Effects of Open Versus Closed Skill Exercise on Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review

Long-term table tennis training alters dynamic functional connectivity and white matter microstructure in large scale brain regions

Table tennis training has been employed as an exercise treatment to enhance cognitive brain functioning in patients with mental illnesses. However, research on its underlying mechanisms remains limited. In this study, we investigated functional and structural changes in large-scale brain regions between 20 table tennis players (TTPs) and 21 healthy controls (HCs) using 7-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. Compared with those of HCs, TTPs exhibited significantly greater fractional anisotropy (FA) and axial diffusivity (AD) values in multiple fiber tracts. We used the locations with the most significant structural changes in white matter as the seed areas and then compared static and dynamic functional connectivity (sFC and dFC). Brodmann 11, located in the orbitofrontal cortex, showed altered dFC values to large-scale brain regions, such as the occipital lobe, thalamus, and cerebellar hemispheres, in TTPs. Brodmann 48, located in the temporal lobe, showed altered dFC to the parietal lobe, frontal lobe, cerebellum, and occipital lobe. Furthermore, the AD values of the forceps minor (Fmi) and right anterior thalamic radiations (ATRs) were negatively correlated with useful field of view (UFOV) test scores in TTPs. Our results suggest that table tennis players exhibit a unique pattern of dynamic neural activity, this provides evidence for potential mechanisms through which table tennis interventions can enhance attention and other cognitive functions.

Effects of Practicing Closed- vs. Open-Skill Exercises on Executive Functions in Individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

(1) Background: Previous studies have identified discrepancies in improvements in executive functioning in typically developing children when comparing closed- and open-skill exercise interventions. However, there is limited research on executive functioning in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the impact of closed- and open-skill exercises on ADHD populations. (2) Methods: The PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews were followed to search seven databases to evaluate and analyze studies published from 2013 to 2023. Prospero: CRD42023460452. (3) Results: A meta-analysis of 578 subjects with ADHD in 11 RCTs (Randomized control trial) and 3 NRS (Non-randomized studies) revealed that closed-skill exercise significantly improved executive function subdomains, including inhibitory control (standardized mean differences (SMD) = -1.00), cognitive flexibility (SMD = -1.33), and working memory (SMD = -0.85). Furthermore, open-skill exercise was found to have a positive effect on inhibitory control (SMD = -1.98) and cognitive flexibility (SMD = -0.97) in ADHD patients. Both types of exercise interventions demonstrated an improvement in executive function compared to controls, with open-skill exercises exhibiting superior effects (Qb = 6.26). (4) Conclusions: The review recommends a 12-week intervention cycle with exercise at least twice a week of moderate or higher intensity as suitable for ADHD individuals. This review also encourages individuals with ADHD to engage in exercises involving multiple motor skill types.

Unconsciously triggered cognitive conflict influences perceptual choice in active and sedentary individuals

Introduction

People who regularly exercise and receive training perform better when actioning unconscious cognitive tasks. The information flow triggered by a single unconscious visual stimulus has been extensively investigated, but it remains unclear whether multiple unconscious visual stimuli interact. This study aimed to explore the relationship between three simultaneous subliminal arrow stimuli (pointing in same or different directions), focusing on how they interact with each other and the subsequent priming effect on the target arrow in active and sedentary groups.

Methods

We used a priming paradigm combining flanker task to test the hypothesis. A total of 42 participants were recruited. Of these, 22 constituted the active group and 20 constituted the sedentary group.

Results

Behavioral data results revealed that the main effects of group and prime-target compatibility were significant. In the neurophysiological data, prime-target compatibility significantly influenced the latency of PP1. The amplitude of TP1 and TN2 mainly influenced the prime-flanker congruency. The prime-flanker congruency and groups interacted when the prime-target showed sufficient compatibility. The prime-flanker congruency, and the prime-target compatibility considerably influenced the TP3 amplitude in the anterior central frontal region (CZ electrode point).

Conclusion

Event-related potentials revealed the interactions between conscious processing and subliminal conflict in the early stages of perceptual and attention processing (target-related P1 potential component). These results suggest that exercise is helpful for coping with unconscious cognitive conflict.

A multimodal approach integrating cognitive and motor demands into physical activity for optimal mental health: Methodological issues and future directions

Physical activity is known for its positive effects on cognition and affect, with existing literature suggesting that these mental health benefits may be optimally experienced by incorporating cognitive and motor demands during physical activity (PA). However, the existing body of literature lacks a comprehensive guideline for designing the qualitative characteristics of a PA program. Accordingly, this narrative review aimed to (1) provide a working two-dimension model that operationally defines the cognitive and motor demands involved in PA and the rationale for systematically studying these qualitative aspects of PA, (2) identify methods to assess the cognitive and motor demands of PA and address associated methodological issues, and (3) offer potential future directions for research on the cognitive and motor aspects of PA in support of the development of PA programs designed to maximize PA-induced cognitive and affective benefits. We anticipate this article to inform the need for future research and development on this topic, aiming to create clear, evidence-based guidelines for designing innovative and effective PA interventions.

Enhanced Cognitive Inhibition in Table Tennis Athletes: Insights from Color-Word and Spatial Stroop Tasks

The ability to inhibit conflicting information is pivotal in the dynamic and high-speed context of fast-ball sports. However, the behavioral and electrophysiological characteristics underlying the cognitive inhibition processes associated with table tennis expertise remain unexplored. This study aims to bridge these research gaps by utilizing the color-word Stroop task and the spatial Stroop task alongside event-related potential (ERP) measurements to investigate domain-general and domain-specific cognitive inhibition among table tennis athletes. The study involved a total of 40 participants, including 20 table tennis athletes (11 males and 9 females; mean age 20.75 years) and 20 nonathletes (9 males and 11 females; mean age 19.80 years). The group differences in the Stroop effect on behavioral outcomes and ERP amplitudes were compared within each task, respectively. In the color-word Stroop tasks, athletes exhibited smaller incongruent-related negative potential amplitudes (Ninc; 300-400 ms; p = 0.036) and a diminished Stroop effect on late sustained potential amplitudes (LSP; 500-650 ms; p = 0.028) than nonathletes, although no significant differences were observed in behavioral outcomes (p > 0.05). Conversely, in the spatial Stroop tasks, athletes not only responded more swiftly but also exhibited reduced Stroop effects on both LSP amplitudes (350-500 ms; p = 0.004) and reaction times (p = 0.002) relative to nonathletes. These findings suggest that table tennis athletes excel in cognitive inhibition in the context of both domain-general and domain-specific tasks, particularly exhibiting enhanced performance in tasks that are closely aligned with the demands of their sport. Our results support the neural efficiency hypothesis and improve our understanding of the interactions between cognitive functions and table tennis expertise.

Effects of Fitlight training on cognitive-motor performance in élite judo athletes

Aims

The aims of this study were to verify if a 5-week cognitive-motor training (CMT) using FitlightsTM induced changes in young adult judo athletes compared to a non-intervention group. Specifically, it was verified if CMT influenced executive functions (EFs), physical fitness and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. Additionally, athletes' competitive results were compared between groups.

Method

Twenty-seven athletes (14 males and 13 females; age = 19.5 ± 2.0 years) were assigned to the Fitlight (FG) and control (CG) groups which performed 5 weeks of CMT, respectively, including 25 min per day of Fitlight training or traditional judo practice. All participants performed cognitive (flanker task and forward/backward digit span) and fitness tests (counter movement jump, handgrip test, dynamic and isometric chin up). In addition, BDNF was collected by saliva sampling and competitive results after the intervention period were considered.

Results

RM-ANOVA showed significant differences in FG for the accuracy of flanker (p = 0.028) and backward digit span (p < 0.001). Moreover, significant differences in FG were found for relative dynamic chin up (p = 0.027) and counter movement jump (p = 0.05). In addition, a significant difference in FG was found for competitive results after the intervention period (p < 0.01).No significant differences were found for BDNF and other cognitive and fitness measures (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

A 5-week judo-specific CMT improved EFs and motor performance in élite judo athletes. It seems that CMT with Fitlight™ could be considered an additional support to coaches during the training period.

