for these findings include neuroinflammation, impaired vascular reactivity, and effects of diet and obesity on myelination and dopamine function. Future observational research using longitudinal measures, improved sampling strategies and study designs, and rigorous statistical methods, promises to further illuminate dynamic relationships and causal mechanisms. Intervention studies targeted at modifiable biological and behavioural factors associated with paediatric obesity and MetS can further inform mechanisms, as well as test whether brain and behaviour can be altered for beneficial outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R. Sadler
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Gita Thapaliya
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kushi Ranganath
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrea Gabay
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Liuyi Chen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kimberly R. Smith
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ricardo S. Osorio
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, New York, USA
| | - Antonio Convit
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, New York, USA
| | - Susan Carnell
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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4
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Siersbaek GM, Have M, Wedderkopp N. The Effect of Leisure Time Sport on Executive Functions in Danish 1st Grade Children. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9101458. [PMID: 36291397 PMCID: PMC9601112 DOI: 10.3390/children9101458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Physical inactivity can influence children’s executive functions with severe impact on wellbeing and academic learning. The objective is to study the effect of leisure time sport on executive functions in Danish 1st grade children, and secondary to explore if socio-economy is a confounder for associations between leisure time sport and executive functions. This study is a sub-study nested within a cluster-randomized controlled trial with two arms (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02488460). 505 children from twelve schools, mean age 7.2 ± 0.3 years participated. Outcomes for executive function were “Modified Eriksen Flanker/Reverse Flanker Task” and “Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function” (BRIEF-P). Parents used SMS-tracking to register their children’s leisure time sport. Multivariate analyzes was performed using mixed linear regression, with adjustment for highest parental education, sex, municipality, and school-type. We found that leisure time sport seems to significantly improve working memory (WM) with nearly 20%, and furthermore it seems to be a significant predictor of ‘Initiate’ (the ability to begin an activity, to generate ideas, responses or problem-solving strategies). Socio-economy was not found to be a confounder. This study lends support to the hypothesis that leisure time sport is related to working memory capacity in children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mona Have
- Danish School of Education, Campus Emdrup, 2400 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Wedderkopp
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-63-48-42-96
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5
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Chou TY, Caccese JB, Huang YL, Glutting JJ, Buckley TA, Broglio SP, McAllister TW, McCrea MA, Pasquina PF, Kaminski TW. Effects of Pre-Collegiate Sport Specialization on Cognitive, Postural, and Psychological Functions: Findings from the NCAA-DoD CARE Consortium. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042335. [PMID: 35206522 PMCID: PMC8871746 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Early sport specialization has been associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries and unfavorable psychological outcomes; however, it is unknown whether sport specialization is associated with worse cognitive, postural, and psychological functions in first-year collegiate student-athletes. Methods: First-year collegiate multisport (MA) and single-sport (SA) student-athletes were identified using a pre-collegiate sport experience questionnaire. The cognitive, postural, and psychological functions were assessed by the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT), Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC), Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), and Brief Symptom Inventory 18 (BSI-18). Results: MA student-athletes performed higher in cognitive outcomes (e.g., higher ImPACT visual memory composite scores [ß = 0.056, p < 0.001]), but had higher psychological distress (e.g., higher BSI-18 global severity index [ß = 0.057, p < 0.001]) and no difference in postural stability (p > 0.05) than SA student-athletes. Conclusions: This study indicated first-year collegiate athletes with a history of sport specialization demonstrate lower cognitive performance but decreased psychological distress and no differences in static postural stability as compared to their MA counterparts. Future studies should consider involving different health measures to better understand the influence of sport specialization on overall physical and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Yeh Chou
- Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, 547 South College Avenue, Newark, DE 19716, USA; (T.-Y.C.); (T.A.B.); (T.W.K.)
| | - Jaclyn B. Caccese
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, 453 W 10th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Yu-Lun Huang
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, National Taiwan Normal University, No. 162, Sec. 1, Heping E. Rd., Da’an Dist., Taipei City 106, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-7749-3198
| | - Joseph J. Glutting
- School of Education, University of Delaware, 106 Alison Hall West, Newark, DE 19716, USA;
| | - Thomas A. Buckley
- Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, 547 South College Avenue, Newark, DE 19716, USA; (T.-Y.C.); (T.A.B.); (T.W.K.)
| | - Steven P. Broglio
- Michigan Concussion Center, School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, 830 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Thomas W. McAllister
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Indiana University, 340 West 10th Street Fairbanks Hall, Suite 6200, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Michael A. McCrea
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA;
| | - Paul F. Pasquina
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA;
| | - Thomas W. Kaminski
- Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, 547 South College Avenue, Newark, DE 19716, USA; (T.-Y.C.); (T.A.B.); (T.W.K.)
