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Effects of acute moderate-intensity exercise on executive function in children with preterm birth: A randomized
Feng-Tzu Chen1, Sheng-Hsien Feng2, Jui-Ti Nien3
1Department of Sports Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
Insights
Acute exercise enhances executive function, specifically inhibitory control, in children born preterm. This study shows moderate-intensity exercise benefits cognitive performance in this population.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Executive function (EF) is crucial for cognitive development in children.
- The impact of acute exercise on EF in children with preterm birth (PB) is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if acute moderate-intensity exercise improves EF in children with PB.
- To assess the specific effects on inhibitory control.
Main Methods:
- A randomized crossover design was used with 20 children born preterm (mean age 10.95 years).
- Participants completed a 30-minute moderate-intensity exercise session and a 30-minute video control session.
- Inhibitory control was measured using the Numerical Stroop task post-session.
Main Results:
- Response time for the incongruent Stroop condition was significantly faster after exercise compared to the control.
- No significant differences were found in response time for the congruent condition.
- Accuracy rates did not differ between the exercise and control sessions.
Conclusions:
- Acute moderate-intensity exercise positively impacts executive function in children born preterm.
- Exercise specifically enhances inhibitory control, a key component of EF.
Background:
Acute exercise appears to promote executive function (EF) in children. However, the effect of acute exercise on EF in children with preterm birth (PB) remains unclear.
Objective:
To investigate whether acute moderate-intensity exercise improves EF in children with PB.
Methods:
Twenty child participants with PB (age = 10.95 ± 1.19 years, birth age = 31.71 ± 3.64 weeks) completed exercise and control sessions in a randomized crossover design. In the exercise session, participants completed a 30-minute period of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. In the control session, participants watched a video for appropriately 30 min. Following each session immediately, inhibitory control, an aspect of EF, was assessed with the Numerical Stroop task.
Results:
Response time (RT) for the Stroop's incongruent condition was shorter after the exercise session than after the control session. However, no differences were observed in RT for the congruent condition. Accuracy rate (ACC) in both congruent and incongruent conditions did not differ between exercise and control session.
Conclusion:
The findings support the beneficial effect of acute exercise on executive function (EF) in children with PB, particularly in terms of improving inhibitory control.
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