Physical training improves inhibitory control in children aged 7-12 years: An fNIRS study

Physical exercise plays a crucial role in the development of cognition and brain functions in children. Inhibitory control is an advanced cognition that affects children's life and learning. In the current study, the relationship between physical training and inhibitory control was explored. In total, 80 children were randomly but equally assigned to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group underwent physical training (volleyball) for 60 min, thrice a week for 12 weeks. In contrast, the control group did not undergo any training and continued with their daily routines. The flanker task and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) were employed to investigate the effects of 12-week physical training on inhibitory control and changes in the oxy-Hb concentration in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) during the task. The behavioral results revealed that the experimental group performed better on the flanker task (e.g., shorter response time [F(1,74) = 18.420, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.199] and higher accuracy [F(1,74) = 15.00, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.169] than the control group. The oxy-Hb concentration in the right dorsolateral PFC (R-DLPFC) was higher and the activation level of this region was higher during the flanker task [F(1,74) = 6.216, p < 0.05, ηp2 = 0.077]. Moreover, the McNemar test revealed improved cognitive performance in response time or accuracy and R-DLPFC activation induced by physical exercise coincided significantly (χ2 = 5.49, p < 0.05; χ2 = 6.081, p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the R-DLPFC is likely the neural substrate for improved cognitive performance elicited by 12-week physical training.

The Effects of Single-Bout Exercise Interventions with Different Exercise Modalities on Executive Function in Youths

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate how single-bout open-skill exercise (OSE), closed-skill exercise (CSE), and mixed-skill exercise intervention (MSE) influence executive function.

METHOD

A total of 120 students aged between 18 and 25 were separated into three groups: closed-skill exercise, open-skill exercise, and mixed-skill exercise. A task-switching test was performed before and after a single bout of exercise intervention. The simple reaction time, choice reaction time, switch cost, and correction rate were tested in a task-switching test. The results were analyzed via a two-way analysis of variance, with a significance level of α = 0.05, to compare the effects of the intervention.

RESULTS

Only open-skill exercise exhibited a significant effect on the simple reaction time (p < 0.05). In terms of choice reaction time and switch cost, all three intervention groups exhibited significant improvements, with no significant differences observed between the three groups (p < 0.05). The correction rate did not show a significant effect post-intervention, and no significant differences were observed between the groups. The correction rate showed no significant effect after the intervention or between groups.

CONCLUSION

All three types of exercise can shorten choice reaction time and switch cost, but only OSE can reduce simple reaction time.

Protective effects of physical activity on episodic memory during aging are explained by executive functioning

Aging is marked by a memory decline related to an executive function decline. Physical activity (PA) has beneficial effects on both executive functions and memory, especially in aging. The protective effects of PA on these two cognitive abilities have always been studied separately, despite the well-established relationship between memory and executive functions. Our objective was to explore whether the benefits of PA on memory could be explained by reduced age-related changes in executive functions.Nineteen young adults (27.16 years old) and 25 older adults (69.64 years old) performed a resource-dependent memory task, three executive tasks and completed a PA questionnaire (measuring sports and leisure PA). Age group and PA effects on memory and executive performance were analyzed with generalized linear models. Mediation analyses were calculated using method of causal steps approach with a non-parametric bootstrapping procedure.The results confirmed the effects of age and PA on memory and executive performance. A significant interaction confirmed the protective effect of PA on age-related cognitive performance. PA was positively correlated with performance in both memory and executive tasks, but only in the older adults. Although each predictor alone (age, executive functions and PA) significantly explained memory performance in older adults, only the effect of PA on memory performance remained significant when all the predictors were introduced in the analyses.PA mediates the effects of age and executive functions on memory performance. This suggests that PA protects older adults against memory decline by reducing the decline in executive functioning.

Effect of conscious conflict on the subliminal perception of table tennis players: from the electrophysiological evidence of ERP

Table tennis athletes possess a strong ability to identify subliminal stimuli and perform better (faster response time and lower error rate) than non-athletes in the subliminal priming experiment when the prime is congruent with the target stimulus. However, whether athletes perform equally well in the presence of interference stimuli around the target stimulus remains unknown. Effect of conflicts triggered by consciously perceived flanker stimuli on the subliminal perception were assessed using an experimental paradigm featuring flankers and a masked prime. Both the athlete and non-athlete groups exhibited a significant priming effect when target and flanker were congruent. The athlete group also showed a considerable priming effect under an incongruent condition, although the priming effect size was reduced. However, the priming effect of the non-athlete group disappeared with incongruent flankers. Event-related potentials revealed that the interaction between subliminal processing and suprathreshold conflict could be displayed in the early stage of perceptual and attention processing (P1 event-related potential component).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11571-022-09883-2.

Effects of 12-week aerobic exercise with different frequencies on executive function in preschool children: a cluster randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of a 12-week aerobic exercise program with different frequencies on executive functions (EFs) in preschool children.

METHOD

Four kindergartens, comprising 126 preschool children in Shanghai, were enrolled in this 12-week cluster randomized controlled trial with a 12-week follow-up period. Kindergartens were allocated to high-frequency (three times a week) or low-frequency (once a week) exercise groups using stratified block randomization. Three core sub-EFs, including inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and the 12-week follow-up.

RESULTS

Compared to baseline, both groups showed significant improvements in inhibition and working memory after the intervention and at the 12-week follow-up. However, only the high-frequency exercise group demonstrated a significant improvement in cognitive flexibility after the follow-up period. Nonetheless, there were no significant differences in the core sub-functions of EFs between the two groups at the end of the intervention or the follow-up periods.

CONCLUSION

A 12-week aerobic exercise of three times a week was insufficient to significantly improve EFs in preschool children compared to once a week. Future studies are needed to examine the dose-response relationship of aerobic exercise on EFs and to verify the effects of different exercise modalities on EFs in preschool children.

Ball possessions and game rhythm in basketball games involving players with and without intellectual impairments

BACKGROUND

Ball possessions and game rhythm are promising variables to better understand teams' collective behaviour during a basketball game. However, the role of these variables is not well documented in teams with intellectual impairments (II). This study aimed to explore ball possession and game rhythm differences between II and non-II basketball games.

METHODS

Data were obtained through video observations (53 II games) and the International Basketball Federation records (53 non-II games).

RESULTS

Independent t-tests (P ≤ 0.05) revealed that the number of ball possessions was higher and game rhythm was faster in II games. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (P ≤ 0.05) showed that ball possessions and game rhythm developed differently throughout the II games compared with the non-II games.

CONCLUSIONS

The differences may be due to the decision-making, tactical and self-regulatory limitations of players with II. These limitations adequately explain why players with II respond differently to the environmental cues and monitor insufficiently their actions compared with players without II. Additionally, the higher number of ball possessions and the faster game rhythm in II games could be an indicator of more intuitive, and thus faster, game-related decision-making. In conclusion, the study provides further understanding of the role of cognition in basketball and contributes to better explain the differences between II and non-II games.

Balancing academics and athletics: School-level athletes' results are positively associated with their academic performance

BACKGROUND

Using data from a nationwide high-school sample, the present study aimed to examine whether school-level athletes' sporting results are positively or negatively associated with their academic performance.

METHODS

Athletic performance was assessed using the results of spring and summer regional qualifying interschool tennis tournaments in Japan among both male and female tournaments across all prefectures in Japan. Academic performance was assessed using the standardized rank scores for academic performance at the school level, with higher scores denoting superior academic levels; this is the most common measure of academic performance in Japanese high schools. Linear mixed models were conducted to compare the academic performance of high schools with winning and losing records, respectively, for all games together and for the spring and summer tournaments separately. The results of a total of 4,870 games were analyzed.

RESULTS

High schools with winning records showed a significantly higher academic-performance score than those with losing records, and this association was stronger among boys than girls. The observed difference in academic-performance scores between the schools with winning and losing records, respectively, was replicated in both tournament settings (i.e., spring and summer).