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6
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Hsieh SS, Raine LB, Ortega FB, Hillman CH. The Role of Chronic Physical Activity in Alleviating the Detrimental Relationship of Childhood Obesity on Brain and Cognition. JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s41465-021-00230-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Childhood obesity and its negative relation with children’s brain health has become a growing health concern. Over the last decade, literature has indicated that physical activity attenuates cognitive impairment associated with obesity and excess adiposity in children. However, there is no comprehensive review that considers the extent to which these factors affect different domains of cognition. This narrative review comprehensively summarizes behavioral, neuroimaging, and neuroelectric findings associated with chronic physical activity and fitness on brain and cognition in childhood obesity. Based on the literature reviewed, increased adiposity has a demonstrated relationship with neurocognitive health via mechanisms triggered by central inflammation and insulin resistance, with the most pronounced decrements observed for cognitive domains that are prefrontal- and hippocampal-dependent. Fortunately, physical activity, especially interventions enhancing aerobic fitness and motor coordination, have demonstrated efficacy for attenuating the negative effects of obesity across different subdomains of structural and functional brain imaging, cognition, and multiple academic outcomes in children with overweight or obesity. Such mitigating effects may be accounted for by attenuated central inflammation, improved insulin sensitivity, and increased expression of neurotrophic factors. Lastly, individual differences appear to play a role in this relationship, as the manipulation of physical activity characteristics, the employment of a wide array of cognitive and academic measures, the inclusion of different adiposity measures that are sensitive to neurocognitive function, and the utilization of an inter-disciplinary approach have been found to influence the relationship between physical activity and excess adiposity on brain and cognition.
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7
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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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8
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Shi D, Geng F, Hu Y, Xu Q. Physical Activity Modulates the Effect of Cognitive Control on Episodic Memory. Front Psychol 2020; 11:696. [PMID: 32390909 PMCID: PMC7191071 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00696] [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: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical activity may improve cognitive control and episodic memory. Cognitive control could exert positive or negative influences on episodic memory. This study aimed to test whether physical activity modulated the effect of proactive and reactive control on episodic memory. Participants reported their physical activity in the past week, encoded episodic memory incidentally in proactive and reactive conditions, and subsequently retrieved their memories of items and sources. Subsequent item memory was better when items were encoded in proactive vs. reactive condition. Smaller condition difference in subsequent item memory was related to better cognitive control ability. Cognitive control completely mediated the relation between physical activity and the condition difference in subsequent item memory. Additionally, condition difference in subsequent source memory was negatively related to cognitive control. After controlling for cognitive control, greater physical activity was positively related to the difference in subsequent source memory between proactive and reactive conditions. Altogether, the findings suggested that physical activity modulated the effect of proactive and reactive control on subsequent item memory through improving cognitive control ability, but it was independent of cognitive control for subsequent source memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donglin Shi
- Department of Curriculum and Learning Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fengji Geng
- Department of Curriculum and Learning Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuzheng Hu
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qinmei Xu
- Department of Curriculum and Learning Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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9
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Mora‐Gonzalez J, Esteban‐Cornejo I, Solis‐Urra P, Migueles JH, Cadenas‐Sanchez C, Molina‐Garcia P, Rodriguez‐Ayllon M, Hillman CH, Catena A, Pontifex MB, Ortega FB. Fitness, physical activity, sedentary time, inhibitory control, and neuroelectric activity in children with overweight or obesity: The ActiveBrains project. Psychophysiology 2020; 57:e13579. [DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jose Mora‐Gonzalez
