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Feter N, Ligeza TS, Bashir N, Shanmugam RJ, Montero Herrera B, Aldabbagh T, Usman AF, Yonezawa A, McCarthy S, Herrera D, Vargas D, Mir EM, Syed T, Desai S, Shi H, Kim W, Puhar N, Gowda K, Nowak O, Kuang J, Quiroz F, Caputo EL, Yu Q, Pionke JJ, Zou L, Raine LB, Gratton G, Fabiani M, Lubans DR, Hallal PC, Pindus DM. Effects of reducing sedentary behaviour by increasing physical activity, on cognitive function, brain function and structure across the lifespan: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med 2024:bjsports-2024-108444. [PMID: 39197948 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2024-108444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the acute and chronic effects of reducing prolonged sedentary time (ST) with physical activity (PA) on cognitive and brain health. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and ProQuest Dissertation and Theses. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published from inception to 17 June 2024, with healthy participants without cognitive impairment or neurological conditions that affect cognitive functioning, aged ≥4 years, testing acute and chronic effects of reducing ST and/or prolonged ST by reallocating ST to PA on cognitive function, brain function, and structure. RESULTS We included 25 RCTs (n=1289) investigating acute (21 studies) and chronic (4 studies) effects on cognitive function (acute: n=20, chronic: n=4) and brain function (acute: n=7, chronic: n=1); there were no studies on brain structure. Acutely interrupting continuous ST with either multiple or a single PA bout improved cognitive function measured from 3 hours to three consecutive days based on 91 effect sizes (g=0.17, 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.29, p=0.005, I 2=45.5%). When comparing single versus multiple PA bouts, only multiple PA bouts yielded a positive effect on cognitive function based on 72 effect sizes (g=0.20, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.35, p=0.006; I 2=48.8%). Chronic studies reported null findings on cognitive function (n=4), with some evidence of improved neural efficiency of the hippocampus (n=1). CONCLUSION Interrupting ST with PA acutely improves cognitive function. The evidence from chronic studies remains inconclusive. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42020200998.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natan Feter
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Tomasz S Ligeza
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Neha Bashir
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- The School of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Ramiya J Shanmugam
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- The School of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Bryan Montero Herrera
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Department of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tamara Aldabbagh
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Anne-Farah Usman
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- The School of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Ayumi Yonezawa
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- The School of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Shane McCarthy
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Danielle Herrera
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Department of Surgery, Ann and Robert Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Denise Vargas
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- The School of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Emaad M Mir
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- The School of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Talha Syed
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Sanam Desai
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Hector Shi
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - William Kim
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Department of Economics, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Natalie Puhar
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Kushi Gowda
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- College of Medicine Peoria, University of Illinois, Peoria, Illinois, USA
| | - Olivia Nowak
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Research & Development Solutions, IQVIA, Overland Park, Kansas, USA
| | - Jin Kuang
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Flor Quiroz
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Eduardo L Caputo
- School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Qian Yu
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - J J Pionke
- iSchool, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Liye Zou
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Lauren B Raine
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gabriele Gratton
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Monica Fabiani
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - David R Lubans
- College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle Australia, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Pedro C Hallal
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Dominika M Pindus
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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2