CONCLUSIONS

Athletic results are positively associated with academic performance at the school level. Given the cross-sectional nature of the present study, the present results do not necessarily imply that sports participation can improve academic performance; rather, the present study suggests that balancing academic and athletic commitments is feasible.

Effects of open and closed skill exercise interventions on executive function in typical children: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The effects of open and closed skill exercise interventions for executive function in children and adolescents have received widespread attention. Open skill refers to the skill of performing motor tasks in an unpredictable environment; closed skill refers to the skill of performing motor tasks in a stable environment. However, the results of related studies are currently controversial and Meta-analysis is urgently needed.

METHODS

After computer searches of CNKI, Wan-Fang, VIP, WOS, PubMed, and EBSCO databases, two researchers independently screened articles, extracted information, and evaluated the quality of the articles. This study was statistical analyzed using Stata 16.0 software.

RESULTS

A total of 31 articles were included, including 2988 typical children. Open, closed, continuous and sequential skills all improved executive function in typical children to varying degrees, but open and sequential skills were more effective in improving executive function, particularly in the former in the working memory (SMD=-0.833, P < 0.001) and in the latter in the inhibitory control (SMD=-0.834, P < 0.001) and cognitive flexibility (SMD=-0.903, P < 0.001). Long-term, moderate- intensity interventions were better than acute, vigorous-intensity interventions for executive function, with long-term interventions reflected in working memory (SMD=-0.579, P < 0.001) and moderate-intensity interventions reflected in all three dimensions of executive function (P < 0.01). Intervention periods, intervention intensity and continuous and sequential skills classified by action structure play a significant moderating role. Better results for long-term, sequential structural action interventions based on open skills (P < 0.001); better results for acute, moderate intensity, sequential structural action interventions based on closed (P < 0.05). Whereas intervention intensity had a non-significant moderating effect in the open skills intervention, both moderate and vigorous intensity had a significant effect on executive function (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Open and closed skills have different levels of facilitation effects on executive function in typical children, but open skills are more effective. The facilitation effects of open and closed skills were moderated by the qualitative characteristics and action structure of the intervention.

Temporal perception in closed-skill sports: An experimental study on expert swimmers and runners

The cognitive benefits of closed-skill sports practice have so far been scantily investigated. Here, we thus focused on the potential impact of swimming and running - two sports that highly rely on a precise control of timing - on time processing. To investigate the impact of these closed-skill sports on time perception and estimation, three groups of participants (for a total of eighty-four young adults) took part in the present study: expert swimmers, expert runners, and non-athletes. The ability to process temporal information in the milliseconds and seconds range was assessed through a time reproduction and a finger-tapping tasks, while a motor imagery paradigm was adopted to assess temporal estimation of sport performance in a wider interval range. We also employed the Vividness of Movement Imagery Questionnaire to assess the individual's ability of motor imagery. Results showed that closed-skill sports, specifically time-related disciplines, enhance motor imagery and time perception abilities. Swimmers were more accurate and consistent in perceiving time when compared to runners, probably thanks to the sensory muffled environment that leads these athletes to be more focused on the perception of their internal rhythm.

Cognitive function and heart rate variability in open and closed skill sports

OBJECTIVES

The differences in sporting environments between open and closed skill sports impose unique demands on athletes' cognitive and motor capabilities. Our study aims to investigate and compare cognitive function and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) among individuals involved in different sports, namely basketball, swimming, and a sedentary non-sports group.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study consisted of three groups, namely basketball players, swimmers, and sedentary individuals, with each group comprising twenty-six participants. HRV was assessed with the help of PowerLab. Cognition was assessed using the Ebbinghaus Memory Procedure Test (EMT), Go/No-Go Task (GNG), Color Stroop task, Trail Making Test (TMT), and Letter Cancellation test (LCT).

RESULTS

The results of the Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) analyses indicated that there was significance between the groups. However, no significant differences were observed between swimmers and basketball players in cognitive functions and HRV measures. Overall, the sport group outperformed the sedentary group. Specifically, basketball players and swimmers completed LCT and TMT faster than the sedentary group (p = 0.044 and p < 0.001 for basketball players, p = 0.002 and p = 0.001 for swimmers). Additionally, basketball players took fewer trials in EMT (p = 0.013) and less time (p = 0.026) compared to the sedentary group.

CONCLUSION

The results of the study indicate that sports training, regardless of sport type, positively impacts overall cognitive function. However, no significant differences were observed in cognitive task performance and HRV measures between open and closed skill sport players. These findings suggest that sports can enhance cognitive functions, regardless of the sport played.

Acute effects of moderate-intensity continuous physical exercise performed with different amounts of muscle mass on executive function in healthy young adults: a randomized trial

We examined the effect of amount of muscle mass involved in moderate-intensity continuous physical exercise on executive function. To this end, fifty-five participants completed two acute physical exercise sessions on an airbike ergometer using the upper and lower limbs simultaneously and only the upper limbs, and a resting control session in a randomized order. The physical exercise session lasted 30 min and was performed at moderate intensity (between 64 %-76 % of maximal heart rate evaluated in graded maximal exercise testing). Participants took the Stroop test (congruent and incongruent trials) before and after the sessions to assess executive performance. For the congruent trial, both physical exercise interventions improved executive function performance (pre vs. post, p-value = 0.002 and 0.003 for physical exercise with upper limbs and physical exercise with upper and lower limbs, respectively). Furthermore, executive function performance was higher after the physical exercise interventions than after the control session (p-value = 0.002 and 0.004 for physical exercise with upper limbs and physical exercise with upper and lower limbs, respectively). For the incongruent trial, both physical exercise interventions also improved executive function performance (pre vs. post, p-value < 0.001 for physical exercise with upper limbs and physical exercise with upper and lower limbs, respectively). However, there were no significant differences after both physical exercise interventions and resting control session (p-value = 0.175). Executive function (congruent trial) was positively impacted by acute aerobic physical exercise regardless of the amount of muscle mass involved (upper limbs or upper plus lower limbs). Therefore, we recommend aerobic physical exercise with less or more muscle mass involved to improve cognitive function.

Increased Cerebellar Gray Matter Volume in Athletes: A Voxel-Wise Coordinate-Based Meta-Analysis

Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis study was to investigate distinct brain structural characteristics in athletes as compared with those in non-athletes by quantifying regional gray matter (GM) volume changes using voxel-based morphometry analysis based on a whole-brain approach. Methods: The systematic literature search was conducted from November 1, 2020 to October 18, 2021 via the two search engines including the PubMed and Web of Science. We included 13 studies that reported GM volume data in 229 athletes as compared 219 non-athletes based on the whole-brain analysis with specific three-dimensional coordinates in a standard stereotactic space. Thus, we performed a coordinate-based meta-analysis using the seed-based d mapping via permutation of subject images methods. Result: The coordinate-based meta-analysis reported that the athletes significantly reveal greater regional GM volume across right cerebellar lobules IV-V and Brodmann area 37 regions than those in the non-athletes with minimal levels of heterogeneity and publication bias between the included studies. The subgroup analyses show that greater GM volume for athletes in closed-skill sports appeared across the right cerebellar hemispheric lobules VIII and the right cingulum than those for non-athletes. Conclusion: These cumulative findings from multiple brain imaging studies suggest potential brain plasticity evidence in the athletes who experienced extensive motor training.

Meta-analysis of the effects of physical activity on executive function in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

BACKGROUND

Executive function is a core deficit in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study systematically reviewed the evidence for the effects of physical activity (PA) interventions on executive function in children and adolescents with ADHD and explored the moderating effects of key variables of PA on executive function.

METHODS

Relevant literature in four electronic databases, Pubmed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase, were systematically searched. Revman 5.4 was used for data analysis, and combined effect sizes, heterogeneity tests, subgroup analyses, and sensitivity analyses were calculated. Egger's test in Stata 15.0 was used for publication bias testing.

RESULTS

A total of 24 articles with 914 participants were included. Meta-analysis showed that PA interventions improved inhibitory control (SMD = -0.50, 95%CI [-0.71, -0.29], P < 0.00001), working memory (SMD = -0.50, 95%CI [-0.83, -0.16], P = 0.004) and cognitive flexibility in children and adolescents with ADHD (SMD = -0.45, 95%CI [-0.81, -0.09], P = 0.01). Subgroup analysis revealed a moderating effect of intervention intensity, motor skill type, sessions of PA, and weekly exercise volume on executive function.

