Effect of breaking up prolonged sitting with physical activity on executive function: a three-level meta-analysis
Zan Huang1, Mingyue Yin2, Geng Li3
1School of Physical Education and Sports Science, Fujian Normal University, No.18 Wulongjiang Middle Avenue, Shangjie Town, Minhou District, Fuzhou, China.
Summary
Interrupting prolonged sitting with physical activity (PA) breaks can slightly improve executive function, particularly working memory and reaction time. Intervention characteristics like activity type and frequency may influence these cognitive benefits.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Exercise Physiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Prolonged sitting is linked to negative cognitive effects.
- Evidence on physical activity (PA) breaks improving executive function is limited.
- Optimal intervention characteristics for PA breaks are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- Synthesize evidence on PA breaks' effects on executive function.
- Identify effective intervention characteristics via moderator analysis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of 7 databases up to April 2026.
- Included 22 randomized crossover trials.
- Used random-effects meta-analysis and moderator analysis.
Main Results:
- PA breaks showed small improvements in executive function (g=0.13).
- Working memory (g=0.17) and reaction time (g=0.18) showed significant benefits.
- Light-intensity activities, walking, stair climbing, and 60-minute interruption intervals were most effective.
Conclusions:
- PA breaks offer small, acute executive function improvements.
- Intervention characteristics influence effectiveness.
- Further high-quality research is needed.
