Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 1, 2026
07:31
A Computerized Functional Skills Assessment and Training Program Targeting Technology Based Everyday Functional Skills
Published on: February 13, 2020
7.4K
Effects of a school-based physical activity program on retinal microcirculation and cognitive function in adolescents
Sebastian Ludyga1, Sabrina Köchli1, Uwe Pühse1
1University of Basel, Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, Switzerland.
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
|December 17, 2018
Summary
Daily exercise in adolescents widens retinal arteries and improves inhibitory control. This combined aerobic and coordinative physical activity enhances both cardiovascular and cognitive health.
Area of Science:
- Exercise physiology
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Adolescent health is influenced by physical activity and cognitive function.
- Retinal microcirculation reflects systemic vascular health.
- Cognitive performance, particularly inhibitory control, is crucial for academic and life success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of combined aerobic and coordinative exercise on adolescent retinal microcirculation.
- To assess the association between changes in retinal microvasculature and cognitive performance.
- To determine if daily exercise during school break-time benefits cardiovascular and cognitive health.
Main Methods:
- Cluster-randomized trial with 36 adolescents over 8 weeks.
- Exercise group (EX) performed 20-min daily aerobic and coordinative exercise.
- Control group (CON) engaged in social interactions; retinal vessel analysis and Stroop task were used.
Main Results:
- The exercise group showed significantly wider central retinal arteriolar diameters (CRAE) compared to the control group.
- No significant difference in central retinal venular diameters (CRVE) was observed.
- Adolescents in the exercise group exhibited improved inhibitory control, indicated by reduced reaction time on the Stroop task.
Conclusions:
- Structured daily exercise programs can lead to beneficial changes in retinal arteriolar function.
- Improvements in retinal arteriolar diameter are positively correlated with enhanced inhibitory control.
- Daily exercise during school break-time is recommended for promoting adolescent cardiovascular and cognitive health.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Cognitive Development During Adolescence
599
During adolescence, individuals experience significant cognitive development that enhances their understanding of others' emotions and thoughts, known as cognitive empathy. This period is marked by an increased ability to adapt to others' perspectives and a more nuanced understanding of others' mental states, a skill that is foundational for social problem-solving and conflict avoidance. The development of cognitive empathy relies heavily on the theory of mind — the...
599
01:24Revisionist Views of Adolescent and Adult Cognition
307
A revisionist approach to Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development has brought new insights that challenge and reinterpret his established ideas. Piaget proposed that the formal operational stage, emerging in adolescence, represents the culmination of cognitive maturity. During this stage, individuals are said to develop abstract thinking, engage in systematic problem-solving, and show a form of egocentrism, believing others are as preoccupied with their behavior as they are...
307
01:38Cognitive Dissonance
37.5K
Social psychologists have documented that feeling good about ourselves and maintaining positive self-esteem is a powerful motivator of human behavior (Tavris & Aronson, 2008). In the United States, members of the predominant culture typically think very highly of themselves and view themselves as good people who are above average on many desirable traits (Ehrlinger, Gilovich, & Ross, 2005). Often, our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are affected when we experience a threat to our...
37.5K
02:57Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter
166.3K
The characteristics that enable us to distinguish one substance from another are called properties.
166.3K
01:30Exponential Functions with Base e
247
Exponential functions with base e are essential for modeling continuous processes of growth and decay. The constant e, approximately 2.718, naturally arises in systems where change occurs proportionally to the current value. A positive exponent represents continuous growth, while a negative exponent represents continuous decay. These functions are especially useful for describing situations where change happens smoothly over time rather than in discrete steps.One clear example of exponential...
247
01:10Acid–Base Equilibria: Activity-Based Definition of pH
1.3K
For an ideal solution, the pH is defined as the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration. For a non-ideal solution, an accurate measurement of the pH must consider the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion activity rather than concentration. In such a solution, the pH can be more accurately defined as the negative logarithm of a product of the hydrogen ion concentration and its activity coefficient.
In solutions of very low ionic strength—for example, pure water—the...
In solutions of very low ionic strength—for example, pure water—the...
1.3K