Cognitively challenging physical activity benefits executive function in overweight children

Area of Science:

• Childhood obesity
• Exercise science
• Cognitive development

Background:

• Aerobic fitness is associated with executive function in children.
• The impact of cognitively challenging physical activity on executive function in children, particularly overweight children, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between aerobic fitness and executive function (inhibition, working memory updating) in children.
• To assess the effect of an enhanced, cognitively demanding physical activity program on executive function in lean and overweight children.

Main Methods:

• Seventy 9-10-year-old children were randomized into an enhanced physical education program (cognitively demanding activities) or a standard physical education program for 6 months.
• Aerobic capacity and executive function (inhibition, working memory updating) were assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Children with higher aerobic fitness demonstrated better inhibitory control compared to their lower-fit peers.
• Overweight children in the enhanced physical education program showed greater improvements in inhibition than lean children.
• Intervention effects on inhibition were not explained by changes in aerobic fitness.

Conclusions:

• Cognitively demanding physical activities, even in low doses, can enhance executive function, particularly inhibitory control in overweight children.
• The cognitive and social challenges within open-skill activities may be key drivers of cognitive improvements, irrespective of significant aerobic gains.