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Bao R, Wade L, Leahy AA, Owen KB, Hillman CH, Jaakkola T, Lubans DR. Associations Between Motor Competence and Executive Functions in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sports Med 2024:10.1007/s40279-024-02040-1. [PMID: 38769244 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-024-02040-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motor competence and executive functions co-develop throughout childhood and adolescence, and there is emerging evidence that improvements in motor competence may have cognitive benefits in these populations. There is a need to provide a quantitative synthesis of the cross-sectional, longitudinal and experimental studies that have examined the association between motor competence and executive functions in school-aged youth. OBJECTIVES The primary aim of our systematic review was to synthesise evidence of the association between motor competence and executive functions in school-aged children and adolescents (5-18 years). Our secondary aim was to examine key moderators of this association. METHODS We searched the PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus and EMBASE databases from inception up to 27 June 2023. We included cross-sectional, longitudinal and experimental studies that assessed the association between motor competence (e.g., general motor competence, locomotor skills, object control skills and stability skills) and executive functions (e.g., general executive functions, inhibition, working memory and cognitive flexibility) in children and adolescents aged 5-18 years. RESULTS In total, 12,117 records were screened for eligibility, and 44 studies were included. From the 44 included studies, we meta-analysed 37 studies with 251 effect sizes using a structural equation modelling approach in the statistical program R. We found a small positive association (r = 0.18, [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13-0.22]) between motor competence and executive functions. The positive associations were observed in cross-sectional (r = 0.17, [95% CI 0.13-0.22]), longitudinal (r = 0.15, [95% CI 0.03-0.28]) and experimental studies (r = 0.25, [95% CI 0.01-0.45]). We also found that general motor competence (r = 0.25, [95% CI 0.18-0.33]), locomotor (r = 0.15, [95% CI 0.09-0.21]), object control (r = 0.14, [95% CI 0.08-0.20]) and stability (r = 0.14, [95% CI 0.08-0.20]) skills were associated with executive functions. We did not find any moderating effects for participants' age on the associations between motor competence and executive functions. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest a small-to-moderate positive association between motor competence and executive functions in children and adolescents. The small number of experimental studies included in this review support the assertion that interventions targeting children's motor competence may be a promising strategy to improve their executive functions; however, more research is needed to confirm these findings. Future studies should explore the underlying mechanisms linking motor competence and executive functions as their comprehension may be used to optimise future intervention design and delivery. PROSPERO REGISTRATION CRD42021285134.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Bao
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- College of Human and Social Futures, School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Active Living Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Levi Wade
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- College of Human and Social Futures, School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Active Living Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Angus A Leahy
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- College of Human and Social Futures, School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Active Living Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Katherine B Owen
- SPRINTER, Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Charles H Hillman
- Center for Cognitive and Brain Health, Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Timo Jaakkola
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyvaskyla, Finland
| | - David Revalds Lubans
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
- College of Human and Social Futures, School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
- Active Living Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyvaskyla, Finland.
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Reisberg K, Riso EM, Animägi L, Jürimäe J. Longitudinal Associations of Body Fatness and Physical Fitness with Cognitive Skills in Preschoolers. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:526. [PMID: 38790521 PMCID: PMC11120113 DOI: 10.3390/children11050526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
A good cognitive status predicts academic, professional, and health outcomes. However, longitudinal data regarding the associations of body fatness, physical fitness, and cognition are relatively scarce and mixed. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to investigate whether body fatness, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and muscular fitness (MF) in preschool are associated with cognitive skills in the first grade of school. A total of 133 South Estonian children whose age was 6-7 years were recruited from 13 kindergartens and again at 7-8 years after they had entered school. Body fat percentage (BF%), CRF, MF as the mean of z-scores of relative upper-limb strength, standing long jump results, and cognitive skills (verbal, conceptual, and perceptual) were studied. There were no associations between BF% and CRF in preschool with perceptual, conceptual, or verbal skills in school in boys and girls. In boys, a higher MF in preschool was associated with higher verbal skills (β = 0.293, p = 0.021) in school after adjustment for confounders. Cognitive skills at baseline seemed to be frequently associated with cognitive performance in school. In conclusion, higher MF in preschool was associated with better verbal skills in the first grade of school in boys but not in girls. Body fatness and cardiorespiratory fitness in preschool were not associated with cognitive skills in school.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirkke Reisberg
- Department of Physiotherapy and Environmental Health, Tartu Health Care College, 50411 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Eva-Maria Riso
- Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, 51008 Tartu, Estonia; (E.-M.R.); (J.J.)