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Kjellenberg K, Ekblom Ö, Tarassova O, Fernström M, Nyberg G, Ekblom MM, Helgadóttir B, Heiland EG. Short, frequent physical activity breaks improve working memory while preserving cerebral blood flow in adolescents during prolonged sitting - AbbaH teen, a randomized crossover trial. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2090. [PMID: 39095724 PMCID: PMC11295579 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19306-y] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Physical activity (PA) breaks during school lessons have been suggested as a promising strategy to improve working memory performance in children and adolescents. There is a lack of studies investigating the underlying physiological mechanisms of PA on cognition, especially among adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different types of short frequent PA on adolescents' cognitive task-related changes in cerebral blood flow in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and working memory performance compared to prolonged sitting. METHODS In this randomized crossover study, adolescents visited the laboratory on three different occasions for 80-minute sessions of prolonged sitting interrupted by four breaks for three minutes of simple resistance training (SRA), step-up at a pre-determined pace (STEP), or remaining seated (SOCIAL). Before and after each session, cognitive task-related changes in cerebral blood flow (oxygenated-hemoglobin, Oxy-Hb) during working memory tasks (1-, 2-, 3-back tests) were measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy in the PFC. Accuracy and reaction time were derived from the working memory tasks. Linear mixed-effect models were used to analyze the data. RESULTS A total of 17 students participated (mean age 13.6 years, 11 girls). Significant time x condition interactions were noted for Oxy-Hb in the most demanding working memory task (3-back), with a decrease following prolonged sitting in the SOCIAL condition compared to both the SRA (β 0.18, 95% CI 0.12, 0.24) and the STEP (β 0.11, 95% CI 0.05, 0.17). This was observed in parallel with improvements in reaction time following SRA (β -30.11, 95% CI -59.08, -1.13) and STEP (β -34.29, 95% CI -69.22, 0.63) although this was only significant for the SRA and no improvements in the SOCIAL condition. CONCLUSION We found that short frequent PA breaks during prolonged sitting among adolescents can prevent the decrease in cognitive task-related changes in cerebral blood flow that occur following prolonged sitting. This was observed simultaneously with improvements in working memory, indicating that changes in cerebral blood flow could be one factor explaining the effects on working memory. Future studies should investigate the efficacy of implementing these PA breaks in schools. TRIAL REGISTRATION Retrospectively registered on 21/09/2020, ClinicalTrial (NCT04552626).
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Kjellenberg
- Department of Physical Activity and Health, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH), Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Ö Ekblom
- Department of Physical Activity and Health, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH), Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Nursing, Health promotion among children and youth, Karolinska Insitutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - O Tarassova
- Department of Physical Activity and Health, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M Fernström
- Department of Physical Activity and Health, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - G Nyberg
- Department of Physical Activity and Health, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH), Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M M Ekblom
- Department of Physical Activity and Health, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH), Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - B Helgadóttir
- Department of Physical Activity and Health, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH), Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - E G Heiland
- Department of Physical Activity and Health, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH), Stockholm, Sweden
- Medical Epidemiology, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Sui SX, Balanta-Melo J, Pasco JA, Plotkin LI. Musculoskeletal Deficits and Cognitive Impairment: Epidemiological Evidence and Biological Mechanisms. Curr Osteoporos Rep 2022; 20:260-272. [PMID: 35764750 PMCID: PMC9522710 DOI: 10.1007/s11914-022-00736-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cognitive impairment is associated with obesity, sarcopenia, and osteoporosis. However, no critical appraisal of the literature on the relationship between musculoskeletal deficits and cognitive impairment, focusing on the epidemiological evidence and biological mechanisms, has been published to date. Herein, we critically evaluate the literature published over the past 3 years, emphasizing interesting and important new findings, and provide an outline of future directions that will improve our understanding of the connections between the brain and the musculoskeletal system. RECENT FINDINGS Recent literature suggests that musculoskeletal deficits and cognitive impairment share pathophysiological pathways and risk factors. Cytokines and hormones affect both the brain and the musculoskeletal system; yet, lack of unified definitions and standards makes it difficult to compare studies. Interventions designed to improve musculoskeletal health are plausible means of preventing or slowing cognitive impairment. We highlight several musculoskeletal health interventions that show potential in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia X Sui
- Epi-Centre for Healthy Ageing, Deakin University, IMPACT - Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, PO Box 281 (Barwon Health), Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia.