- College of Health and Human Services University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte NC USA
- PROFITH “PROmoting FITness and Health through physical activity” Research Group Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS) Department of Physical Education and Sports Faculty of Sport Sciences University of Granada Granada Spain
| | - Irene Esteban‐Cornejo
- PROFITH “PROmoting FITness and Health through physical activity” Research Group Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS) Department of Physical Education and Sports Faculty of Sport Sciences University of Granada Granada Spain
| | - Patricio Solis‐Urra
- PROFITH “PROmoting FITness and Health through physical activity” Research Group Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS) Department of Physical Education and Sports Faculty of Sport Sciences University of Granada Granada Spain
- IRyS Research Group School of Physical Education Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaiso Valparaiso Chile
| | - Jairo H. Migueles
- PROFITH “PROmoting FITness and Health through physical activity” Research Group Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS) Department of Physical Education and Sports Faculty of Sport Sciences University of Granada Granada Spain
| | - Cristina Cadenas‐Sanchez
- PROFITH “PROmoting FITness and Health through physical activity” Research Group Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS) Department of Physical Education and Sports Faculty of Sport Sciences University of Granada Granada Spain
| | - Pablo Molina‐Garcia
- PROFITH “PROmoting FITness and Health through physical activity” Research Group Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS) Department of Physical Education and Sports Faculty of Sport Sciences University of Granada Granada Spain
| | - María Rodriguez‐Ayllon
- PROFITH “PROmoting FITness and Health through physical activity” Research Group Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS) Department of Physical Education and Sports Faculty of Sport Sciences University of Granada Granada Spain
| | - Charles H. Hillman
- Department of Psychology Northeastern University Boston MA USA
- Department of Physical Therapy Movement & Rehabilitation Sciences Northeastern University Boston MA USA
| | - Andrés Catena
- Department of Experimental Psychology Mind, Brain and Behaviour Research Centre (CIMCYC) University of Granada Granada Spain
| | | | - Francisco B. Ortega
- PROFITH “PROmoting FITness and Health through physical activity” Research Group Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS) Department of Physical Education and Sports Faculty of Sport Sciences University of Granada Granada Spain
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10
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Naveed S, Lakka T, Haapala EA. An Overview on the Associations between Health Behaviors and Brain Health in Children and Adolescents with Special Reference to Diet Quality. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E953. [PMID: 32033054 PMCID: PMC7037721 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17030953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Unhealthy diet has been associated with overweight, obesity, increased cardiometabolic risk, and recently, to impaired cognition and academic performance. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the associations between health behaviors and cognition and academic achievement in children and adolescents under 18 years of age with a special reference to diet quality. Dietary patterns with a low consumption of fish, fruits, and vegetables, and high in fast food, sausages, and soft drinks have been linked to poor cognition and academic achievement. The studies on the associations between the high intake of saturated fat and red meat and low intake of fiber and high-fiber grain products with cognition are limited. The available evidence and physiological mechanisms suggest that diet may have direct, indirect, and synergistic effects on brain and cognition with physical activity, sedentary behaviors, cardiometabolic health, and sleep, but the associations have been modest. Therefore, integrating a healthy diet, physically active lifestyle, and adequate sleep may provide optimal circumstances for brain development and learning. We conclude that most of the existing literature is contained in cross-sectional studies, which therefore highlights the need for longitudinal and intervention studies on the effects of diet, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep on cognition and academic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehrish Naveed
- Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio Campus, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (T.L.); (E.A.H.)
| | - Timo Lakka
- Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio Campus, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (T.L.); (E.A.H.)
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
- Kuopio Research Institute of Exercise Medicine, 70100 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Eero A. Haapala
- Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio Campus, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (T.L.); (E.A.H.)