CONCLUSION

PA interventions had positive effects on improvements in core executive functions in children and adolescents with ADHD and were influenced by intervention intensity, type of motor skill, sessions of PA, and amount of exercise. This has practical implications for the formulation of PA interventions programs.

The Triple-E Model: Advancing Equestrian Research with Perspectives from One Health

Equestrian sport has various welfare issues and educational needs. To address these complex interactions, we propose an integrated approach called the Triple-E Model, which focuses on the equine, equestrian, and environmental triad. A literature review of existing models suggests that complexities of these interactions are overlooked, despite the significant impact of equine industries on economics, healthcare, and animal welfare. This paper discusses current models and theories used to evaluate equine-equestrian-environmental interactions and introduces the Triple-E Model to foster multidisciplinary collaboration. Unlike the One Health triad, which focuses on disease emergence, transmission, and zoonosis, the Triple-E Model extends to non-infectious research, such as musculoskeletal injury. It promotes collaborative care and rehabilitation within the equestrian community by engaging multidisciplinary, multi-setting, and multi-sectoral teams. Given the nature of human-animal interaction and welfare considerations, this model fills the gap in understanding human-horse interactions. The paper highlights the limitations of existing models and explains how the Triple-E Model guides and encourages holistic team collaboration in the equestrian community.

Associations between sporting physical activity and cognition in mid and later-life: Evidence from two cohorts

Evidence has linked sporting leisure time physical activity (sporting-LTPA) to healthy cognition throughout adulthood. This may be due to the physiological effects of physical activity (PA), or to other, psychosocial facets of sport. We examined associations between sporting-LTPA and cognition while adjusting for device-measured PA volume devoid of context, both in midlife (N = 4041) participants from the 1970 British Cohort Study and later-life (N = 957) participants from the British Regional Heart Study. Independent of device-measured PA, we identified positive associations between sporting-LTPA and cognition. Sports with team/partner elements were strongly positively associated with cognition, suggesting LTPA context may be critical to this relationship.

Stop it! Relationship between sport expertise and response inhibition in elite athletes

Introduction

The dynamic structure of sport games forces players to make time-sensitive decisions and to initiate actions that may then have to be canceled in response to sudden changes in the game situation. Whether and up to which time already initiated movements can still be inhibited is an important criterion for game performance in elite sport. Research indicates that elite athletes show superior motor inhibition performance compared to recreational athletes. However, no study has examined whether differences also emerge among professional elite athletes themselves. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether motor inhibition performance is a differential feature among elite athletes, and whether inhibition performance increases with greater expertise.

Methods

In total of 106 elite athletes (ice hockey, basketball, volleyball, American football, handball, and soccer) completed a PC-based procedure to determine motor inhibition performance using the stop-signal reaction time (SSRT) task for hands and feet. In addition, an expertise score was determined for each elite athlete. Multiple linear regression was used to calculate the relationship between expertise and SSRT.

Results

Results showed that the expertise score of the elite athletes was between 3.7 and 11.7 out of 16 possible points (M_Expertise = 6.8 points, SD = 1.76). The average SSRT of the hands was 224.0 ms (SD = 35.0); of the feet, 257.9 ms (SD = 48.5). Regression results showed a significant relationship between expertise and SSRT (F_(2,101) = 9.38, p = 0.04, R² = 0.06). SSRTs of the hands were significant predictors of expertise (b = -0.23, t = -2.1, p = 0.04).

Discussion

Taken together, results suggest that elite athletes with higher expertise outperform elite athletes with lower expertise, indicating that it is possible to differentiate within elite athletes with respect to inhibition performance of the hands. However, whether expertise affects inhibition performance or vice versa cannot be answered at present.

Systems factorial technology provides novel insights into the cognitive processing characteristics of open-skill athletes

Sport expertise has been shown to modulate the cognitive advantage in open-skill athletes, with evidence for a greater advantage for athletes practicing interceptive sports relative to strategic sports. However, this conclusion is solely based on central tendency measures such as accuracy or mean reaction time (RT), dismissing important information embedded in the intra-individual temporal dynamics of cognitive performance. This study aimed to better understand the cognitive advantage associated with open-skill sports, with a non-parametric approach assessing cognitive process at the level of RT distribution (i.e., systems factorial technology, SFT). Twenty-eight interceptive sport athletes, 27 strategic sport athletes, and 26 physically active non-athletes performed a go/nogo version of the redundant target task to assess their processing capacity of simultaneously monitoring multiple information channels. SFT was applied to assess resilience capacity, an estimate of workload capacity underlying inhibitory control. Our findings showed that interceptive sport athletes exhibited shorter mean RT relative to non-athletes selectively in the task condition involving distracting information, while strategic sport athletes showed greater resilience capacity over earlier responses relative to the other groups. These findings suggest that the two types of open-skill sports may be associated with different processing specificity, possibly reflecting the domain-specific rules and requirements.

Martial Arts and Cognitive Control in Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Children Born Very Preterm: A Combined Analysis of Two Randomized Controlled Trials

INTRODUCTION

Very preterm birth and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are associated with impairments in response inhibition that often persist beyond childhood. Athletes skilled in martial arts show a neurocognitive profile that is associated with an improved inhibition processing stream, suggesting that engagement in this kind of sport has the potential to reduce impairments in this cognitive function. We investigated the behavioral and neurocognitive effects of judo training on response inhibition in children born very preterm and children with ADHD by a combined analysis of two randomized controlled trials.

METHODS

In both the CHIPMANC ( n = 65) and JETPAC ( n = 63) studies, participants were randomly allocated to a waitlist or a 12-wk judo training program in a 1:1 ratio. At pretest and posttest, participants completed a Go/NoGo task, the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 and a physical work capacity test on a bicycle ergometer. During the cognitive task, event-related potentials (N2, P3a, P3b) were recorded via electroencephalography.

RESULTS

The effects of the judo training were moderated by the study group. In contrast to children with ADHD (JETPAC), judo training reduced the commission error rate on the Go/NoGo task and increased the P3a amplitude in children born very preterm (CHIPMANC). No treatment effects were found for N2, P3b and physical fitness outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The neurodevelopmental condition influences the cognitive benefits of judo training. Whereas judo may be ineffective in children with ADHD, children born very preterm can expect improved response inhibition due to a more effective engagement of focal attention to resolve the task-related response conflict.

Differences in Neurocognitive Functions Between Healthy Controls and Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Reconstructed Male Athletes Who Passed or Failed Return to Sport Criteria: A Preliminary Study

BACKGROUND

Only 55% of anterior cruciate ligament-reconstructed (ACLR) athletes return to competitive sports. This brings into question the usefulness of current return to sport (RTS) criteria. High cognitive demand of sport environment clarifies the value of incorporating neurocognitive tests when making decisions regarding the time of RTS. This preliminary study aimed to compare the neurocognitive functions between healthy controls and ACLR male athletes who passed or failed RTS criteria.

METHODS

A total of 45 male football players, including 15 ACLR who passed RTS criteria, 15 ACLR who did not pass, and 15 healthy controls participated in this cross-sectional study. The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery was used to measure a battery of neurocognitive tasks, including speed of response, sustained attention, working memory, cognitive flexibility, and response inhibition.

RESULTS

The results revealed that compared with both the ACLR-passed and healthy groups, the ACLR-failed group showed greater values of 5-choice movement time (P = .02, P = .01, respectively) but lower values of stop signal reaction time (P = .03, P = .001, respectively) and proportion of successful stops variables (P = .02). In addition, compared with the healthy group, both the ACLR-failed and ACLR-passed groups indicated greater values in between errors (P < .001, P = .008, respectively) and reaction latency variables (P = .002, P = .01, respectively) but lower values of A' (P < .001, P = .007, respectively), probability of hit (P < .001, P = .03, respectively), and percent correct trials variables (P = .006, P = .02, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated deficits in neurocognitive functions in ACLR male athletes. In addition, poor performance in sustained attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility measures observed in the ACLR-passed group highlighted the necessity for using a multimodal approach via implementation of neurocognitive measures in conjunction with the functional and muscular assessments when making RTS decisions.

