1
|
Ji HZ, Bai CJ, Yun Y, Dong WX, Yi QZ, Ping WD, Yi T, Xia ZH, Min ZZ, Long XJ, Fei ZT, Ji WJ, Zhen L, Zhuang G, Ke LY. Relationships between athletic ability and academic performance in primary school students: A 3-year follow-up study. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1012757. [PMID: 36743154 PMCID: PMC9895930 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1012757] [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: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to examine whether academic performance is associated with students' athletic ability in primary school. Methods A 3-year follow-up study was conducted among 1,136 Chinese students. Sit-up and jump rope testers were used to measure 1-min sit-ups and 1-min jump ropes, respectively. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory were used to estimate sleep quality and depression levels. The end-of-semester examinations were used to evaluate students' academic performance during the follow-up period. Results After adjusting for confounders, the mean change in Chinese language performance for participants stratified by 1-min sit-ups at baseline was 0.35 (95% CI: -0.37 to 0.76) for level 1 (slowest), 0.52 (95% CI: -0.54 to 1.08) for level 2, and 1.72 (95% CI: 1.14 to 2.30) for level 3 (fastest) (P for trend = 0.003); the mean change in math scores was 0.28 (95% CI: -0.50 to 0.95) for level 1 (slowest), 0.95 (95% CI: 0.38 to 1.52) for level 2, and 1.41 (95% CI: 0.82 to 1.99) for level 3 (fastest) (P for trend = 0.048). The mean change in foreign language scores was -0.45 (95% CI: -0.99 to -0.93) for level 1 (slowest), -0.14 (95% CI: -0.44 to 0.41) for level 2, and 0.69 (95% CI: 0.25 to 1.13) for level 3 (fastest) (P for trend = 0.004). The mean change in Chinese language performance for participants stratified by 1-min jump ropes at the baseline was 0.30 (95% CI: -0.16 to 0.76) for level 1 (slowest), 1.09 (95% CI: 0.42 to 1.76) for level 2, and 1.74 (95% CI: 1.14 to 2.35) for level 3 (fastest) (P for trend = 0.001). The mean change in math scores was 0.41 (95% CI: -0.11 to 0.92) for level 1 (slowest), 1.44 (95% CI: 0.69 to 2.19) for level 2, and 1.43 (95% CI: 0.76 to 2.10) for level 3 (fastest) (P for trend = 0.019). The mean change in foreign language performance was -0.71 (95% CI: -1.08 to -0.33) for level 1 (slowest), 0.95 (95% CI: -0.40 to 1.50) for level 2, and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.41 to 1.41) for level 3 (fastest) (P for trend < 0.001). Conclusion This study suggests that participation in jump rope and sit-up exercises may positively affect students' academic performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zong Ji
- Physical Education Teaching and Research Group, Chongqing Liangjiang Yucai Middle School, Chongqing, China,*Correspondence: Hao Zong Ji ✉
| | - Cui Jin Bai
- School of Physical Education, Chinese Center of Exercise Epidemiology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Yang Yun
- Physical Education Teaching and Research Group, Chongqing Liangjiang Yucai Middle School, Chongqing, China
| | - Wu Xiang Dong
- Physical Education Teaching and Research Group, Chongqing Liangjiang Yucai Middle School, Chongqing, China
| | - Qian Ze Yi
- Physical Education Teaching and Research Group, Chongqing Liangjiang Yucai Middle School, Chongqing, China
| | - Wu Dan Ping
- Physical Education Teaching and Research Group, Chengdu Caotang Primary School West Branch, Chengdu, China
| | - Tang Yi
- English Teaching and Research Group, Chongqing Bishan Yuhu Primary School, Chongqing, China
| | - Zheng Hong Xia
- Physical Education Teaching and Research Group, Chongqing Liangjiang Yucai Middle School, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhang Zhi Min
- Physical Education Teaching and Research Group, Chongqing Liangjiang Yucai Middle School, Chongqing, China
| | - Xu Jing Long
- Physical Education Teaching and Research Group, Chongqing Liangjiang Yucai Middle School, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhang Teng Fei
- Physical Education Teaching and Research Group, Chongqing Liangjiang Yucai Middle School, Chongqing, China
| | - Wang Jun Ji
- Physical Education Teaching and Research Group, Chongqing Liangjiang Yucai Middle School, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Zhen
- Sports Teaching and Research Group of Xingchen School, Affiliated Middle School of West University, Chongqing, China
| | - Gao Zhuang
- College of Physical Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Li Ying Ke
- School of Physical Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