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
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Ruiz-Hermosa A, Mota J, Díez-Fernández A, Martínez-Vizcaíno V, Redondo-Tébar A, Sánchez-López M. Relationship between weight status and cognition in children: A mediation analysis of physical fitness components. J Sports Sci 2019; 38:13-20. [DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2019.1676538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Abel Ruiz-Hermosa
- Social and Health Care Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain
- Faculty of Education, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Jorge Mota
- Centro de Investigação em Actividade Física, Saúde e Lazer, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Díez-Fernández
- Social and Health Care Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain
- Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain
| | - Vicente Martínez-Vizcaíno
- Social and Health Care Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco, Chile
| | - Andrés Redondo-Tébar
- Social and Health Care Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain
| | - Mairena Sánchez-López
- Social and Health Care Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain
- Faculty of Education, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain
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12
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Szabo-Reed AN, Willis EA, Lee J, Hillman CH, Washburn RA, Donnelly JE. The Influence of Classroom Physical Activity Participation and Time on Task on Academic Achievement. TRANSLATIONAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SPORTS MEDICINE 2019; 4:84-95. [PMID: 31576376 DOI: 10.1249/tjx.0000000000000087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Determine the impact of classroom-based physically active lessons on time-on-task. Secondarily, determine the relationship of time-on-task with academic achievement controlling for key demographic variables. Methods Seventeen elementary schools were cluster randomized to receive classroom physical activity (A+PAAC, N=9) or control (i.e., no physical activity, N=8) for a 3-year trial. Teachers were trained to deliver physically active lessons with moderate-to-vigorous intensity targeting 100 minutes per week. Outcome measures included academic achievement (Weschler Individual Achievement Test-III), administered at baseline and repeated each spring for 3 years, time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and time spent on task (TOT) pre- and post-physical activity. Multilevel modeling was utilized to estimate the impacts of percent time spent in MVPA and percent TOT post-lesson on academic achievement and the change in these impacts over 3 years, accounting for dependency among observations and covariates including age, gender, race, free or reduced lunch, BMI, and fitness. Results A greater percentage of time performing MVPA were each significantly associated with higher math scores (p=.034) and spelling scores (p<.001), but not reading scores. Academic achievement was not associated with TOT. Conclusion Findings suggest that a greater percentage of time spent participating in MVPA results in higher math scores and spelling scores, but not reading scores, independent of TOT. Future studies should continue to evaluate the influence of physically active classroom lessons on time spent on task and its impact on academic achievement. Furthermore, strategies are needed to maximize impact and to determine the sustainability of physical activity's effect on classroom behavior and academic achievement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda N Szabo-Reed
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS, 66160 USA
| | - Erik A Willis
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS, 66160 USA
| | - Jaehoon Lee
- Department of Educational Psychology and Leadership, Texas Tech University, 2500 Broadway Street; Lubbock, TX 79409 USA
| | - Charles H Hillman
- Department of Psychology, Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, & Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, 125 NI, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115 USA
| | - Richard A Washburn
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS, 66160 USA
| | - Joseph E Donnelly
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS, 66160 USA
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13
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Khan NA, Cannavale C, Iwinski S, Liu R, McLoughlin GM, Steinberg LG, Walk AM. Visceral Adiposity and Diet Quality Are Differentially Associated With Cognitive Abilities and Early Academic Skills Among Preschool-Age Children. Front Pediatr 2019; 7:548. [PMID: 32010649 PMCID: PMC6979276 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and diet quality influence cognitive health in preadolescents; however, these relationships remain understudied among preschool-age children. Objectives: Investigate the relationship between VAT, diet quality, academic skills, and cognitive abilities among preschool-age children. Methods: Children between 4 and 5 years (N = 57) were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Woodcock Johnson Early Cognitive and Academic Development Test (ECAD™) was utilized to assess General Intellectual Ability, Early Academic Skills, and Expressive Language. DXA was used to assess VAT. Diet quality was measured using the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) based on 7-day food records. Results: Greater VAT was associated with poorer Early Academic Skills (r = -0.28, P = 0.03) whereas a diet pattern that included Fatty Acids, Whole Grains, Saturated Fats, Seafood and Plant Proteins, Total Vegetables, and Dairy was positively associated with General Intellectual Ability (r = 0.26, P = 0.04). Conclusions: Higher VAT is negatively related to Early Academic Skills whereas diet quality was positively and selectively related to intellectual abilities among preschool-age children. These findings indicate that the negative impact of abdominal adiposity on academic skills is evident as early as preschool-age while providing preliminary support for the potentially beneficial role of diet quality on cognitive abilities in early childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiman A Khan
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL, United States.,Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL, United States.,Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Corinne Cannavale
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Samantha Iwinski
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Ruyu Liu
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL, United States
| | | | - Linda G Steinberg
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Anne M Walk
- Department of Psychology, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL, United States