Preventive Strategies for Cognitive Decline and Dementia: Benefits of Aerobic Physical Activity, Especially Open-Skill Exercise

As there is no curative treatment for dementia, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), it is important to establish an optimal nonpharmaceutical preventive intervention. Physical inactivity is a representative modifiable risk factor for dementia, especially for AD in later life (>65 years). As physical activity and exercise are inexpensive and easy to initiate, they may represent an effective nonpharmaceutical intervention for the maintenance of cognitive function. Several studies have reported that physical activity and exercise interventions are effective in preventing cognitive decline and dementia. This review outlines the effects of physical activity and exercise-associated interventions in older adults with and without cognitive impairment and subsequently summarizes their possible mechanisms. Furthermore, this review describes the differences between two types of physical exercise-open-skill exercise (OSE) and closed-skill exercise (CSE)-in terms of their effects on cognitive function. Aerobic physical activity and exercise interventions are particularly useful in preventing cognitive decline and dementia, with OSE exerting a stronger protective effect on cognitive functions than CSE. Therefore, the need to actively promote physical activity and exercise interventions worldwide is emphasized.

Effects of Physical Activity on Inhibitory Function in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to systematically evaluate the effect of physical activity (PA) on inhibitory function in children with ADHD. Experimental studies on the effect of PA on the inhibitory function of children with ADHD were retrieved. The data were obtained from PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EBSCO (MEDLINE, APA Psyclnfo, ERIC), Embase, Scopus, and ProQuest. The search period was from the date of inception of the respective databases to 4 May 2022, and Reviewer Manager software (version 5.3) was used for analysis. Eleven articles and 713 samples were included in the meta-analysis. Results revealed that PA can significantly improve the inhibitory function of children with ADHD (SMD = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.45−1.10, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that the effectiveness of PA as an intervention in improving the inhibitory function of children with ADHD was moderated by the frequency, intensity, duration, type, and length of intervention. Based on the findings, PA can effectively improve interference suppression inhibitory function in children with ADHD. Longitudinal open-skill exercise for 60 min or more, two times/week has the best effect on improving inhibitory function in children with ADHD.

The relationship between sport types, sex and visual attention as assessed in a multiple object tracking task

This study was conducted to examine differences in visual attention according to sports type and sex. In total, 132 participants [open-skill sport athletes (basketball players), closed-skill sport athletes (swimmers), and non-athletes; n = 22 men and 22 women each] aged 19-24 years performed a multiple object tracking (MOT) task, which is a well-established paradigm for the assessment of visual attention. Visual tracking accuracy was affected by the sport type (p < 0.001), being superior among basketball players than among swimmers and non-athletes, with no significant difference between the latter groups. It also varied by sex (p < 0.001), being superior among males than among females. Significant interaction between the sport type and sex was observed (p < 0.001), with male and female basketball players showing similar tracking accuracy. Our results demonstrate that open-skill sport activities strongly related to visual attention, as estimated by MOT task performance, and that sex plays a role in this performance. They also indicate that females might gain a greater visual attention advantage from open than from closed-skill sports participation, as long-term open-skill sports training appeared to minimize the sex difference in visual attention.

Kicking in or kicking out? The role of the individual motor expertise in predicting the outcome of rugby actions

In sports, understanding others' actions represents a fundamental skill that allows players to predict the outcome of teammates' and opponents' actions and counteract them properly. While it is well known that motor expertise sets better premises for predicting the result of an observed sports action, it remains untested whether this principle applies to a team where players cover different positions that imply different motor repertoires. To test this hypothesis, we selected rugby as a paradigmatic example in which only one or two players out of 22 train and perform placed kicks. We administered a placed kick outcome prediction task to three groups of participants, namely, rugby kickers, rugby non-kickers, and controls, thus spanning over different combinations of motor expertise and visual experience. Kickers outperformed both their non-kicking teammates and controls in overall prediction accuracy. We documented how the viewpoint of observation, the expertise of the observed kicker, and the position of the kick on the court influenced the prediction performance across the three groups. Finally, we revealed that within rugby players, the degree of motor expertise (but not the visual experience) causally affects accuracy, and such a result stands even after accounting for the level of visual experience. These findings extend the role of motor expertise in decoding and predicting others' behaviors to sports teammates, among which every member is equipped with a position-specific motor repertoire, advocating for new motor training procedures combining the gestures to-be-performed with those to-be-faced.

Chronic Exercise for Core Symptoms and Executive Functions in ADHD: A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The effects of chronic exercise interventions (CEIs) on core symptoms and executive functions (EFs) of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and how different characteristics of CEIs could modify the effect remain unclear. We synthesized the current evidence on the effects of CEIs on core symptoms and EFs in children and adolescents with ADHD.

METHODS

Data sources include PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from database inception to July 31, 2022. Study selection includes randomized controlled trials that reported on the effects of CEIs on core symptoms and/or EFs in ADHD aged 6 to 18 years.

RESULTS

Twenty-two randomized controlled trials were included. CEIs had a small beneficial effect on overall core symptoms (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.64 to -0.14), as well as inattention (SMD = -0.32, 95% CI: -0.63 to -0.004) among children and adolescents with ADHD. Closed-skill exercise showed a large improvement in core symptoms (SMD = -0.83, 95% CI: -1.30 to -0.35), whereas open-skill exercise did not. Additionally, CEIs had a moderately beneficial effect on overall EFs (SMD = -0.68, 95% CI: -0.91 to -0.45) and a moderate-to-large effect on the specific domains of EFs. The pooled effects on overall core symptoms and EFs were not significantly modified by study population (children or adolescents), exercise session duration (≤50 or >50 minutes per session, median), or total exercise sessions (<24 or ≥24 sessions, median).

CONCLUSIONS

CEIs have small-to-moderate beneficial effects on overall core symptoms and EFs in children and adolescents with ADHD.

Acute Effects of Fitlight Training on Cognitive-Motor Processes in Young Basketball Players

Cognitive-motor training could be used to improve open-skill sport performances, increasing cognitive demands to stimulate executive function (EF) development. Nevertheless, a distributed training proposal for the improvement of EFs is increasingly difficult to combine with seasonal sport commitments. This study aimed to investigate whether a massed basketball training program enriched with Fitlight training can improve EFs and motor performance. Forty-nine players (age = 15.0 ± 1.5 yrs) were assigned to the control and Fitlight-trained (FITL) groups, which performed 3 weeks of massed basketball practice, including 25 min per day of shooting sessions or Fitlight training, respectively. All athletes were tested in cognitive tasks (Flanker/Reverse Flanker; Digit Span) and fitness tests (Agility T-test; Yo-Yo IR1). During the intervention, exercise/session perceived effort (eRPE/sRPE) and enjoyment were collected. RM-ANOVA showed significant EFs scores increased in both groups over time, without differences between the groups. Moreover, an increased sRPE and eRPE appeared in the FITL group (p = 0.0001; p = 0.01), with no group differences in activity enjoyment and fitness tests. Three weeks of massed basketball training improved EFs and motor performance in young players. The additional Fitlight training increased the perceived cognitive effort without decreasing enjoyment, even if it seems unable to induce additional improvements in EFs.

The effects of physical activity timing and complexity on episodic memory: A randomized controlled trial

The role of two types of acute physical activity (PA) bouts were assessed on young adults' free-recall and recognition memory in two experiments, which differed in the temporal relation of PA and word encoding. Before or following training on the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Task, participants performed a simple two-step dance, a complex four-step dance, or remained seated. Hypotheses proposed that PA prior to encoding and complex PA would enhance PA's mnemonic benefits. Memory assessed post-PA, 24 h, and 7 days after training indicated that timing and complexity of PA did not impact free-recall or recognition memory. Findings differ from a previous study showing complex PA benefited motor learning more than simple PA (Tomporowski & Pendleton, 2018). The inconsistency may be due to different working memory processes underlying consolidation and retrieval of procedural or episodic information. Theory-based explanations regarding memory storage and retrieval are proposed to elucidate this selective process.

