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Determinants of Cognitive Performance in Children and Adolescents: A Populational Longitudinal Study

Rodrigo Antunes Lima1, Fernanda Cunha Soares2, Mireille van Poppel3

  • 1Research, Innovation and Teaching Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|July 28, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Childhood fitness and lifestyle activities, like reading and computer use, significantly impact cognitive performance. These factors are more influential than prenatal conditions for developing minds.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Developmental Neuroscience
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Cognitive performance in children and adolescents is influenced by numerous factors.
  • Understanding these determinants is crucial for early intervention and educational strategies.
  • Longitudinal data provides valuable insights into developmental trajectories.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify key determinants of cognitive performance across childhood and adolescence.
  • To examine the relative importance of prenatal, neonatal, fitness, lifestyle, and anthropometric factors.
  • To provide evidence-based recommendations for promoting cognitive development.

Main Methods:

  • Secondary analysis of the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) study.
  • Longitudinal assessment of 502 children, 437 children, and 277 adolescents.
  • Cognitive performance measured using Raven's progressive matrices; 29 factors evaluated.

Main Results:

  • Neonatal and anthropometric factors showed no association with cognitive performance.
  • Preeclampsia and sedentary lifestyle activities (TV, arts, crafts) were negatively associated.
  • Physical fitness (shuttle run, box/block tests) and active lifestyle (music, reading, computer) were positive determinants.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood fitness and lifestyle factors significantly influence cognitive performance, overshadowing prenatal factors.
  • Reading emerged as a universally positive determinant, irrespective of age or time spent.
  • Promoting reading and active lifestyles is recommended for enhancing cognitive abilities in youth.

Keywords:
adolescentsbehaviourchildrencognitiondevelopmenthealthlifestyle

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