| | - Liina Animägi
- Department of Physiotherapy and Environmental Health, Tartu Health Care College, 50411 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Jaak Jürimäe
- Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, 51008 Tartu, Estonia; (E.-M.R.); (J.J.)
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Joensuu L, Csányi T, Huhtiniemi M, Kälbi K, Magalhães J, Milanović I, Morrison SA, Ortega FB, Sardinha LB, Starc G, Tammelin TH, Jurak G. How to design and establish a national school-based physical fitness monitoring and surveillance system for children and adolescents: A 10-step approach recommended by the FitBack network. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2024; 34:e14593. [PMID: 38488439 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14593] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Providing individual- and population-level data on children's physical fitness (PF) is a crucial public health and education priority. However, few national fitness monitoring or surveillance systems are currently in practice internationally. We aim to summarize the current European PF monitoring and surveillance systems for school-aged children and to provide experience-based guidelines on how to design such systems. METHODS The FitBack network consists of experts from diverse backgrounds with the common interest to improve the accessibility of PF monitoring for young people globally. Through FitBack network, we identified and compared the national or regional PF monitoring and surveillance systems currently in operation across Europe. We formulated a 10-step approach for designing and establishing one's own system, based on analysis of experienced strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to monitoring childhood fitness. RESULTS We identified a total of eight PF monitoring systems in Finland, France, Galicia of Spain, Hungary, Lithuania, Portugal, Serbia, and Slovenia. The FitBack network recommends the following steps for designing and establishing one's own system: (1) set up mission statements and aims, (2) involve stakeholders, (3) utilize scientific background, (4) governance structure, (5) ensure sufficient funding, (6) data management planning, (7) provide meaningful feedback, (8) conduct pilot testing, (9) plan implementation process, and (10) invest in communication with stakeholders. CONCLUSIONS This study provides an updated overview of the best practices for school-aged children's fitness monitoring and surveillance in Europe. Additionally, it offers a 10-step approach to assist in the creation of similar systems in Europe or globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Joensuu
- LIKES, Jamk University of Applied Sciences, Jyväskylä, Finland
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Tamás Csányi
- Department of Physical Education Theory and Methodology, Hungarian University of Sports Science, Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian School Sport Federation, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mikko Huhtiniemi
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Katalin Kälbi
- Hungarian School Sport Federation, Budapest, Hungary
- Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) Bárczi Gusztáv Faculty of Special Needs Education, Institute for the Methodology of Special Needs Education and Rehabilitation, Budapest, Hungary
| | - João Magalhães
- Exercise and Health Laboratory, CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Cruz Quebrada, Portugal
| | - Ivana Milanović
- Faculty of Sports and Physical Education, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Shawnda A Morrison
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Human Potential Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Francisco B Ortega
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada and CIBEROBN Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Granada, Spain
| | - Luis B Sardinha
- Exercise and Health Laboratory, CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Cruz Quebrada, Portugal
| | - Gregor Starc
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Gregor Jurak
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Hill PJ, Mcnarry MA, Mackintosh KA, Murray MA, Pesce C, Valentini NC, Getchell N, Tomporowski PD, Robinson LE, Barnett LM. The Influence of Motor Competence on Broader Aspects of Health: A Systematic Review of the Longitudinal Associations Between Motor Competence and Cognitive and Social-Emotional Outcomes. Sports Med 2024; 54:375-427. [PMID: 37989831 PMCID: PMC10933160 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01939-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motor competence has important developmental associations with aspects of physical health, but there has been no synthesis of longitudinal associations with cognitive and social-emotional health. OBJECTIVES The first aim was to present a conceptual model that positions motor competence as a mediator between physical activity and cognitive and social-emotional outcomes. The second aim was to synthesize the association of motor competence and cognitive and social-emotional development using longitudinal observational and experimental evidence, in particular to (i) identify the role of task, individual, and environmental characteristics in moderating the association between motor