Effect of different sport environments on proactive and reactive motor inhibition: A study on open- and closed-skilled athletes via mouse-tracking procedure

This study aimed to investigate the effect of different sport environments (open-and closed-skill sports) on proactive and reactive inhibitory processes as two distinct components of motor inhibition. A mouse-tracking procedure was employed to compare behavioral performance among three groups of participants (tennis players, swimmers and non-athletes) in non-sport-specific cued Go/No-Go (GNG) and Stop Signal Task (SST), which mainly engage proactive and reactive inhibitory control, respectively. Reaction times (RTs), inhibitory failures, and Stop Signal Reaction Times (SSRTs) were measured. To investigate dynamic aspects of inhibitory control, movement trajectories classified as one-shot (absence of trajectory alteration reflected in a steep slope) or non-one-shot (non-linear/multipeaked trajectory, with one or multiple corrections) were analyzed and compared among groups. Results showed no group differences in RTs in Go/No-Go and Stop conditions. SSRTs were significant shorter for the athletes than non-athletes in SST, but no differences emerged for inhibitory failures in cued GNG. During inhibitory failures athletes showed higher proportion of non-one-shot movements than non-athletes. Higher proportion of non-one-shot profiles was observed in cued GNG compared to SST. Finally, no differences between open-and closed-skilled athletes were found in both tasks. Our findings suggest that both proactive and reactive inhibitory controls do benefit from sport practice, but open-and closed-skill sports do not differ in influencing inhibitory processes. Movement profile analysis could be a promising, complementary behavioral analysis to integrate for more fine-grained evaluation and differentiation of inhibitory motor control in athletes, specifically when using GNG tasks.

Motor skills and cognitive benefits in children and adolescents: Relationship, mechanism and perspectives

OBJECTIVE

There is a strong interaction between motor skills and cognitive benefits for children and young people. The aim of this paper is to explore the relationship between motor skill types and their development and the cognitive benefits of children and adolescents. In turn, on this basis, it proposes pathways and mechanisms by which motor skills improve cognition, and provide a basis for subsequent teaching of skills that follow the laws of brain cognitive development.

METHODS

This paper summarizes the research on the relationship between different types of motor skills and their development and cognitive benefits of children and adolescents. Based on these relationships, pathways, and mechanisms for motor skills to improve cognition are tentatively proposed.

RESULTS

There is an overall pattern of "open > closed, strategy > interception, sequence > continuous" between motor skill types and the cognitive benefits of children and adolescents. Long-term motor skill learning practice is accompanied by increased cognitive benefits as skill proficiency increases. The dynamic interaction between motor skills and physical activity exposes children and adolescents to environmental stimuli and interpersonal interactions of varying complexity, promoting the development of agility, coordination and cardiorespiratory fitness, enhancing their motor experience, which in turn improves brain structure and functional activity.

CONCLUSION

Motor skills training promote cognitive efficiency in children and adolescents. Motor skill interventions that are open-ended, strategic and sequential in nature are more effective. Environmental stimuli, interpersonal interaction, agility, coordination, and cardiorespiratory fitness can be considered as skill attribute moderators of motor skills to improve cognition.

Tai Chi practice enables prefrontal cortex bilateral activation and gait performance prioritization during dual-task negotiating obstacle in older adults

BACKGROUND

With aging, the cognitive function of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) declined, postural control weakened, and fall risk increased. As a mind-body exercise, regular Tai Chi practice could improve postural control and effectively prevent falls; however, underlying brain mechanisms remained unclear, which were shed light on by analyzing the effect of Tai Chi on the PFC in older adults by means of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).

METHODS

36 healthy older adults without Tai Chi experience were divided randomly into Tai Chi group and Control group. The experiment was conducted four times per week for 16 weeks; 27 participants remained and completed the experiment. Negotiating obstacle task (NOT) and negotiating obstacle with cognitive task (NOCT) were performed pre- and post-intervention, and Brodmann area 10 (BA10) was detected using fNIRS for hemodynamic response. A three-dimensional motion capture system measured walking speed.

RESULTS

After intervention in the Tai Chi group under NOCT, the HbO2 concentration change value (ΔHbO2) in BA10 was significantly greater (right BA10: p = 0.002, left BA10: p = 0.001), walking speed was significantly faster (p = 0.040), and dual-task cost was significantly lower than pre-intervention (p = 0.047). ΔHbO2 in BA10 under NOCT was negatively correlated with dual-task cost (right BA10: r = -0.443, p = 0.021, left BA10: r = -0.448, p = 0.019). There were strong negative correlations between ΔHbO2 and ΔHbR under NOCT either pre-intervention (left PFC r = -0.841, p < 0.001; right PFC r = -0.795, p < 0.001) or post-intervention (left PFC r = -0.842, p < 0.001; right PFC r = -0.744, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Tai Chi practice might increase the cognitive resources in older adults through the PFC bilateral activation to prioritize gait performance during negotiating obstacles under a dual-task condition.

The burden of mild cognitive impairment attributable to physical inactivity in Colombia

BACKGROUND

Mild cognitive impairment often precedes dementia. The purpose of this analysis was to estimate the population attributable fraction for physical activity in Colombia, which is the reduction in cases that would occur if all participants were physically active.

METHODS

The sample included 20,174 men and women aged 70.04 ± 7.68 years (mean ± SD) from the National Survey of Health, Wellbeing and Ageing. Trained interviewers administered a shorter version of the mini-mental state examination and mild cognitive impairment was defined as a score of 12 or less out of 19. Logistic regression models were fitted and population attributable fractions for physical activity were calculated. All analyses were adjusted for age, sex, height, education, income, civil status, smoking, and alcohol drinking.

RESULTS

The prevalence of physical activity was approximately 50% when defined as walking between 9 and 20 blocks at least three times per week. Theoretically, 19% of cases of mild cognitive impairment would be eliminated if all adults were to walk (95% confidence interval: 16%, 22%). The prevalence was approximately 20% when defined as taking part in vigorous sport or exercise at least three times per week. Theoretically, 23% of cases of mild cognitive impairment would be eliminated if all adults were to take part in vigorous sport or exercise (16%, 30%). Similar results were observed after removing those who reported mental health problems.

CONCLUSION

Physical activity, whether walking or vigorous sport and exercise, has the potential to substantially reduce the burden of mild cognitive impairment in Colombia.

How pom cheerleading improves the executive function of preschool children: the mediating role of speed and agility

Physical exercises can improve individuals’ physical health and cognition, but the internal influence path is unclear. This study aims to examine the influence of pom cheerleading training on physical fitness and executive function of preschool children and explore the relationship between sports training, physical fitness, and executive function. We selected seventy-one preschool children and divided them into the experimental group (n = 36) and the control group (n = 35). The experimental group kept a 12-week pom cheerleading training, and the exercises of the control group remained normal. Children’s physical fitness and executive function were tested, in one week before and after the experiment, respectively. Results of repeated measurements analysis of variance and structural equation model test showed: (1) after 12-week pom cheerleading training, in terms of physical fitness, the experimental group has a significant improvement over the control group on agility and speed; in terms of executive function, the inhibitory control and working memory of the experimental group were significantly enhanced over the control group. (2) Speed quality plays a partial mediating role between pom cheerleading training and inhibitory control; agility plays a major mediating role between pom cheerleading training and working memory. It is concluded that physical exercise can directly improve preschool children’s executive function, and indirectly enhance executive function mediated by physical fitness. Furthermore, structured and systematic physical education should be adopted for preschool children to cultivate their interest in sports and enhance their cognition.

Dance activity interventions targeting cognitive functioning in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A meta-analysis

Objectives

To comprehensively determine the effect of dance activities on the cognitive functions and its sub-domains of older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods

We obtained data from PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, China national knowledge infrastructure, Wanfang data, and VIP databases from 2017/01/01 to 2022/03/01. We included trials of older adults with MCI that underwent dance activity intervention and fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Two researchers independently assessed the quality of the study using the Cochrane risk of the bias assessment tool. Meta-analysis was performed when data were available, with further subgroup analysis, using Review Manager 5.4, and sensitivity analysis was performed using Stata software 15.1.

