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Schmid DG, Scott NM, Tomporowski PD. Physical Activity and Children's Episodic Memory: A Meta-Analysis. Pediatr Exerc Sci 2024; 36:155-169. [PMID: 38065088 DOI: 10.1123/pes.2023-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this review was to evaluate the effects of physical activity on children's free recall, cued recall, and recognition episodic memory and to explore potential moderating factors. METHODS The following databases were searched: PubMed, ERIC, APA Psych Info, CINHAL, SPORTDiscus, and Google Scholar. Studies were included if: (1) participants were aged 4-18 years, (2) participants were typically developed, (3) participants were randomized to groups, (4) interventions employed gross movements, (5) sedentary group was used for control, (6) memory tests were quantitative, and (7) employed acute or chronic intervention. RESULTS 14 studies met inclusion criteria resulting in the analysis of data from 7 free recall, 7 cued recall, and 8 recognition memory tests. Physical activity was found to have a positive influence on tests free (g = 0.56), cued recall (g = 0.67), and no influence on tests of recognition (g = 0.06). While some moderator analyses were significant, the authors do not consider these results to be meaningful in application. CONCLUSIONS The effects of acute and chronic physical activity enhance specific aspects of long-term episodic memory. These findings suggest physical activity interventions developed for children may be expected to benefit some, but not all, types of memory processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne G Schmid
- Kinesiology Department, University of Georgia, Athens, GA,USA
| | - Nathan M Scott
- Kinesiology Department, University of Georgia, Athens, GA,USA
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Sortwell A, O’Brien K, Murphy A, Ramirez-Campillo R, Piggott B, Hine G, Newton M. Effects of plyometric-based structured game active breaks on fundamental movement skills, muscular fitness, self-perception, and actual behaviour in primary school students. Biol Sport 2024; 41:69-78. [PMID: 38952915 PMCID: PMC11167464 DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2024.132991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
This study examined the effects of plyometric-based structured game active breaks on fundamental movement skills (FMS), muscular fitness, student self-perception, and teacher's rating of actual behaviour in Grade 3 and 4 students. Primary school children aged 8-10 years old, from four classes, were cluster-randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG) (n = 54) or a control group (CG) (n = 48). The IG participated in structured plyometric-based game active breaks for 7-10 minutes daily, for six consecutive weeks. The CG resumed their regular daily school routine. FMS were assessed with the Canadian Agility Movement Skills Assessment test, and muscular fitness with the standing long jump (SLJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and seated medicine ball chest throw tests. The Self-Perception Profile for Children and the Teacher's Rating Scale of Child's Actual Behaviour assessed student self-perception and teacher's perception of student actual behaviour, respectively. A significant (p < 0.01) interaction group by time was observed, with greater improvements in the IG compared to the CG in FMS (%diff = 13.11, ƞp2 = 0.12), SLJ (%diff = 6.67, ƞp2 = 0.02), seated medicine ball chest throw (%diff = 4.69, ƞp2 = 0.08), student social self-perception (%diff = 9.31, ƞp2 = 0.10), student scholastic self-perception (%diff = 7.27, ƞp2 = 0.10), and teacher perception of student social competence (%diff = 8.31, ƞp2 = 0.05). No difference (p > 0.05) was found in other variables. Integrating plyometric-based structured game active breaks into primary school settings evidenced improvement in FMS, muscular fitness, student self-perception, and teacher's rating of student actual behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Sortwell
- School of Health Sciences and Physiotherapy, University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney, Australia
- Education and Research Directorate, Sydney Catholic Schools, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kate O’Brien
- Education and Research Directorate, Sydney Catholic Schools, Sydney, Australia
| | - Aron Murphy
- School of Health Sciences and Physiotherapy, University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Benjamin Piggott
- School of Health Sciences and Physiotherapy, University of Notre Dame Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Gregory Hine
- School of Education, University of Notre Dame Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Michael Newton
- School of Health Sciences and Physiotherapy, University of Notre Dame Australia, Perth, Australia
