Self-reported physical activity and attention performance in children aged 10-11 years

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Sports Science
• Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

• Inconsistent findings exist regarding the link between physical activity and cognitive function in children.
• Few studies have explored this relationship in preadolescents using standardized tools.
• This research addresses the need for more data on physical activity's impact on cognitive performance in young children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between self-reported physical activity and cognitive performance in 10-11-year-old children.
• To examine specific cognitive functions, including attention and concentration.
• To contribute to understanding the role of physical activity in children's cognitive development.

Main Methods:

• 423 children (aged 10.66 years) participated.
• Physical activity was measured using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C).
• Cognitive performance was assessed via the d2-R Test of Attention; data analyzed with correlations and GLM.

Main Results:

• Significant positive correlations were observed between PAQ-C scores and processing speed (PRZ) and concentration performance (VS) from the d2-R test.
• No significant association was found between physical activity and error percentage (Ch%).
• Gender was also identified as a significant predictor for PRZ and VS.

Conclusions:

• Self-reported physical activity demonstrates a small but significant association with processing speed and concentration in school-aged children.
• While causality cannot be inferred due to the study's design, findings suggest physical activity's importance for attentional skills.
• Further longitudinal and intervention studies are recommended to confirm these associations and explore causal links.