The Effects of Tai Chi on the Executive Functions and Physical Fitness in Middle-Aged Adults with Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:1589106. [PMID: 36147650 PMCID: PMC9489347 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1589106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Objective The present study examined the effects of Tai Chi exercise on the executive functions (EFs) and physical fitness of middle-aged adults with depression. Methods A total of 39 middle-aged adults with depression (Mage = 50.59, SD = 7.38) were randomly assigned to the Tai Chi group (n = 20) or the waiting-list control group (n = 19). The Tai Chi group engaged in two 90 min sessions of Tai Chi exercise per week for 12 weeks; the waiting-list control group was asked to maintain their usual daily routines for 12 weeks. Depression symptoms, EFs (i.e., inhibitory control, planning, working memory, and cognitive flexibility), and physical fitness (i.e., cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, power, and flexibility) were evaluated at the baseline (pretest), 6-week (mid-test), and 12-week (post-test) marks. Results Both groups showed decreased depression symptoms over time. Compared with the control group, the Tai Chi group showed decreased reaction times for incongruent conditions in the Stroop test from pretest to mid- and post-test, and shorter reaction time for incongruent conditions in the Stroop test than the control group at post-test; the Tai Chi group performed significantly better than the control group in overall total move score of Tower of London (TOL). The Tai Chi group also showed increased total correct scores of TOL from pretest to mid- and post-test, and greater total correct scores of TOL than the control group at post-test. Additionally, results indicated that Tai Chi exercise comprehensively improved physical fitness from pretest to mid- and post-test. Greater performance in terms of cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and power was also found in the Tai Chi group at post-test than in the control group. Conclusions These findings suggest that the 12-week Tai Chi exercise improved inhibitory control, planning and working memory aspects of executive functions, and physical fitness in middle-aged adults with depression.
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen FT, Etnier JL, Chan KH, Chiu PK, Hung TM, Chang YK. Effects of Exercise Training Interventions on Executive Function in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Med 2021; 50:1451-1467. [PMID: 32447717 PMCID: PMC7376513 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-020-01292-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Chronic exercise training has been shown be to positively associated with executive function (EF) in older adults. However, whether the exercise training effect on EF is affected by moderators including the specific sub-domain of EF, exercise prescription variables, and sample characteristics remains unknown. Objectives This systematic and meta-analytic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigated the effects of exercise training on EF in older adults and explored potential moderators underlying the effects of exercise training on EF. Methods In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, the electronic databases MEDLINE (PubMed) and EMBASE (Scopus) were searched from January 2003 to November 2019. All studies identified for inclusion were peer-reviewed and published in English. To be included, studies had to report findings from older (> 55 years old), cognitively normal adults or adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) randomized to an exercise training or a control group. The risk of bias in each study was appraised using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Fixed-effects models were used to compare the effects of exercise training and control conditions on EF assessed at baseline and post-intervention. In addition, subgroup analyses were performed for three moderators (i.e., the specific sub-domain of EF, exercise prescription variables, and sample characteristics). Results Thirty-three RCTs were included. Overall, exercise training was associated with a significant small improvement in EF [Q(106) = 260.09, Hedges’ g = 0.21; p < 0.01]. The EF sub-domain moderator was not significant [Q(2) = 4.33, p > 0.05], showing that the EF improvement in response to exercise is evident for measures of inhibition, updating, and shifting. Regarding exercise prescription variables, results were significantly moderated by frequency of exercise training [Q(1) = 10.86, p < 0.05], revealing that effect sizes (ESs) were larger for moderate frequency (g = 0.31) as compared to low frequency exercise (g = 0.15). The results also showed type of exercise training moderated the ESs [Q(4) = 26.18, p < 0.05], revealing that ESs were largest for other forms of exercise (g = 0.44), followed by Tai Chi and yoga (g = 0.38), resistance exercise (g = 0.22), aerobic exercise (g = 0.14), and combined exercise (g = 0.10). In addition, The results showed moderated length of training the ESs [Q(2) = 16.64, p < 0.05], revealing that ESs were largest for short length (g = 0.32), followed by mid length (g = 0.26) and long length (g = 0.09). No significant difference in effects was observed as a function of exercise intensity [Q(1) = 2.87 p > 0.05] and session time [Q(2) = 0.21, p > 0.05]. Regarding sample characteristics, the results were significantly moderated by age [Q(2) = 20.64, p < 0.05], with significant benefits for young-old (55–65 years old) (g = 0.30) and mid-old (66–75 years old) (g = 0.25), but no effect on EF for old-old (more than 75 years old). The results were also significantly moderated by physical fitness levels [Q(1) = 10.80, p < 0.05], revealing that ESs were larger for sedentary participants (g = 0.33) as compared to physically fit participants (g = 0.16). In addition, results were also significantly moderated by cognitive status [Q(1) = 11.44, p < 0.05], revealing that ESs were larger for participants with cognitively normal (g = 0.26) as compared to those with mild cognitive impairment (g = 0.08). No significant differences in effects were observed as a function of sex [Q(2) = 5.38, p > 0.05]. Conclusions Exercise training showed a small beneficial effect on EF in older adults and the magnitude of the effect was different across some moderators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Tzu Chen
- Graduate Institute of Sport, Leisure and Hospitality Management, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jennifer L Etnier
- Department of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Kuei-Hui Chan
- Graduate Institute of Athletics and Coaching Science, National Taiwan Sport University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ping-Kun Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Athletics and Coaching Science, National Taiwan Sport University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tsung-Ming Hung
- Department of Physical Education, National Taiwan Normal University, 162, Section 1, Heping E. Rd., Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.,Institute for Research Excellence in Learning Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Kai Chang
- Department of Physical Education, National Taiwan Normal University, 162, Section 1, Heping E. Rd., Taipei, Taiwan, ROC. .,Institute for Research Excellence in Learning Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yang TY, Gao Z, Liang NC. Sex-Dependent Wheel Running Effects on High Fat Diet Preference, Metabolic Outcomes, and Performance on the Barnes Maze in Rats. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12092721. [PMID: 32899519 PMCID: PMC7551623 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive and prolonged intake of highly palatable, high fat (HF) foods contributes to the pathogenesis of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cognitive impairment. Exercise can restore energy homeostasis and suppress HF diet preference in rats. However, it is unclear if exercise confers similar protection against the detrimental outcomes associated with a chronic HF diet preference and feeding in both sexes. We used our wheel running (WR) and two-diet choice (chow vs. HF) paradigm to investigate the efficacy of exercise in reversing HF diet-associated metabolic and cognitive dysregulation in rats, hypothesizing that beneficial effects of exercise would be more pronounced in males. All WR rats showed HF diet avoidance upon running initiation, and males, but not females, had a prolonged reduction in HF diet preference. Moreover, exercise only improved glucose tolerance and insulin profile in males. Compared to sedentary controls, all WR rats improved learning to escape on the Barnes maze. Only WR females increased errors made during subsequent reversal learning trials, indicating a sex-dependent effect of exercise on behavioral flexibility. Taken together, our results suggest that exercise is more effective at attenuating HF-associated metabolic deficits in males, and highlights the importance of developing sex-specific treatment interventions for obesity and cognitive dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Y. Yang
- Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA; (T.Y.Y.); (Z.G.)
| | - Zijun Gao
- Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA; (T.Y.Y.); (Z.G.)
| | - Nu-Chu Liang
- Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA; (T.Y.Y.); (Z.G.)
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Neuroscience Program, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(217)-244-7873
| |
Collapse
|