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Masini A, Marini S, Ceciliani A, Barone G, Lanari M, Gori D, Bragonzoni L, Toselli S, Stagni R, Bisi MC, Sansavini A, Tessari A, Dallolio L. The effects of an active breaks intervention on physical and cognitive performance: results from the I-MOVE study. J Public Health (Oxf) 2023; 45:919-929. [PMID: 37403403 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present quasi-experimental study aimed to evaluate the effects of active breaks intervention (ABs) to promote physical and cognitive improvement in primary school. METHODS The active breaks group (ABsG) performed 10 min of ABs three times per school day and the control group (CG) did normal lessons. The baseline and follow-up evaluation was conducted respectively in October 2019 and in May 2021. Cognitive performance was assessed using working memory test, physical performance was analyzed with ActiGraph accelerometers and physical fitness tests, quality of life was monitored using the Paediatric Quality of Life questionnaire (PedsQL) and classroom behavior was collected with an ad hoc questionnaire. RESULTS We enrolled 153 children (age: 7.61 ± 1.41, 54.2% males). Working memory significantly increased in the ABsG (ΔWM: 1.30 ± 1.17) than in CG (ΔWM: 0.96 ± 1.20). The 6 min Cooper test increased in the ABsG (Δ: 1.77 ± 136.03) but not in CG (Δ: -156.42 ± 187.53), P < 0.05. The weekly physical activity levels increased in both groups; however, the sedentary behavior significantly increased both in ABsG and CG. Children reported improvements in their quality of school life including feeling better in class and in school when using ABs; moreover, children improved their time on task behaviors in ABsG. CONCLUSION The present study has proven to be effective on children's physical and cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Masini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Sofia Marini
- Department of Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Campus of Rimini, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Andrea Ceciliani
- Department of Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Campus of Rimini, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Barone
- Department of Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Campus of Rimini, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, S. Orsola University Hospital, Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Gori
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Bragonzoni
- Department of Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Campus of Rimini, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Stefania Toselli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Rita Stagni
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi" University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Bisi
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi" University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Sansavini
- Department of Psychology "Renzo Canestrari", University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessia Tessari
- Department of Psychology "Renzo Canestrari", University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Dallolio
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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Chalkley A, Mandelid MB, Singh A, Resaland GK, Daly-Smith A. Reframing physically active learning as movement-centred pedagogy: a European priority action framework. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2023; 20:101. [PMID: 37626371 PMCID: PMC10464126 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-023-01503-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physically active learning (PAL) has emerged as a promising way of eliciting health and education-based outcomes for pupils. Concurrently, research suggests large variability in how PAL is perceived, operationalized, and prioritized in practice across Europe. Therefore, this study aimed to co-develop a framework for action to support the adoption and implementation of PAL. METHODS Adopting a design thinking approach, 40 international stakeholders representing 13 countries engaged in an idea generation workshop during a two-day PAL international conference. Participants included professionals from research (n = 20), practice (n = 4) and policy (n = 1) or a combination (n = 15). Their experience with PAL ranged from none to 19 years (with an average of 3.9 years). Participants were allocated into one of six heterogeneous and multidisciplinary groups and led through interactive tasks to identify: the landscape for PAL across Europe, barriers to the adoption and implementation of PAL, and key objectives for research, policy and practice to improve the adoption and implementation of PAL. All discussions were audio recorded and prioritized objectives were transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Five interlinked and mutually reinforcing themes were identified: (1) Integration of the health and education paradigms (2) Coherent national policy and decision making (3) Building confident and competent teachers (4) Adopting a whole school approach for PAL (5) Strengthening the evidence base for PAL. CONCLUSIONS The priority action framework identifies five key areas for action to facilitate PAL adoption and implementation across Europe. Central to the success of border uptake of PAL is the integration of the health and education paradigms. To achieve this aim, reframing PAL as movement-centered pedagogy would provide a more holistic and inclusive perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Chalkley
- Centre for Physically Active Learning, Faculty of Education, Arts and Sports, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway.