| | - Julián Balanta-Melo
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, MS5022A, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Universidad del Valle School of Dentistry, Cali, Colombia
| | - Julie A Pasco
- Epi-Centre for Healthy Ageing, Deakin University, IMPACT - Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, PO Box 281 (Barwon Health), Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
- Department of Medicine-Western Campus, The University of Melbourne, St Albans, VIC, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- University Hospital Geelong, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Lilian I Plotkin
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, MS5022A, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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Maasakkers CM, Weijs RWJ, Dekkers C, Gardiner PA, Ottens R, Olde Rikkert MGM, Melis RJF, Thijssen DHJ, Claassen JAHR. Sedentary behaviour and brain health in middle-aged and older adults: a systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 140:104802. [PMID: 35908592 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sedentary behaviour may increase the risk of dementia. Studying physiological effects of sedentary behaviour on cerebral health may provide new insights into the nature of this association. Accordingly, we reviewed if and how acute and habitual sedentary behaviour relate to brain health factors in middle-aged and older adults (≥45 years). Four databases were searched. Twenty-nine studies were included, with mainly cross-sectional designs. Nine studies examined neurotrophic factors and six studied functional brain measures, with the majority of these studies finding no associations with sedentary behaviour. The results from studies on sedentary behaviour and cerebrovascular measures were inconclusive. There was a tentative association between habitual sedentary behaviour and structural white matter health. An explanatory pathway for this effect might relate to the immediate vascular effects of sitting, such as elevation of blood pressure. Nevertheless, due to the foremost cross-sectional nature of the available evidence, reverse causality could also be a possible explanation. More prospective studies are needed to understand the potential of sedentary behaviour as a target for brain health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlijn M Maasakkers
- Department of Geriatrics/Radboud Alzheimer Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Reinier Postlaan 4, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ralf W J Weijs
- Department of Physiology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leydenlaan 15, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Claudia Dekkers
- Department of Geriatrics/Radboud Alzheimer Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Reinier Postlaan 4, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Paul A Gardiner
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, 34 Cornwall Street, 4102 Brisbane, Australia; School of Kinesiology, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, N6A 3K7 London, Canada
| | - Romy Ottens
- Department of Geriatrics/Radboud Alzheimer Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Reinier Postlaan 4, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marcel G M Olde Rikkert
- Department of Geriatrics/Radboud Alzheimer Center, Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - René J F Melis
- Department of Geriatrics/Radboud Alzheimer Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Reinier Postlaan 4, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Dick H J Thijssen
- Department of Physiology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leydenlaan 15, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, L3 3AF Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jurgen A H R Claassen
- Department of Geriatrics/Radboud Alzheimer Center, Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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5
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Bojsen-Møller E, Wang R, Nilsson J, Heiland EG, Boraxbekk CJ, Kallings LV, Ekblom M. The effect of two multi-component behavior change interventions on cognitive functions. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1082. [PMID: 35641971 PMCID: PMC9158235 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13490-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We previously reported the effects of two cluster-randomized 6-month multi-component workplace interventions, targeting reducing sedentary behavior or increasing physical activity among office workers, on movement behaviors and cardiorespiratory fitness. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effects of these interventions on cognitive functions compared to a wait-list control group. The secondary aims were to examine if changes in cognition were related to change in cardiorespiratory fitness or movement behaviors and if age, sex, or cardiorespiratory fitness moderated these associations. Methods Both interventions encompassed multi-components acting on the individual, environmental, and organizational levels and aimed to change physical activity patterns to improve mental health and cognitive function. Out of 263 included participants, 139 (mean age 43 years, 76% females) completed a neuropsychological test battery and wore accelerometers at baseline and 6-month follow-up. The intervention effect (aim 1) on cognitive composite scores (i.e., Executive Functions, Episodic Memory, Processing Speed, and Global Cognition) was investigated. Additionally, associations between changes in movement behaviors and cardiorespiratory fitness, and changes in cognition were examined (aim 2). Moreover, age, sex, and cardiorespiratory fitness level were investigated as possible moderators of change associations (aim 3). Results Overall, cognitive performance improved from baseline to follow-up, but the change did not differ between the intervention groups and the control group. Changes in cardiorespiratory fitness or any movement behavior category did not predict changes in cognitive functions. The association between changes in time in bed and changes in both Executive Function and Global Cognition were moderated by age, such that a more positive relation was seen with increasing age. A less positive association was seen between changes in sedentary behavior and Processing Speed for men vs. women, whereas higher cardiorespiratory fitness was related to a more positive association between changes in moderate-intensity physical activity and Global Cognition. Conclusion The lack of an intervention effect on cognitive functions was expected since the intervention did not change movement behavior or fitness. Age, sex, and cardiorespiratory fitness level might moderate the relationships between movement behaviors and cognitive functions changes. Trial registration ISRCTN92968402. Registered 09/04/2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil Bojsen-Møller