and cognitive and social-emotional outcomes and (ii) synthesize the strength of evidence pertaining to domain-specific relationships. METHODS This systematic review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) and adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus) were systematically searched. Following study screening and risk-of-bias assessment by two authors, 49 eligible studies were identified for inclusion and grouped by study design. Evidence for domain-specific paths between motor competence and cognitive and social-emotional outcomes was synthesized by calculating the significant analyses in the hypothesized direction, divided by the total number of analyses for that path. These percentages were then collated for each domain outcome. This collated influence was classified as either no association (0-33%), written as '0', or indeterminate/inconsistent (34-59%), written as '?' If there were fewer than three studies in the domain, the strength of evidence was classified as insufficient (I). RESULTS Of the 49 studies, 35% were able to satisfy six or more of the seven risk-of-bias criteria. Longitudinal observational evidence about domain-specific and global associations of motor competence and cognitive and social-emotional development is indeterminate. The included studies also did not provide evidence for a consistent moderating role of age and sex. Some preliminary experimental evidence does support the role of motor competence in moderating the influence of cognitively enriched physical activity on cognitive outcomes, especially working memory and social-emotional skills. However, too few studies were appropriately designed to acknowledge the moderating role of contextual mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS Between-study heterogeneity means it was not possible to identify definitive domain- and construct-specific relationships between motor competence and cognitive and social-emotional outcomes. To further develop our understanding, it is important that researchers acknowledge the complexity of these relationships within rigorous study designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip J Hill
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, SA1 8EN, Wales, UK
| | - Melitta A Mcnarry
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, SA1 8EN, Wales, UK
| | - Kelly A Mackintosh
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, SA1 8EN, Wales, UK.
| | - Maeve Aine Murray
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Dublin, D09 F8Y6, Ireland
| | - Caterina Pesce
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | | | - Nancy Getchell
- Developmental Motor Control Laboratory, 157 Human Performance Lab, University of Delaware, 540 S College Ave, Newark, 19713, DE, UK
| | | | - Leah E Robinson
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, SKB 1054; 830 North University, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-1048, USA
| | - Lisa M Barnett
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Faculty of Health, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Building BC, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, Melbourne, 3125, Australia
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Flores P, Coelho E, Mourão-Carvalhal I, Forte P. Relationships between Math Skills, Motor Skills, Physical Activity, and Obesity in Typically Developing Preschool Children. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:1000. [PMID: 38131856 PMCID: PMC10740894 DOI: 10.3390/bs13121000] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
There is evidence of a relationship between motor and cognitive development. The literature has shown that of all the motor skills, fine motor skills are those that contribute most to mathematical performance in preschool children. As this is a sensitive period in the development of motor skills, low levels of physical activity in this period can compromise their development and contribute to weight gain and obesity. The aim of this study was therefore to analyze the relationship between mathematical and motor skills, physical activity levels, and obesity. The sample consisted of 62 preschool children (32 males) with an average age of 4.63 ± 0.81. The Weschler preschool and primary scale of intelligence-revised arithmetic test was used to assess mathematical skills. The tests to assess fine motor skills were the "Adapted Threading Beads Test" and the "Adapted Visuomotor Integration Test". The movement assessment battery for children-2, band 1, "Aiming & Catching", and "Balance" tests were used to assess gross motor skills. Levels of physical activity were assessed using the "Preschool-age physical activity questionnaire" and obesity using the body mass index. The results indicated that only the fine motor skills of visuomotor integration were included in the multiple linear regression model (F < 0.001; r = 0.464; R2 = 0.215; p < 0.001), with the exclusion of gross motor skills, physical activity levels, and obesity levels. Thus, it was concluded that mathematical skills were only directly and significantly influenced by visuomotor integration. However, visuomotor integration was positively and significantly associated with gross motor skills (r = 0.269; p < 0.05) and not with levels of physical activity and obesity. Thus, gross motor skills could contribute to improving visuomotor integration directly and consequently mathematical skills indirectly. The results of this study suggest that the implementation of structured physical activity programs can contribute to mathematical performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Flores