- Centre for Applied Education Research, Wolfson Centre for Applied Health Research Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK.
| | - Mathias Brekke Mandelid
- Centre for Physically Active Learning, Faculty of Education, Arts and Sports, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
- Faculty of Humanities, Sports and Educational Science, Department of Sports, Physical Education and Outdoor Studies, University of South-Eastern Norway, Bø, Norway
| | - Amika Singh
- Centre for Physically Active Learning, Faculty of Education, Arts and Sports, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
- Mulier Institute Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Geir Kare Resaland
- Centre for Physically Active Learning, Faculty of Education, Arts and Sports, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| | - Andrew Daly-Smith
- Centre for Physically Active Learning, Faculty of Education, Arts and Sports, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for Applied Education Research, Wolfson Centre for Applied Health Research Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
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Sanmarchi F, Scheier LM, Dallolio L, Ricci M, Longo G, Ceciliani A, Masini A. Association of Socioeconomic Factors and Physical Activity with Health-Related Quality of Life in Italian Middle School Children: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2092. [PMID: 37510533 PMCID: PMC10379006 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11142092] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) provides a broad assessment of an individual's well-being and can serve as a good prognosticator of life's outcomes later for children and adolescents. Understanding the factors associated with HRQoL is crucial for promoting better health and life satisfaction. This study investigated the cross-sectional association of socioeconomic status, cardio fitness, and physical activity levels with HRQoL in 224 Italian early adolescents attending secondary school in the Emilia-Romagna region located in Northern Italy. In a multivariate path regression model, younger students and females reported a higher quality of life (β = -0.139, p = 0.015, 95% CI: -0.254--0.023 and β = 0.142, p = 0.019, 95% CI: 0.011-0.273, respectively). Having both parents employed and having a higher familiar educational status were also associated with a higher quality of life (β = 0.142, p = 0.013, 95% CI 0.027-0.257 and β = 0.133, p = 0.017, 95% CI 0.022-0.244, respectively). Greater engagement in routine physical activity levels from moderate to vigorous intensity was positively associated with quality of life (β = 0.429, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.304-0.554). Endurance (speed) was positively associated with quality of life (β = 0.221, p = 0.001, 95% CI: 0.087-0.355), and students with longer times on the shuttle run reported less quality of life (β = -0.207, p = 0.002, 95% CI: -0.337--0.077). These relations remained intact even when controlling for socioeconomic factors. The current findings reinforce the importance of promoting regular physical activity among younger children and also addressing socioeconomic status disparities to improve children's well-being. Future studies may want to consider expanding the array of measures used to assess physical activity and include additional measures assessing nutrition, cultural factors, and family functioning, all of which can influence a child's willingness to engage in physical activity and their well-being. The emphasis on fitness and physical activity and their contribution to a child's well-being should be the prime focus for stakeholders who work in the education, public health, and health policy sectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Sanmarchi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Lawrence M Scheier
- LARS Research Institute, Inc., Sun City, AZ 85351, USA
- Prevention Strategies, Greensboro, NC 27410, USA
| | - Laura Dallolio
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Ricci
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Longo
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Ceciliani
- Department of Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Campus of Rimini, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Alice Masini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont (UNIUPO), Via Solaroli, 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
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Jiménez-Parra JF, Valero-Valenzuela A. Impact of an Interdisciplinary Educational Programme on Students' Physical Activity and Fitness. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11091256. [PMID: 37174798 PMCID: PMC10178393 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11091256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Educational initiatives and actions are needed to provide students with skills to create active habits and lifestyles in order to increase the physical activity and fitness levels of young people. The main objective of this study was to analyse the effects of a classroom-based physical activity and life skills programme on students' physical activity and fitness levels. The sample consisted of 65 students in the 6th grade of Primary Education, aged between 11 and 13 years (11.86 ± 0.53), divided into a control group (CG) and an experimental group (EG) for convenience and accessibility. This was a quasi-experimental, repeated measures, longitudinal cut-off research design. For 16 weeks, an interdisciplinary educational programme based on a combination of classroom-based physical activity and life skills was implemented. The results showed that the educational programme had a positive effect on students' physical activity levels during school hours, specifically on reducing sedentary time (p < 0.001) and increasing light (p < 0.001) and moderate-to-vigorous (p < 0.001) physical activity. Positive effects were also found on the variables of explosive strength (p < 0.05) and aerobic capacity (p < 0.05) related to physical fitness. In conclusion, interdisciplinary educational programmes based on the promotion of physical activity and life skills could contribute to the development of responsible daily physical activity habits in students to facilitate their transfer to other environments (social and family) outside school.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Francisco Jiménez-Parra