- Department of Physical Activity and Health, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, GIH, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Physical Activity and Health, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, GIH, Stockholm, Sweden.,Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonna Nilsson
- Department of Physical Activity and Health, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, GIH, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emerald G Heiland
- Department of Physical Activity and Health, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, GIH, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Surgical Sciences, Medical Epidemiology, University of Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Carl-Johan Boraxbekk
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance (DRCMR), Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Radiation Sciences, Diagnostic Radiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen (ISMC) and Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lena V Kallings
- Department of Physical Activity and Health, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, GIH, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Ekblom
- Department of Physical Activity and Health, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, GIH, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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6
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Heiland EG, Kjellenberg K, Tarassova O, Fernström M, Nyberg G, Ekblom MM, Helgadottir B, Ekblom Ö. ABBaH teens: Activity Breaks for Brain Health in adolescents: study protocol for a randomized crossover trial. Trials 2022; 23:22. [PMID: 34991692 PMCID: PMC8733916 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05972-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity breaks are widely being implemented in school settings as a solution to increase academic performance and reduce sitting time. However, the underlying physiological mechanisms suggested to improve cognitive function from physical activity and the frequency, intensity, and duration of the breaks remain unknown. This study will investigate the effects of frequent, short physical activity breaks during prolonged sitting on task-related prefrontal cerebral blood flow, cognitive performance, and psychological factors. Additionally, the moderating and mediating effects of arterial stiffness on changes in cerebral blood flow will be tested. METHODS This is a protocol for a randomized crossover study that will recruit 16 adolescents (13-14 years old). Participants will undergo three different conditions in a randomized order, on three separate days, involving sitting 80 min with a different type of break every 17 min for 3 min. The breaks will consist of (1) seated social breaks, (2) simple resistance activities, and (3) step-up activities. Before and after the 80-min conditions, prefrontal cerebral blood flow changes will be measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (primary outcome), while performing working memory tasks (1-, 2-, and 3-back tests). Arterial stiffness (augmentation index and pulse wave velocity) and psychological factors will also be assessed pre and post the 80-min interventions. DISCUSSION Publication of this protocol will help to increase rigor in science. The results will inform regarding the underlying mechanisms driving the association between physical activity breaks and cognitive performance. This information can be used for designing effective and feasible interventions to be implemented in schools. TRIAL REGISTRATION www.ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT04552626 . Retrospectively registered on September 21, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emerald G. Heiland
- Department of Physical Activity and Health, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH), Lidingövägen 1, 11433 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Medical Epidemiology, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 14B, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Kjellenberg
- Department of Physical Activity and Health, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH), Lidingövägen 1, 11433 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olga Tarassova
- Department of Physiology, Nutrition, and Biomechanics, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH), Lidingövägen 1, 11433 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Fernström
- Department of Physical Activity and Health, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH), Lidingövägen 1, 11433 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gisela Nyberg
- Department of Physical Activity and Health, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH), Lidingövägen 1, 11433 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 1, 17177 Solna, Sweden
| | - Maria M. Ekblom
- Department of Physical Activity and Health, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH), Lidingövägen 1, 11433 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 1, 17177 Solna, Sweden
| | - Björg Helgadottir
- Department of Physical Activity and Health, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH), Lidingövägen 1, 11433 Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 1, 17177 Solna, Sweden
| | - Örjan Ekblom
- Department of Physical Activity and Health, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH), Lidingövägen 1, 11433 Stockholm, Sweden
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