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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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Donnelly JE, Hillman CH, Castelli D, Etnier JL, Lee S, Tomporowski P, Lambourne K, Szabo-Reed AN. Physical Activity, Fitness, Cognitive Function, and Academic Achievement in Children: A Systematic Review. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2017; 48:1197-222. [PMID: 27182986 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000000901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 788] [Impact Index Per Article: 112.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship among physical activity (PA), fitness, cognitive function, and academic achievement in children is receiving considerable attention. The utility of PA to improve cognition and academic achievement is promising but uncertain; thus, this position stand will provide clarity from the available science. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to answer the following questions: 1) among children age 5-13 yr, do PA and physical fitness influence cognition, learning, brain structure, and brain function? 2) Among children age 5-13 yr, do PA, physical education (PE), and sports programs influence standardized achievement test performance and concentration/attention? STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA This study used primary source articles published in English in peer-reviewed journals. Articles that presented data on, PA, fitness, or PE/sport participation and cognition, learning, brain function/structure, academic achievement, or concentration/attention were included. DATA SOURCES Two separate searches were performed to identify studies that focused on 1) cognition, learning, brain structure, and brain function and 2) standardized achievement test performance and concentration/attention. PubMed, ERIC, PsychInfo, SportDiscus, Scopus, Web of Science, Academic Search Premier, and Embase were searched (January 1990-September 2014) for studies that met inclusion criteria. Sixty-four studies met inclusion criteria for the first search (cognition/learning/brain), and 73 studies met inclusion criteria for the second search (academic achievement/concentration). STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS Articles were grouped by study design as cross-sectional, longitudinal, acute, or intervention trials. Considerable heterogeneity existed for several important study parameters; therefore, results were synthesized and presented by study design. RESULTS A majority of the research supports the view that physical fitness, single bouts of PA, and PA interventions benefit children's cognitive functioning. Limited evidence was available concerning the effects of PA on learning, with only one cross-sectional study meeting the inclusion criteria. Evidence indicates that PA has a relationship to areas of the brain that support complex cognitive processes during laboratory tasks. Although favorable results have been obtained from cross-sectional and longitudinal studies related to academic achievement, the results obtained from controlled experiments evaluating the benefits of PA on academic performance are mixed, and additional, well-designed studies are needed. LIMITATIONS Limitations in evidence meeting inclusion criteria for this review include lack of randomized controlled trials, limited studies that are adequately powered, lack of information on participant characteristics, failure to blind for outcome measures, proximity of PA to measurement outcomes, and lack of accountability for known confounders. Therefore, many studies were ranked as high risk for bias because of multiple design limitations. CONCLUSIONS The present systematic review found evidence to suggest that there are positive associations among PA, fitness, cognition, and academic achievement. However, the findings are inconsistent, and the effects of numerous elements of PA on cognition remain to be explored, such as type, amount, frequency, and timing. Many questions remain regarding how to best incorporate PA within schools, such as activity breaks versus active lessons in relation to improved academic achievement. Regardless, the literature suggests no indication that increases in PA negatively affect cognition or academic achievement and PA is important for growth and development and general health. On the basis of the evidence available, the authors concluded that PA has a positive influence on cognition as well as brain structure and function; however, more research is necessary to determine mechanisms and long-term effect as well as strategies to translate laboratory findings to the school environment. Therefore, the evidence category rating is B. The literature suggests that PA and PE have a neutral effect on academic achievement. Thus, because of the limitations in the literature and the current information available, the evidence category rating for academic achievement is C.
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16
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Walk AM, Khan NA, Barnett SM, Raine LB, Kramer AF, Cohen NJ, Moulton CJ, Renzi-Hammond LM, Hammond BR, Hillman CH. From neuro-pigments to neural efficiency: The relationship between retinal carotenoids and behavioral and neuroelectric indices of cognitive control in childhood. Int J Psychophysiol 2017; 118:1-8. [PMID: 28528704 PMCID: PMC5551452 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2017.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Lutein and zeaxanthin are plant pigments known to preferentially accumulate in neural tissue. Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD), a non-invasive measure of retinal carotenoids and surrogate measure of brain carotenoid concentration, has been associated with disease prevention and cognitive health. Superior MPOD status in later adulthood has been shown to provide neuroprotective effects on cognition. Given that childhood signifies a critical period for carotenoid accumulation in brain, it is likely that the beneficial impact would be evident during development, though this relationship has not been directly investigated. The present study investigated the relationship between MPOD and the behavioral and neuroelectric indices elicited during a cognitive control task in preadolescent children. 49 participants completed a modified flanker task while event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded to assess the P3 component of the ERP waveform. MPOD was associated with both behavioral performance and P3 amplitude such that children with higher MPOD had more accurate performance and lower P3 amplitudes. These relationships were more pronounced for trials requiring greater amounts of cognitive control. These results indicate that children with higher MPOD may respond to cognitive tasks more efficiently, maintaining high performance while displaying neural indices indicative of lower cognitive load. These findings provide novel support for the neuroprotective influence of retinal carotenoids during preadolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M Walk
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois, United States
| | - Naiman A Khan
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois, United States; Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, United States.