- SAFE (Salud, Actividad Física y Educación) Research Group, Department of Physical Activity and Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Murcia, 30720 Murcia, Spain
| | - Alfonso Valero-Valenzuela
- SAFE (Salud, Actividad Física y Educación) Research Group, Department of Physical Activity and Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Murcia, 30720 Murcia, Spain
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Peiris DLIHK, Duan Y, Vandelanotte C, Liang W, Yang M, Baker JS. Effects of In-Classroom Physical Activity Breaks on Children's Academic Performance, Cognition, Health Behaviours and Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159479. [PMID: 35954831 PMCID: PMC9368257 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In-Classroom physical activity breaks (IcPAB) are a promising way to promote children’s health behaviors, while contributing to the development of their academic and cognitive ability and health outcomes. Yet the effect of the activity breaks, which are exclusive to classroom settings, are still mixed and unclear. Hence, this review was conducted to identify the characteristics and the effects of IcPAB among primary school children. The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021234192). Following the Cochrane guidelines, PubMed, PsycINFO (ProQuest), MEDLINE (EBSCOhost), Embase/Ovid, SportDISCUS (EBSCOhost), Web of Science, Scopus and Academic Search Premier (EBSCOhost) databases were searched to collect data on randomised control trials without a time restriction. The final database search was conducted on the 8 November 2021. Random effects models were used to calculate the effect sizes. The systematic review identified ten eligible studies, nine of which were also included in the meta-analysis. Few studies used the theoretical frameworks and process evaluations. IcPAB showed mixed effectiveness on academic outcomes: i.e., IcPAB had effects on spelling performance (p < 0.05) and foreign language learning (p < 0.01) but not on mathematics and reading performance. Health behaviors such as moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels were improved (p < 0.01), but IcPAB did not have an impact on cognition outcomes and health outcomes. Given these mixed results, further research is needed underpinned by strong methodological quality, theoretical underpinnings and reliable process evaluation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. L. I. H. K. Peiris
- Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; (D.L.I.H.K.P.); (W.L.); (M.Y.); (J.S.B.)
| | - Yanping Duan
- Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; (D.L.I.H.K.P.); (W.L.); (M.Y.); (J.S.B.)
- Centre for Health and Exercise Science Research, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence: (Y.D.); (C.V.)
| | - Corneel Vandelanotte
- Physical Activity Research Group, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton 4701, Australia
- Correspondence: (Y.D.); (C.V.)
| | - Wei Liang
- Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; (D.L.I.H.K.P.); (W.L.); (M.Y.); (J.S.B.)
- Centre for Health and Exercise Science Research, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Min Yang
- Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; (D.L.I.H.K.P.); (W.L.); (M.Y.); (J.S.B.)
| | - Julien Steven Baker
- Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; (D.L.I.H.K.P.); (W.L.); (M.Y.); (J.S.B.)
- Centre for Health and Exercise Science Research, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
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Masini A, Ceciliani A, Dallolio L, Gori D, Marini S. Evaluation of feasibility, effectiveness, and sustainability of school-based physical activity "active break" interventions in pre-adolescent and adolescent students: a systematic review. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2022; 113:713-725. [PMID: 35737219 PMCID: PMC9481789 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-022-00652-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective The present systematic review aimed to investigate the impact of school-based physical activity (PA) interventions of “active breaks” on PA levels, classroom behaviour, cognitive functions, and well-being in pre-adolescents and adolescents attending secondary and high school. Methods In March 2021, we performed a systematic research in CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, MedLine, and PsycINFO databases and through grey literature. Quality assessment was performed in accordance with the Cochrane Tool for Quality Assessment for RCTs and the STROBE tool for observational studies. We included studies that investigated classroom PA interventions led by teachers such as active breaks or physically active lessons on PA levels, classroom behaviour, cognitive function, and quality of life in pre-adolescent and adolescent population attending secondary and high school. Synthesis Three studies met the inclusion criteria. Two studies showed a positive effect of active breaks on students’ classroom behaviour and quality of life. One study registered a positive effect in the increase in school PA levels; unfortunately, this effect was not found in the overall levels of PA or in the reduction of sedentary behaviour. All three studies showed the feasibility and acceptability of active breaks intervention in secondary and high school settings. Conclusion This systematic review suggests the potential benefit of this type of intervention integrated in the secondary and high school curriculum on classroom behaviour, school PA levels, and well-being. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.17269/s41997-022-00652-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Masini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Unit of Hygiene, Public Health and Medical Statistics, University of Bologna, via San Giacomo 12, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Ceciliani