- CI-ISCE, Higher Institute of Education and Sciences of the Douro, 4560-708 Penafiel, Portugal;
| | - Eduarda Coelho
- Department of Sports, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Research Center in Sports, Health and Human Development, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Isabel Mourão-Carvalhal
- Department of Sports, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Research Center in Sports, Health and Human Development, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Pedro Forte
- CI-ISCE, Higher Institute of Education and Sciences of the Douro, 4560-708 Penafiel, Portugal;
- Research Center in Sports, Health and Human Development, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
- Department of Sports, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-252 Bragança, Portugal
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Flores P, Coelho E, Mourão-Carvalhal MI, Forte P. Association between motor and math skills in preschool children with typical development: Systematic review. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1105391. [PMID: 36818067 PMCID: PMC9932055 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1105391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mathematics has been the subject in which many school-age children have revealed many difficulties. Research carried out in an attempt to understand the causes of failure in this area pointed to a positive association between mathematical performance and motor performance. Given the importance of math development in future school outcomes, knowing which specific motor components are most associated with math performance can help educators define better strategies for teaching mathematics. In this sense, the present systematic review study aimed to identify the components of motor skills most positively associated with mathematical performance in children with typical development who attend preschool. The PRISMA methodology (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) was used in this study. The databases searched were ERIC, PubMED, SciELO, Scopus and Web of Science. A total of 2,909 articles were identified, of which 18 were included in this systematic review. The main results showed positive associations between fine motor skills, namely fine motor coordination and visuomotor integration, and mathematical performance. The math skill of numerical counting was the most associated with FMS. The main characteristics of the instruments used showed that the tasks of copying figures or drawings are the most used to assess visuomotor integration and the tasks of handling objects with pinch-like movements are the most used to assess fine motor coordination. Given the importance of mathematical performance in future school results, identifying early children with difficulties in fine motor skills will help educators to design better strategies for teaching mathematical skills. In this sense, the need to identify instruments to assess fine motor skills in preschool children with characteristics that facilitate their administration by the educator in the classroom context, i.e., requiring little administration time, not requiring much experience or training, the possibility of being administered to the group/class, few material resources, and the results can be easily interpreted, classified, and associated with mathematical performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Flores
- Sports Department, Higher Institute of Education and Sciences of the Douro, Penafiel, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Coelho
- Sports Department, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Research Center in Sports, Health and Human Development, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Maria Isabel Mourão-Carvalhal
- Sports Department, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Research Center in Sports, Health and Human Development, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Pedro Forte
- Sports Department, Higher Institute of Education and Sciences of the Douro, Penafiel, Portugal
- Sports Department, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Research Center in Sports, Health and Human Development, Covilhã, Portugal
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Weber VMR, da Costa JC, Volpato LA, Romanzini M, Castro-Piñero J, Ronque ERV. Association between cardiorrespiratory fitness and cognitive control: is somatic maturity an important mediator? BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:699. [PMID: 36474208 PMCID: PMC9724316 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03777-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently some articles presented information related to the possible effect of maturity over the cognitive control and cardiorespiratory fitness, however little is known about the real effects of maturity in the relation of these variables. In this sense, the purpose of this study was to examine the potential mediating role of somatic maturity on