Results

Search terms yielded 183 articles, of which 12 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. This included 7 high-quality studies and 5 medium-quality studies. A total of 820 older adults were analyzed. Results showed that dance activity had beneficial effects for global cognition [SMD_MMSE = 0.65, 95% CI_MMSE (0.20, 1.09), p_MMSE = 0.004; SMD_MoCA = 0.87, 95% CI_MoCA (0.44, 1.29), p_MoCA < 0.0001], memory [SMD = 0.61, 95% CI (0.35, 0.88), p < 0.00001], visuospatial function [SMD = −0.39, 95% CI (−0.60, −0.19), p = 0.0002], cognitive flexibility [SMD = −0.31, 95% CI (−0.52, −0.11), p = 0.003], attention [SMD = 0.34, 95% CI (0.07, 0.61), p = 0.01], and balance [SMD = 1.25, 95% CI (0.06, 2.44), p = 0.04]. Further subgroup analysis showed that open-skill dance activity (OSDA) was more effective in promoting global cognition in older adults with MCI than closed-skill dance activity (CSDA) because of the different stimulation provided by the two types of dance activities in the brain regions of the older adults (p = 0.0002). It could be speculated that dance activity improved cognitive function mainly by affecting the microstructure and function of the cingulate tract, hippocampus, cardiovascular function, and other brain areas of older adults with MCI.

Conclusion

Dance activities can significantly improve global cognition, memory, visuospatial function, cognitive flexibility, attention, and balance in older adults with MCI. However, more trials with rigorous study designs are necessary to provide more concrete evidence in the future.

Cutting Movement Assessment Scores during Anticipated and Unanticipated 90-Degree Sidestep Cutting Manoeuvres within Female Professional Footballers

Background: ACL injuries present a considerable burden in female football, with highest incidence being related to change of direction (COD) tasks. The aim was to identify if differences existed between an anticipated and unanticipated 90-degree cutting task using the CMAS. Methods: 11 female professional footballers completed twelve 90-degree COD tasks (6 anticipated, 6 unanticipated). Participants performed the unanticipated task in response to a moving football at the start of their acceleration. All COD tasks were filmed and assessed using the CMAS. Results: The CMAS score for the unanticipated COD task (5.53 ± 0.71) was significantly larger than for the anticipated COD task (3.55 ± 0.85, p < 0.012). Excellent intra-rater reliability was observed (ICC = 0.97) for analysis of CMAS scores. Conclusions: Female footballers in this sample demonstrated a greater CMAS score during an unanticipated COD task compared to an anticipated COD task. These athletes are therefore more likely to display ‘high-risk’ movement patterns, thus greater risk of injury. Reacting to a sporting implement, such as a moving ball, may be a contributing factor to these results. Further research into unanticipated COD tasks should be considered to determine why these differences occur and the impact of anticipation on performance.

Judo training program improves brain and muscle function and elevates the peripheral BDNF concentration among the elderly

Programmed exercise interventions modulating both physical fitness and cognitive functions have become a promising tool to support healthy aging. The aim of this experiment was to determine the effect of a 12-week judo training (JEX) on cognitive processing and muscle function among the elderly. Forty participants were divided into two groups: the JEX group and the control group (CTL). Before and after 12-week of JEX, participants performed a battery of physiological and psychological tests. The peripheral level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was analyzed. A 12-week JEX intervention led to improved Stroop performance reflected by a shortening of the response time related to Stroop “naming” interference. In addition, the peripheral concentration of BDNF was significantly increased following the JEX compared with the CTL group. In response to JEX, balance and lower limb strength significantly increased. The current results suggest that JEX could have beneficial effects on cognitive functions, denoted by elevated peripheral BDNF, as well as on balance and strength abilities. A combination of positive effects with respect to movement and cognition makes JEX an ideal preventive lifestyle modification for the aging population.

The Impact of Practicing Open- vs. Closed-Skill Sports on Executive Functions-A Meta-Analytic and Systematic Review with a Focus on Characteristics of Sports

Exercise modes can be categorized based on the skills required (open vs. closed skills), which implicates various demands on cognitive skills, especially executive functions (EFs). Thus, their practice may have varying effects on EFs. There is a lack of detailed analysis of cognitive requirements and suitable classification of sports. It is hypothesized that the amount and type of cognitive requirements of sports lead to small effect sizes when comparing open-skill exercising (OSE) and closed-skill exercising (CSE) athletes. The current meta-analysis evaluates the variances in EFs skills caused by particular sport modes. Four research databases (Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, PsychINFO) were searched for cross-sectional studies in which the authors compare the performance in EF tasks of OSE and CSE athletes. Risk of bias assessment was conducted using funnel plots and two reviewer selection process (overall and subgroup analysis; low risk of publication and selection bias). A total of 19 studies were included, revealing an overall effect size of Hedge’s g = 0.174 (p = 0.157), favoring OSE for the development of EFs. The subgroup analysis revealed the effects for the subdomains of EFs (cognitive flexibility: Hedge’s g = 0.210 > inhibitory control: Hedge’s g = 0.191 > working memory: Hedge’s g = 0.138; p > 0.05), which could be characterized as low to moderate. The hypothesis that studies with the smallest effect sizes compare sport modes with similar cognitive demands was rejected. The paper discusses the differentiation of sports into OSE and CSE and presents new approaches for their categorization.

A developmental outlook on the role of cognition and emotions in youth volleyball and artistic gymnastics

Developmental and cognitive psychology recently started to take an interest in the sports domain, exploring the role of either cognitive functions or emotions in youth sport. However, to the extent that cognition and emotions are inextricably linked, studying them jointly from a developmental perspective could inform on their interplay in determining performance in different sports. This research examined the role of general cognitive abilities, attentional style, and emotions (controlling for age and experience), in predicting performance in youth volleyball and artistic gymnastics. A total of 218 female participants, of which 114 volleyball players and 104 artistic gymnasts (11–17 years old) were administered two measures of working memory and six measures of executive functions (namely inhibition, updating, and shifting). They also completed an attentional style and an emotion-related questionnaire. For each volleyball player, an individual performance index based on every gesture performed during the games and controlled for the team performance was computed. As a measure of gymnasts’ performance, scores in 2017–2018 competitions were used. Regression analysis showed that the main predictor of the volleyball players’ performance (R² = 0.23) was a working memory-updating factor (ß = 0.45, p = 0.001), together with experience (ß = 0.29, p = 0.030) and high-arousal unpleasant emotions (ß = 0.30, p = 0.029), which positively predicted performance. Experience (ß = 0.30, p = 0.011), age (ß = −0.036, p = 0.005) and high-arousal unpleasant emotions (ß = −0.27, p = 0.030) were the predictors of gymnasts’ performance (R² = 0.25). These results represent a first step in understanding if and how youth female athletes of open- and closed-skills sports rely on different psychological abilities. This line of research could offer insight to practitioners regarding which psychological abilities could be more relevant to train depending on the type of sport.

Exercise type influences the effect of an acute bout of exercise on hippocampal neuronal activation in mice

The effects of exercise on the hippocampus depend on exercise conditions. Exercise intensity is thought to be a dominant factor that influences the effects of exercise on the hippocampus; however, it is uncertain whether the type of exercise influences its effectiveness. This study investigated whether the effect of an acute bout of exercise on hippocampal neuronal activation differs between two different types of exercise: treadmill and rotarod exercise. The intensities of both exercises were matched at just below the lactate threshold (LT), based on blood lactate concentration. Immunohistochemical examination of c-Fos, a marker of neuronal activation, revealed that treadmill exercise at 15 m/min (T15) significantly increased c-Fos expression in all subfields of the hippocampus (dentate gyrus DG, CA1, CA3), but rotarod exercise at 30 rpm (R30) did not, as compared with the respective control groups. These results demonstrate that moderate treadmill exercise more efficiently evokes hippocampal neuronal activation than does intensity-matched rotarod exercise. This suggests that exercise type is another important factor affecting the effects of exercise on the hippocampus.