| | - Sasha M Barnett
- Department of Food Science, Washington State University, United States
| | - Lauren B Raine
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, United States
| | - Arthur F Kramer
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, United States; Beckman Institute of Science and Technology, University of Illinois, United States
| | - Neal J Cohen
- Beckman Institute of Science and Technology, University of Illinois, United States; Department of Psychology University of Illinois, United States
| | | | | | - Billy R Hammond
- Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Georgia, United States
| | - Charles H Hillman
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, United States; Department of Health Science, Northeastern University, United States
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17
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KAO SHIHCHUN, WESTFALL DANIELR, PARKS ANDREWC, PONTIFEX MATTHEWB, HILLMAN CHARLESH. Muscular and Aerobic Fitness, Working Memory, and Academic Achievement in Children. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2017; 49:500-508. [DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000001132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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18
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Effectiveness of a School-Based Physical Activity Intervention on Cognitive Performance in Danish Adolescents: LCoMotion-Learning, Cognition and Motion - A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158087. [PMID: 27341346 PMCID: PMC4920412 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Physical activity is associated not only with health-related parameters, but also with cognitive and academic performance. However, no large scale school-based physical activity interventions have investigated effects on cognitive performance in adolescents. The aim of this study was to describe the effectiveness of a school-based physical activity intervention in enhancing cognitive performance in 12–14 years old adolescents. Methods A 20 week cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted including seven intervention and seven control schools. A total of 632 students (mean (SD) age: 12.9 (0.6) years) completed the trial with baseline and follow-up data on primary or secondary outcomes (74% of randomized subjects). The intervention targeted physical activity during academic subjects, recess, school transportation and leisure-time. Cognitive performance was assessed using an executive functions test of inhibition (flanker task) with the primary outcomes being accuracy and reaction time on congruent and incongruent trials. Secondary outcomes included mathematics performance, physical activity levels, body-mass index, waist-circumference and cardiorespiratory fitness. Results No significant difference in change, comparing the intervention group to the control group, was observed on the primary outcomes (p’s>0.05) or mathematics skills (p>0.05). An intervention effect was found for cardiorespiratory fitness in girls (21 meters (95% CI: 4.4–38.6) and body-mass index in boys (-0.22 kg/m2 (95% CI: -0.39–0.05). Contrary to our predictions, a significantly larger change in interference control for reaction time was found in favor of the control group (5.0 milliseconds (95% CI: 0–9). Baseline to mid-intervention changes in physical activity levels did not differ significantly between groups (all p’s>0.05). Conclusions No evidence was found for effectiveness of a 20-week multi-faceted school-based physical activity intervention for enhancing executive functioning or mathematics skills compared to a control group, but low implementation fidelity precludes interpretation of the causal relationship. Trial Registration www.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02012881
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Hillman CH, Khan NA, Kao SC. The Relationship of Health Behaviors to Childhood Cognition and Brain Health. ANNALS OF NUTRITION AND METABOLISM 2015; 66 Suppl 3:1-4. [DOI: 10.1159/000381237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Background: Physical activity and aerobic fitness have been shown to have positive implications for children's cognitive performance and brain structure and function. In addition, emerging evidence suggests that excess body mass is related to decreased cognitive performance and differential brain structure and function. Recently, several randomized controlled trials have provided causal evidence for the beneficial effects of daily physical activity on cognition and its neural underpinnings. However, the data linking excess body mass to compromised cognitive function are largely correlational since trials that manipulate body mass to determine changes in brain and cognition remain sparse. Such studies are sorely needed to provide strong evidence for the relation of childhood health behaviors to not only physical, but brain health as well. Summary: This manuscript provides a brief review of the current literature on physical activity and excess body mass on brain structure, brain function, and an aspect of cognition known as executive control, which refers to cognitive processes involved in the intentional component of environmental interaction. Generally, the findings indicate that daily physical activity or higher aerobic fitness is related to greater volume and integrity of brain structure, efficient and effective brain function, and superior executive control. Alternatively, excess body mass is related to decreased integrity of brain structure, less effective brain function, and poorer executive control. Key Messages: The findings have considerable implications for lifespan health and effective functioning, and demonstrate that childhood health behaviors have implications not only for cognitive and brain health but also for scholastic performance and educational attainment.
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