Do Physical Fitness and Executive Function Mediate the Relationship between Physical Activity and Academic Achievement? An Examination Using Structural Equation Modelling

Chain-mediated effect of physical activity between Chinese language-based L2 motivational self-system and intended effort

The L2 Motivational Self System (L2MSS) determines an individual's motivation in second language learning and influences the learning experience and intended effort. Although physical activity (PA) has been shown to enhance academic efficacy, the role of PA in whether it promotes second language learning efficacy has not been elucidated. Therefore, the present study examined PA as a mediator and explored its ameliorative effects in L2MSS. A total of 981 international students from different countries were selected from 8 universities in Beijing as research subjects and were surveyed by International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), L2MSS, Learning Experience Scale, and Intended Effort Scale. Differences, correlations, and mediated model were analyzed by ANOVA, Pearson, and structural equation modeling (SEM). The proportions of PA in this study were comparable to those observed in previous studies, with the lowest prevalence of individuals exhibiting high levels of PA, followed by those with medium levels, and the highest prevalence of individuals with low levels. With the exception of ideal L2 self, PA had a significant enhancing effect on L2MSS, learning experience, and intended effort (F = 2.36, η²=0.05, ; F = 3.16, η²=0.04, ; F = 2.33, η²=0.05; P < 0.05), and was incrementally associated with ought-to l2 self, endeavor degree, and time spent (F = 4.23, η²=0.05, ; F = 7.21, η²=0.04, ; F = 5.93, η²=0.03; P < 0.01). In terms of correlations, there were general and significant positive correlations between PA and the rest of the indicators (r > 0.3, P < 0.05), except for learning desire and ought-to L2 self (r = 0.293). According to the SEM test, in addition to the direct effect of L2MSS on intended effort, the following paths existed: (1) ILS→PA→IE (effect=-0.265, ratio = 31.28%, 95%CI=[0.124, 0.527]), (2) OLS→PA→IE (effect = 0.179, ratio = 17.94%, 95%CI=[0.074, 0.256]), (3) ILS→PA→LE→IE (effect = 0.116, ratio = 10.69%, 95%CI=[0.042, 0.248]), (4) OLS→PA→LE→IE (effect = 0.108, ratio = 4.15%, 95%CI=[0.039, 0.126]). total indirect effect0.304 (ratio = 59.61%, 95%CI=[0.069, 0.289]). (1) PA had an ameliorative effect on L2MSS, learning experience, and intended effort, and increasing PA level increased the significance of this effect. (2) PA level positively predicts L2MSS, learning experience, and intended effort. (3) PA is an important mediator in the process of L2MSS that influences the learning experience and intended effort, so MPA at least 3 days a week can increase the efficiency of second language learning. This study will provide a referable predictive model and a richer theoretical foundation for Chinese language learning and dissemination.

Mediators of the association between physical activity and executive functions in primary school children

There is growing interest in identifying the mechanisms underpinning the effects of physical activity on executive functions (e.g. inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility) in children. Our study examined cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, and motor competence as potential mediators of this relationship. The study used baseline data from the Learning to Lead (L2L) cluster randomised controlled trial. In total, 675 children (7-11 years, 49.5% girls) completed measures of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, motor competence, and executive functions. Structural equation modelling was used to examine the potential mediating roles of cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, and motor competence in the cross-sectional association between MVPA and executive functions. Cardiorespiratory fitness (β = 0.06, SE = 0.021, p = 0.004) partially mediated the association between MVPA and cognitive flexibility. Muscular fitness was a significant mediator of the association between MVPA and both inhibitory control (β = 0.03, SE = 0.014, p = 0.027) and cognitive flexibility (β = 0.06, SE = 0.021, p = 0.005). No significant mediated effects were found for motor competence. Our findings suggest cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness (but not motor competence) mediate the association between physical activity and executive functions in children.

Physical Fitness, Executive Functions, and Academic Performance in Children and Youth: A Cross-Sectional Study

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between physical fitness, executive function, and academic performance in children and adolescents. A total of 131 students (49% female) aged 10-15 years from a public school in Rio de Janeiro were assessed in executive functions (hearts and flowers, Corsi's block, and digit span tasks), academic performance (Portuguese, reading, math, and overall school grade), physical tests (touch test disc, agility, lower limb and upper limb explosive strength), and anthropometric measurements. Regression results showed that the composite of sports-related fitness measures was the best predictor of executive functions (β = 0.472; t = -6.075 p < 0.001). Decision tree classifier analysis showed that the combination of factors that discriminated better and worse executive function groups were better performance in hand-eye coordination (TTD), math, and upper limb strength (ULEST). Sports-related fitness is significantly correlated with executive function. Hand-eye motor coordination has been identified as the most important predictor of improved cognitive outcomes, surpassing even academic skills. These findings should be considered in the design of physical activity programs in school settings, which may have a positive impact on child development, reflected in the reduction of academic and socioeconomic disparities.