Continuous table tennis is associated with processing in frontal brain areas: an EEG approach

Coordinative challenging exercises in changing environments referred to as open-skill exercises seem to be beneficial on cognitive function. Although electroencephalographic research allows to investigate changes in cortical processing during movement, information about cortical dynamics during open-skill exercise is lacking. Therefore, the present study examines frontal brain activation during table tennis as an open-skill exercise compared to cycling exercise and a cognitive task. 21 healthy young adults conducted three blocks of table tennis, cycling and n-back task. Throughout the experiment, cortical activity was measured using 64-channel EEG system connected to a wireless amplifier. Cortical activity was analyzed calculating theta power (4–7.5 Hz) in frontocentral clusters revealed from independent component analysis. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to identify within subject differences between conditions (table tennis, cycling, n-back; p < .05). ANOVA revealed main-effects of condition on theta power in frontal (p < .01, η_p² = 0.35) and frontocentral (p < .01, η_p² = 0.39) brain areas. Post-hoc tests revealed increased theta power in table tennis compared to cycling in frontal brain areas (p < .05, d = 1.42). In frontocentral brain areas, theta power was significant higher in table tennis compared to cycling (p < .01, d = 1.03) and table tennis compared to the cognitive task (p < .01, d = 1.06). Increases in theta power during continuous table tennis may reflect the increased demands in perception and processing of environmental stimuli during open-skill exercise. This study provides important insights that support the beneficial effect of open-skill exercise on brain function and suggest that using open-skill exercise may serve as an intervention to induce activation of the frontal cortex.

Attention and executive control in varsity athletes engaging in strategic and static sports

Examining non-sport-related cognitive tasks of attention and executive control in skilled athletes may provide insight into the acquisition of highly specific skills developed in experts as well as help identify successful performance in sport. Through a cross-sectional design, this study examined performance on aspects of attention and executive control among varsity athletes playing soccer (strategic sport) or track & field (static sport) using a computerized test of attention and executive control. Ninety-seven university athletes participating in soccer (n = 50) or track and field (n = 47) were included in the study. Domains of attention and executive control were examined using the Attention Network Test-Interactions (ANT-I). Mean reaction time (RT) and intra-individual variability (IIV) were compared between groups as measures of performance speed and performance stability respectively. Soccer players demonstrated overall faster RTs (p = 0.0499; ηp2 = .04) and higher response accuracy (p = .021, d = .48) on the ANT-I compared to track and field athletes. Faster RTs were observed for soccer players when presented with an alerting tone (p = .029, d = .45), valid orienting cue (p = .019, d = .49) and incongruent flanker (p = .031, d = .45). No significant group differences were observed in IIV (p = .083, d = .36). Athletes engaging in strategic sports (i.e., soccer) demonstrated faster performance under test conditions that required higher vigilance and conflict resolution. These findings suggest that engagement in strategic sports is associated with enhanced performance on non-sport-related cognitive tasks of attention and executive control.

Effects of acute exercise on emotional memory

Research has demonstrated beneficial effects of acute exercise on memory for neutral materials, such as word lists of neutral valence/low arousal. However, the impacts of exercise on emotional memory is less understood. Across three laboratory experiments in college students, we tested if acute exercise could enhance both neutral and emotional memory performance, anticipating a greater effect for emotional memory. We examined effects of exercise at varying intensities (Experiment 1: high-intensity; Experiment 2: low- and high-intensity; Experiment 3: moderate-intensity), of diverse modalities (Experiment 1: treadmill jogging; Experiment 2: cycling; Experiment 3: open-skill (racquetball) and closed-skill (treadmill jogging) exercise), and on emotional memory performance assessed at increasing levels of hippocampal dependency (Experiment 1: Y/N recognition task; Experiment 2: paired-associative recognition task; Experiment 3: cued-recall task). We found that, in all experiments, acute exercise did not significantly influence emotional or neutral memory performance relative to sedentary control conditions. However, we observed several noteworthy outcomes indicating that acute exercise may be linked to improvements in memory confidence and accuracy for central aspects of emotional memory stimuli, and that select exercise modalities (e.g. treadmill exercise) may also be associated with increased frequency of memory intrusions.

Neurophysiological correlates of interference control and response inhibition processes in children and adolescents engaging in open- and closed-skill sports

BACKGROUND

Accumulating evidence suggests that sports participation promotes the development of inhibitory control, but the influences of the sports category and inhibition type still remain unclear. The categorization of sports based on the open-skill (externally paced) and closed-skill (self-paced) continuum allows for the integration of the environment as a factor contributing to sports-related benefits for inhibitory control.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data from different studies were combined (n = 184) to examine the association between open- and closed-skill sports and cognitive control processes related to interference control and response inhibition. Participants (aged 9-14 years) filled in 7-day physical activity recall protocols and completed a Stroop Color-Word or a Go/NoGo task. The N200, N450, and P300 components of event-related potentials elicited by these tasks were recorded using electroencephalography.

RESULTS

Partial correlations supported the belief that time spent in open-skill sports was related to higher performance on inhibition trials. Additionally, path analyses revealed an association between this sports type and a greater negativity in the N200 and N450 amplitudes in both the full sample and group-level analyses. In contrast, no relation was found between sports type and P300 amplitude.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that only the engagement in open-skill sports is associated with more effective conflict monitoring and higher performance on tasks demanding inhibitory control.

Sport Participation and Academic Performance in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Physical activity can improve academic performance; however, much less is known about the specific association between sport participation and academic performance, and this evidence has not been synthesized. Our aim was to systematically review and combine via meta-analyses evidence of the association between sport participation and academic performance in children and adolescents.

METHODS

We conducted searches of five electronic databases using sport and academic performance related terms. We combined evidence from eligible studies using a structural equation modeling approach to multilevel meta-analysis.

RESULTS

From 115 eligible studies, most of which had a high risk of bias (k = 87), we meta-analyzed 298 effect sizes. Overall, sport participation had a small positive effect on academic performance (d = 0.26, 95% confidence interval = 0.09, 0.42). Moderator analyses indicated that sports participation was most beneficial for academic performance when it was at a moderate dose (i.e., 1-2 h·wk-1), compared with no sport or a high dose of sport (3+ h·wk-1).

CONCLUSIONS

Sports participation during school hours was more beneficial for academic performance compared with sport participation outside school hours. Based on mostly low-quality studies, we found some evidence that sport could positively affect academic performance in children and adolescents. It appears that sport participation of a moderate dose and at school could be used to promote academic performance. However, if this field were to inform policy, high-quality studies are needed that provide insight into the effect of dose and sport characteristics on academic performance.

Ecological validity in exercise neuroscience research: A systematic investigation

The contribution of cortical processes to adaptive motor behaviour is of great interest in the field of exercise neuroscience. Next to established criteria of objectivity, reliability and validity, ecological validity refers to the concerns of whether measurements and behaviour in research settings are representative of the real world. Because exercise neuroscience investigations using mobile electroencephalography are oftentimes conducted in laboratory settings under controlled environments, methodological approaches may interfere with the idea of ecological validity. This review utilizes an original ecological validity tool to assess the degree of ecological validity in current exercise neuroscience research. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify articles investigating cortical dynamics during goal-directed sports movement. To assess ecological validity, five elements (environment, stimulus, response, body and mind) were assessed on a continuum of artificiality-naturality and simplicity-complexity. Forty-seven studies were included in the present review. Results indicate lowest average ratings for the element of environment. The elements stimulus, body and mind had mediocre ratings, and the element of response had the highest overall ratings. In terms of the type of sport, studies that assessed closed-skill indoor sports had the highest ratings, whereas closed-skill outdoor sports had the lowest overall rating. Our findings identify specific elements that are lacking in ecological validity and areas of improvement in current exercise neuroscience literature. Future studies may potentially increase ecological validity by moving from reductionist, artificial environments towards complex, natural environments and incorporating real-world sport elements such as adaptive responses and competition.