- Department of Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Campus of Rimini, Corso d'Augusto 237, 47921, Rimini, Italy
| | - Laura Dallolio
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Unit of Hygiene, Public Health and Medical Statistics, University of Bologna, via San Giacomo 12, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Davide Gori
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Unit of Hygiene, Public Health and Medical Statistics, University of Bologna, via San Giacomo 12, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sofia Marini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Unit of Hygiene, Public Health and Medical Statistics, University of Bologna, via San Giacomo 12, 40126, Bologna, Italy
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Effects of Active Breaks on Physical Literacy: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study in a Region of Spain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137597. [PMID: 35805254 PMCID: PMC9266253 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have shown that active breaks (AB) lead to improvements in physical fitness, daily steps taken and participants’ health. However, there are no studies that have evaluated how they affect physical literacy (PL). Aims: Therefore, this study examined the effects of a 4-week recreational AB program based on games whose main objective was to improve motivation and motor skills’ improvement in PL in schoolchildren. Method: A quasi-experimental pilot study was conducted with PL assessments before and after a 4-week recreational AB program. Results: Fifty-seven schoolchildren (10.28 ± 0.43 years) participated in the study, 29 in the control group and 28 in the experimental group. An improvement in PL was found between the experimental and control groups after the intervention (p = 0.017). Moreover, the experimental group also improved (p < 0.001) PL after the intervention. More specifically, within the domain of PL, improvements were found after the intervention in the experimental group in the domains of physical competence (p < 0.001), motivation and confidence (p < 0.001) and knowledge (p < 0.001) but not in the domain of daily activity (p = 0.051). Conclusion: The application of an AB program based on playful games, during four weeks, produced an increase in scores in the general PL level, as well as in the domains of physical competence, motivation, and knowledge and understanding in schoolchildren.
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Physical Exercise Effects on University Students’ Attention: An EEG Analysis Approach. ELECTRONICS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/electronics11050770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Physically active breaks (AB) are currently being proposed as an interesting tool to improve students’ attention. Reviews and meta-analyses confirm their effect on attention, but also warned about the sparse evidence based on vigilance and university students. Therefore, this pilot study aimed to (a) determine the effects of AB in comparison with passive breaks on university students’ vigilance and (b) to validate an analysis model based on machine learning algorithms in conjunction with a multiparametric model based on electroencephalography (EEG) signal features. Through a counterbalanced within-subject experimental study, six university students (two female; mean age = 25.67, STD = 3.61) had their vigilance performances (i.e., response time in Psycho-Motor Vigilance Task) and EEG measured, before and after a lecture with an AB and another lecture with a passive break. A multiparametric model based on the spectral power, signal entropy and response time has been developed. Furthermore, this model, together with different machine learning algorithms, shows that for the taken signals there are significant differences after the AB lesson, implying an improvement in attention. These differences are most noticeable with the SVM with RBF kernel and ANNs with F1-score of 85% and 88%, respectively. In conclusion, results showed that students performed better on vigilance after the lecture with AB. Although limited, the evidence found could help researchers to be more accurate in their EEG analyses and lecturers and teachers to improve their students’ attentions in a proper way.
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Short breaks at school: effects of a physical activity and a mindfulness intervention on children's attention, reading comprehension, and self-esteem. Trends Neurosci Educ 2021; 25:100160. [PMID: 34844692 DOI: 10.1016/j.tine.2021.100160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although breaks are essential to restoring cognitive and psychological conditions for learning, short breaks within school lessons are not established and the specificity of effects has not often been investigated. Therefore, the effects of a physical activity (Study 1) and a mindfulness intervention (Study 2) were investigated. PROCEDURE By an intervention-control group design, the effects of daily 10-min physical activity (Study 1: N = 162, 4th grade) and mindfulness breaks (Study 2: N = 79, 5th grade) were implemented within regular school lessons over a 2-week time period to research the impact on attention, reading comprehension, and self-esteem. RESULTS In the physical activity intervention children's attention improved (attention-processing speed: p < .004, ηp2 = .05, attention-performance: p < .025, ηp2 = .03), and in the mindfulness intervention reading comprehension improved (p < .012, ηp2 = .08) compared to the controls. Results further indicated that self-esteem moderated the relationship between groups and attention improvement in study 1. CONCLUSION Classroom-based short physical and mindfulness breaks could support attention and reading comprehension, which are known to support overall academic success.
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