the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and cognitive control. METHODS This three-year longitudinal research comprises two data collection groups: a baseline conducted in 2016 with 394 adolescents (aged 11.7 ± 0.6 years) and a follow-up in 2019 with 134 adolescents (aged 14.9 ± 0.7 years). Anthropometry data, 20-m shuttle run test and peak height velocity (PHV) to determine the maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and somatic maturity, respectively, were collected at both sampling times. In parallel, the Sociodemographic and cognitive control function variables were included in the follow-up to evaluate the inhibitory control (by the Stroop test) and the visuo-spatial working memory (by the Corsi block-tapping test). Associations between CRF and cognitive functions were computed by multiple linear regression, with mediation as a function of PHV. RESULTS CRF exhibited transversal associations with reaction time in congruent (β = -0.004; p = 0.001) and incongruent (β = -0.005; p = 0.004) stimulus-responses. Meanwhile, the variation in VO2max over the three year-study had a significant impact on the reaction time of congruent (β = -0.006; p = 0.001) and incongruent (β = -0.006; p = 0.012) responses at follow-up. However, PHV did not show a significant association with the cognitive functions, indicating no mediating role. CONCLUSIONS Although the associations between CRF and the cognitive functions exhibited great transversal and longitudinal impacts, somatic maturity did not affect the cognitive control functions, associating exclusively with CRF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius Muller Reis Weber
- grid.411400.00000 0001 2193 3537Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health, Center of Physical Education and Sports, Londrina State University - UEL, University Campus, Highway Celso Garcia Cid, Km 380, P.O. box 6001, Londrina, Paraná 86051-990 Brazil
| | - Julio Cesar da Costa
- grid.411400.00000 0001 2193 3537Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health, Center of Physical Education and Sports, Londrina State University - UEL, University Campus, Highway Celso Garcia Cid, Km 380, P.O. box 6001, Londrina, Paraná 86051-990 Brazil
| | - Leonardo Alex Volpato
- grid.411400.00000 0001 2193 3537Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health, Center of Physical Education and Sports, Londrina State University - UEL, University Campus, Highway Celso Garcia Cid, Km 380, P.O. box 6001, Londrina, Paraná 86051-990 Brazil
| | - Marcelo Romanzini
- grid.411400.00000 0001 2193 3537Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health, Center of Physical Education and Sports, Londrina State University - UEL, University Campus, Highway Celso Garcia Cid, Km 380, P.O. box 6001, Londrina, Paraná 86051-990 Brazil
| | - Jose Castro-Piñero
- grid.7759.c0000000103580096Department of Physical Education, GALENO Research Group, School of Education, University of Cadiz, Puerto Real, Spain ,grid.512013.4Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cadiz (INiBICA) Research Unit, 11009 Cadiz, Spain
| | - Enio Ricardo Vaz Ronque
- grid.411400.00000 0001 2193 3537Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health, Center of Physical Education and Sports, Londrina State University - UEL, University Campus, Highway Celso Garcia Cid, Km 380, P.O. box 6001, Londrina, Paraná 86051-990 Brazil
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The relationship of muscular endurance and coordination and dexterity with behavioral and neuroelectric indices of attention in preschool children. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7059. [PMID: 35487967 PMCID: PMC9054790 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11161-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the associations of non-aerobic fitness (NAF) and motor competence (MC) with attention in 4–6 year-old preschoolers. The allocation of attentional resources and speed of stimulus categorization were examined using the amplitude and latency of P3 of event-related potentials respectively, while cortical activation related to general attention and task-specific discriminative processes were examined using event-related desynchronization (ERD) at lower (8–10 Hz) and upper (10–12 Hz) alpha frequencies, respectively. Seventy-six preschoolers completed NAF (muscular power, muscular endurance, flexibility, balance) and MC (coordination and dexterity, ball skills, agility and balance) test batteries. Electroencephalogram was recorded while participants performed an auditory oddball task. After controlling for age and MC, muscular endurance was positively related to P3 amplitude. MC and its coordination and dexterity sub-component were positively related to task performance, with higher levels of coordination and dexterity showing an additional association with greater upper alpha ERD between 700 and 1000 ms following stimulus onset after controlling for age and NAF. These findings suggest relationships of NAF and MC with early childhood neurocognitive function. Specifically, muscular endurance is related to the neuroinhibition in facilitating effective allocation of attentional resources to stimulus evaluation while coordination and dexterity are related to cortical activation underlying strategic attentional preparation for subsequent stimulus evaluation.