Association between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and attention among children aged 6-12 years: chain mediating effects of fundamental movement skills and aerobic fitness

Purpose

To explore the association between physical activity and attention among children aged 6-12 years and to determine whether fundamental movement skills and aerobic fitness mediate the association between physical activity and attention.

Methods

A total of 1,086 school-aged children (mean age: 9.40 ± 2.03 years) were included in the present study. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Scale-Short Form. Fundamental movement skills were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development, third edition, and aerobic fitness was evaluated using the 20-metre shuttle run. Attention was assessed by the d2 Attention Test.

Results

There were significant positive correlations between physical activity and fundamental movement skills, physical activity and aerobic fitness, and physical activity and attention (all p < 0.05). Both fundamental movement skills and aerobic fitness fully mediated the relationship between physical activity and attention. In addition, fundamental movement skills and aerobic fitness had chain-mediating effects on the relationship between physical activity and attention.

Conclusion

High levels of physical activity were positively associated with attention among school-aged children. Fundamental movement skills and aerobic fitness played a chain-mediating role in the relationship between physical activity and attention.

A study on the correlation between physical fitness index and executive function in Chinese adolescents

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between physical fitness index and executive function in Chinese adolescents, and to provide a reference for improving the development of executive function in Chinese adolescents.

METHODS

From September to December 2023, 5336 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years were selected by stratified whole cluster random sampling method in six regions of China for physical fitness and executive function tests. The relationship between adolescent physical fitness index and executive function was analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and logistic regression.

RESULTS

The correlation coefficients between adolescents' physical fitness index and inhibitory control reaction time were all 0.00094, p > 0.05; the correlation coefficients between adolescents' physical fitness index and working memory (1-back, 2-back) reaction time were -0.13 and -0.093, respectively, p < .05; the correlation coefficients between adolescents' physical fitness index and cognitive flexibility reaction time were -0.17 and -0.18, p < .05. Logistic regression analyses showed that 1-back, 2-back, and cognitive flexibility were significantly and positively correlated with physical fitness index in Models 1, 2, and 3 (all p values less than.01). The coefficients of inhibitory control were not significant in all three models (p > .05), and there was no significant relationship with physical fitness index.

CONCLUSION

The physical fitness index of Chinese adolescents has a significant positive correlation with working memory and cognitive flexibility, but not with inhibitory control, i.e. the higher the physical fitness index, the better the working memory and cognitive flexibility.

Does cardiorespiratory fitness mediate or moderate the association between mid-life physical activity frequency and cognitive function? findings from the 1958 British birth cohort study

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA) is associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline and all-cause dementia in later life. Pathways underpinning this association are unclear but may involve either mediation and/or moderation by cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF).

METHODS

Data on PA frequency (exposure) at 42y, non-exercise testing CRF (NETCRF, mediator/moderator) at 45y and overall cognitive function (outcome) at 50y were obtained from 9,385 participants (50.8% female) in the 1958 British birth cohort study. We used a four-way decomposition approach to examine the relative contributions of mediation and moderation by NETCRF on the association between PA frequency at 42y and overall cognitive function at 50y.

RESULTS

In males, the estimated overall effect of 42y PA ≥once per week (vs.

CONCLUSION

We present the first evidence from a four-way decomposition analysis of the potential contribution that CRF plays in the relationship between mid-life PA frequency and subsequent cognitive function. Our lack of evidence in support of CRF mediating or moderating the PA frequency-cognitive function association suggests that other pathways underpin this association.

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MESH Headings

• Humans
• Cardiorespiratory Fitness/physiology
• Male
• Female
• Cognition/physiology
• Exercise/physiology
• United Kingdom/epidemiology
• Adult
• Middle Aged
• Birth Cohort
• Cohort Studies

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Grants

• Medical Research Council
• British Heart Foundation

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Affiliation(s)

Tom Norris Faculty of Medical Sciences, Institute of Sport, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Exercise and Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
John J. Mitchell Faculty of Medical Sciences, Institute of Sport, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Exercise and Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
Joanna M. Blodgett Faculty of Medical Sciences, Institute of Sport, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Exercise and Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
Mark Hamer Faculty of Medical Sciences, Institute of Sport, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Exercise and Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
Snehal M. Pinto Pereira Faculty of Medical Sciences, Institute of Sport, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Exercise and Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom

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Research on the effect of different aerobic activity on physical fitness and executive function in primary school students

