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Integrated Structured Breakfast and Morning Sport Program and Its Associations with Attention, Executive Functions,
Francesca Latino1, Domenico Tafuri2, Emma Saraiello2
1Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
Nutrients
|July 15, 2026
Summary
An integrated school program combining breakfast and sports improved adolescent cognitive skills, healthy habits, and academic performance. This highlights the benefits of combining nutrition and physical activity for student success.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health and Development
- Educational Psychology
- Sports Science
Background:
- Nutrition and sports participation may enhance adolescent cognitive function and academic success.
- Limited research exists on combined breakfast programs and sport interventions in schools.
- This study investigates an integrated school program's impact on adolescent executive functions, well-being, engagement, and academics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between an integrated school-based program (structured breakfast and morning sport) and adolescent outcomes.
- To assess the program's effects on executive functions, physiological well-being, school engagement, and academic achievement.
- To evaluate the combined impact of nutrition and cognitively oriented sport interventions.
Main Methods:
- A 16-week quasi-experimental pre-post study with 110 adolescents (14-16 years) in Southern Italy.
- Experimental group received a structured breakfast and cognitively oriented sport sessions 3x/week.
- Cognitive tests (Stroop, Digit Span), physiological measures (BMI, HR, 20m shuttle run), and school records were used.
Main Results:
- Integrated program participants showed improved selective attention, inhibitory control, and working memory.
- Cardiorespiratory fitness, breakfast habits, and school engagement significantly increased in the experimental group.
- Moderate improvements in academic achievement were observed; no significant anthropometric changes occurred.
Conclusions:
- An integrated school program combining nutrition and sport positively impacts adolescent cognitive function, healthy habits, and academic outcomes.
- Multidimensional educational approaches integrating health promotion and learning are valuable.
- School-based interventions can effectively enhance overall student development.
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