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Executive Functions, Motor Development, and Digital Games Applied to Elementary School Children: A Systematic Mapping Study. EDUCATION SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/educsci12030164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Studies show that executive functions and motor development are associated with each other and with learning ability. A more technological lifestyle combined with digital culture should be considered a viable alternative to stimulate children’s development. Therefore, this study aimed to present a systematic mapping of the literature involving executive functions, motor development, and the use of digital games in intervention programs for elementary school children from 6 to 11 years old. Four databases were researched: PubMed, Scielo, Science Direct, and SCOPUS, including publications between 2012 and March 2021. The initial results indicated 4881 records. After the selection process, 15 manuscripts that presented the central theme of the study were selected. The main results indicated that intervention strategies are rather heterogeneous. Most of the studies demonstrated efficient results after intervention protocols, many of them were conducted in Europe, and 46% occurred in a school environment. No research was identified involving technological solutions using executive functions, motor development, and digital games in an integrated manner. Hence, this constitutes a field of future scientific research.
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Jones D, Innerd A, Giles EL, Azevedo LB. The Association between Physical Activity, Motor Skills and School Readiness in 4-5-Year-Old Children in the Northeast of England. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182211931. [PMID: 34831685 PMCID: PMC8622578 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182211931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The benefits of being physically active, possessing good motor skills and being school-ready are well documented in early years. Nevertheless, the association between physical activity and motor skills with school readiness remains unknown. Therefore, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore the relationship between these variables. We collected data on 326 four to five-year-old children from the northeast of England. Children's PA (ActiGraph GT1M accelerometers), motor skills (MABC-2 and the locomotor section of the TGMD-2) and school readiness (EYFSP) were measured, and associations between these variables were examined. This study found that, on average, children engaged in more MVPA (99.6 min/day) and less sedentary behaviour (261 min/day) than documented in previous research. Motor-skill scores were consistent with existing literature in early years. A higher percentage of children in the sample (79.6%) achieved school readiness than the average for England. Regression analyses found that motor-skill variables and sedentary behaviour were significantly predictive of school readiness, whereas physical activity was not. Motor skills and sedentary behaviour significantly predict school readiness. Therefore, promoting motor skills and developmentally appropriate sedentary behaviour activities may increase the number of children achieving school readiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Jones
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough TS1 3BX, UK; (A.I.); (E.L.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Alison Innerd
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough TS1 3BX, UK; (A.I.); (E.L.G.)
| | - Emma L. Giles
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough TS1 3BX, UK; (A.I.); (E.L.G.)
| | - Liane B. Azevedo
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK;
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11
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Weber VMR, Fernandes DZ, Volpato LA, de Oliveira Bueno MR, Romanzini M, Castro-Piñero J, Ronque ERV. Development of cardiorespiratory fitness standards for working memory using receiver operating curves in 15-year-old adolescents. BMC Pediatr 2021; 21:208. [PMID: 33926400 PMCID: PMC8082830 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-02681-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Working memory performance is associated with better academic achievements in children and adolescents, and it is positively related to CRF. However, what level of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) discriminates higher working memory performance is not known. The purpose of this study was to identify CRF thresholds linked to working memory in adolescents. Methods Data of 141 adolescents (53.2 % girls) were collected (14.9 years) from a cross-sectional study during the year 2019. CRF was assessed by the 20-m shuttle run test, and maximal oxygen uptake was calculated using the Mahar´s equation. Working memory was evaluated by the Corsi blocks test and performance was classified by percentiles. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to identify CRF thresholds. Results The ROC analysis indicated that CRF could be used to discriminate working memory in adolescents. CRF thresholds of ≥45.03 ml.kg− 1.min− 1for boys and ≥36.63 ml.kg− 1.min− 1for girls were found to be indicative of “normal” working memory performance. Conclusions CRF could discriminate low and normal working memory performance in 14-16- year-old adolescents. These thresholds could allow for earlier identification and intervention of low working memory performance using CRF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius Muller Reis Weber
- Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health, Center of Physical Education and Sports, Londrina State University - UEL, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Daniel Zanardini Fernandes
- Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health, Center of Physical Education and Sports, Londrina State University - UEL, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Alex Volpato
- Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health, Center of Physical Education and Sports, Londrina State University - UEL, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Maria Raquel de Oliveira Bueno
- Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health, Center of Physical Education and Sports, Londrina State University - UEL, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Romanzini
- Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health, Center of Physical Education and Sports, Londrina State University - UEL, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Jose Castro-Piñero
- GALENO Research Group Department of Physical Education, School of Education, University of Cadiz, Puerto Real, Spain.,Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cadiz (INiBICA) Research Unit, 11009, Cadiz, Spain
| | - Enio Ricardo Vaz Ronque
- Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health, Center of Physical Education and Sports, Londrina State University - UEL, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
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12
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Skog H, Lintu N, Haapala HL, Haapala EA. Associations of cardiorespiratory fitness, adiposity, and arterial stiffness with cognition in youth. Physiol Rep 2020; 8:e14586. [PMID: 32951313 PMCID: PMC7507089 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the associations of cardiorespiratory fitness, adiposity, and arterial stiffness with cognition in 16‐ to 19‐year‐old adolescents. Methods Fifty four adolescents (35 girls; 19 boys) participated in the study. Peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) and peak power output (Wmax) were measured by the maximal ramp test on a cycle ergometer and ventilatory threshold (VT) was determined with ventilation equivalents. Lean mass (LM) and body fat percentage (BF%) were measured using a bioelectrical impedance analysis. Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVao) and augmentation index (AIx%) were measured by a non‐invasive oscillometric device. Working memory, short term memory, visual learning and memory, paired‐associate learning, attention, reaction time, and executive function were assessed by CogState tests. Results V̇O2peak/LM (β = 0.36 p = .011) and Wmax/LM (β = 0.30 p = .020) were positively associated with working memory. Wmax/LM was also positively associated with visual learning (β = 0.37, p = .009). V̇O2 at VT/LM was positively associated with working memory (β = 0.30 p = .016), visual learning (β = 0.31 p = .026), and associated learning (β = −0.27 p = .040). V̇O2 at VT as % of V̇O2peak, BF%, PWVao, and AIx% were not associated with cognition. Conclusion Cardiorespiratory fitness was related to better cognitive function, while BF% and arterial stiffness were not associated with cognition in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannamari Skog
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio Campus, Finland
| | - Niina Lintu
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio Campus, Finland
| | - Henna L Haapala
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Eero A Haapala
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio Campus, Finland.,Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Narimani M, Esmaeilzadeh S, Pesola AJ, Haapala EA, Heidari B, Azevedo LB. Allometrically scaled explosive strength, but not static strength or maximal oxygen uptake is associated with better central processing time in young males. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2020; 60:947-956. [PMID: 32253892 DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.20.10273-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to examine the associations of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), static strength and explosive strength with cognitive functions in young males. METHODS Eighty-six young males (age 16-24 years) participated in the study and took part in a number of tests including: static strength (grip strength test), explosive strength (Sargent jump test), and CRF (via direct measure of maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max]). Static strength and explosive strength were scaled by allometrically modeled skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and height while VO2max was scaled by SMM and body mass (BM). Cognition was assessed by inhibitory control, simple and choice reaction time tasks using computerized Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Battery (CANTAB). Central processing time was measured by surface electromyography changes in isometric contraction response to an audio stimulus. RESULTS VO2max scaled by BM (but not SMM), was associated with better central processing time and stop-signal reaction time (SSRT). Explosive strength was also associated with better central processing time independent of VO2max. However, static strength was not associated with cognition. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that explosive strength is a better predictor of central processing than static strength or VO2max in young males. Longitudinal studies are needed to examine whether explosive strength training in youth would improve central processing time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Narimani
- Department of Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran -
| | - Samad Esmaeilzadeh
- Department of Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.,Active Life Lab, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, Mikkeli, Finland
| | - Arto J Pesola
- Active Life Lab, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, Mikkeli, Finland
| | - Eero A Haapala
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Behrouz Heidari
- Department of Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Liane B Azevedo
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
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Ekblom Ö. Placebo "exercise drink" study provides a welcome wake-up call about the importance of rigorous research. Acta Paediatr 2020; 109:226-227. [PMID: 31577038 DOI: 10.1111/apa.15009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Örjan Ekblom
- Åstrand Laboratory of Work Physiology Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences Stockholm Sweden
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