To evaluate the effect of 16 weeks of different aerobic activity on physical fitness and executive functions in primary school students. 90 right-handed students from China (Boys = 46; Girls = 44) participated in our study and were randomly separated into four groups: 20 in the control group (Con), 23 in the physical activity group (PA), 25 in the intellectual activity group (IA), 22 in the physical activity and intellectual activity group (PA + IA). The students in PA, IA and PA + IA group received aerobic exercise program lasted 40 min daily, 4 days a week for 16 weeks, regular physical activity in the PA group, intellectual activity in the IA group, physical activity couple with intellectual activity in the PA + IA group, respectively. All the students participate the experiment for body composition, physical fitness (cardiopulmonary fitness, muscle strength, speed sensitivity, flexibility quality), executive functions and saliva analysis test before and after 16 weeks. There was no significant effect of 16 weeks different aerobic exercise interventions on body composition before and after exercise interventions among four groups in children (p > 0.05). The results were obtained by inter-group and intra-group comparisons that different exercise interventions (physical activity, intellectual activity, physical combine with intellectual activity), all can significantly improve physical fitness parameters (cardiopulmonary fitness, muscle strength, speed sensitivity and flexibility quality), and executive functions parameters (inhibitory control, working memory, reaction time cognitive flexibility), as well as the concentration of saliva GH and IGF-I (p < 0.05) in children. Our experiment further demonstrated that the improvement effect of the two exercises together is more significant than that of the single exercise ways. Both physical and intellectual activity can effectively improve physical fitness and executive function in children, and the improvement effect of the two exercises together is more significant than that of the single exercise ways.

Associations between Gross and Fine Motor Skills, Physical Activity, Executive Function, and Academic Achievement: Longitudinal Findings from the UK Millennium Cohort Study

Accumulating evidence from behavioral studies and neuroscience suggests that motor and cognitive development are intrinsically intertwined. To explore the underlying mechanisms of this motor-cognition link, our study examined the longitudinal relationship of early motor skills and physical activity with later cognitive skills. The sample was 3188 children from the United Kingdom Millennium Cohort Study, followed at 9 months and 5, 7, and 11 years. Early motor skills were examined at 9 months. Children's daily physical activity level was measured using accelerometers at 7 years and a questionnaire was conducted at 11 years. Cognitive skills, including executive function and academic achievement, were measured at age 11. The results suggest that gross motor skills were positively associated with spatial working memory, whereas fine motor skills were predictive of good English and science outcomes. Moderate-to-vigorous activity was found to be negatively associated with English performance, although self-reported activity frequency was positively linked to math. Our results highlight the significant role of both gross and fine motor skills in cognitive development. This study also elucidates the limitations of using activity intensity to assess the impact of motor activity on children's cognitive development, suggesting that attention to the effects of specific types of physical activity would better elucidate the motor/cognition link.

Can 16 Minutes of HIIT Improve Attentional Resources in Young Students?

Attentional resources are a cornerstone of both cognitive and academic performance. The purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions on selective attention and visuoperceptual ability in young students. A total of 134 students (12.83 ± 1.23 years) joined this study. They were randomly assigned to a control group (CG) (n = 67), which watched a documentary, or an experimental group (EG) (n = 67), which performed 16 min of HIIT. Attention and visuoperceptual ability were assessed through the Perception of Similarities and Differences test (Caras-R test). A repeated-measures two-way ANOVA analysis was conducted. The CG showed an increased number of errors compared to the EG (p < 0.001) and showed a lower Impulsivity Control Index (p < 0.001) after the investigation. The EG, meanwhile, showed an increased number of hits (p < 0.001), Impulsivity Control Index (p < 0.001), and attentional efficacy (p < 0.001). In addition, the EG showed a decreased number of errors (p < 0.001) and omissions (p < 0.01). In conclusion, 16 min of HIIT was time-effective in improving selective attention and visuoperceptual ability in young students. These results show the importance of physical exercise and the promotion of physical activity breaks during the academic day to improve learning processes.

Association between aerobic fitness and attentional functions in Egyptian preadolescent children

Growing evidence indicates that culture and education can influence cognitive constructs. Studies targeting Western and Asian populations have shown a positive relationship between aerobic fitness and cognitive control in children; however, this association has yet to be explored in the Arab world. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between aerobic fitness and attentional networks in Egyptian preadolescent children. In total, 103 preadolescent children (9.76 ± 0.11) completed an assessment of aerobic fitness using a 6-min running test and a computerized attention network test that allowed for assessing alerting, orienting, and executive networks. The results revealed that higher aerobic fitness was associated with shorter response time and higher response accuracy in a more cognitively demanding task condition (i.e., incongruent trials). Furthermore, higher aerobic fitness was associated with a more efficient executive network. No associations were observed for alerting and orienting networks. These findings corroborate growing evidence indicating the importance of aerobic fitness for cognitive development and extend the literature by suggesting that the positive association between aerobic fitness and cognitive control might be generalized to the Arab population and not significantly change across cultures.