Neural correlates of inhibitory control in relation to the degree of substance use and substance-related problems – A systematic review and perspective

One of the most studied aspects of children’s cognitive development is that of the development of the executive function, and research has shown that physical activity has been demonstrated as a key factor in its enhancement. This meta-analysis aims to assess the impact of specific sports interventions on the executive function of children and teenagers. A systematic review was carried out on 1 November 2020 to search for published scientific evidence that analysed different sports programs that possibly affected executive function in students. Longitudinal studies, which assessed the effects of sports interventions on subjects between 6 and 18 years old, were identified through a systematic search of the four principal electronic databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO. A total of eight studies, with 424 subjects overall, met the inclusion criteria and were classified based on one or more of the following categories: working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility. The random-effects model for meta-analyses was performed with RevMan version 5.3 to facilitate the analysis of the studies. Large effect sizes were found in all categories: working memory (ES −1.25; 95% CI −1.70; −0.79; p < 0.0001); inhibitory control (ES −1.30; 95% CI −1.98; −0.63; p < 0.00001); and cognitive flexibility (ES −1.52; 95% CI −2.20; −0.83; p < 0.00001). Our analysis concluded that healthy children and teenagers should be encouraged to practice sports in order to improve their executive function at every stage of their development.

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Substance use prevention interventions for children and young people in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review

International Journal of Drug Policy ◽

10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103251 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 94 ◽

pp. 103251

Author(s):

Ogheneochuko Andrew Saba ◽

Corina Weir ◽

Magaly Aceves-Martins

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Substance Use ◽

Young People ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Substance Use Prevention ◽

Children And Young People ◽

Prevention Interventions ◽

Sub Saharan

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Can we change binge eating behaviour by interventions addressing food-related impulsivity? A systematic review

Journal of Eating Disorders ◽

10.1186/s40337-021-00384-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Başak İnce ◽

Johanna Schlatter ◽

Sebastian Max ◽

Christian Plewnia ◽

Stephan Zipfel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Binge Eating ◽

Inhibitory Control ◽

Eating Behaviour ◽

Treatment Modalities ◽

Computer Assisted ◽

Food Craving ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Eating Frequency ◽

Close Relationship

Abstract Background An extensive amount of research has underlined the potential role of impulsivity in the development and maintenance of binge eating behaviour. Food-related impulsivity has particularly received attention given its close relationship with overeating and binge eating episodes. Besides the available evidence, our understanding regarding the effectiveness of treatment modalities for binge eating targeting impulsivity and related constructs (e.g., food craving, inhibitory control, and reward sensitivity) is limited. Thus, this systematic review aimed to investigate whether binge eating behaviour is changeable by interventions that are impulsivity-focused and food-related and whether one of these interventions is superior to the others. Method A search on PubMed and PsycINFO was performed for relevant articles published up to September 2020. Studies delivering food-related impulsivity treatment to individuals suffering from binge eating episodes and including a control condition without this treatment were investigated. Following the search, 15 studies meeting the eligibility criteria were analysed. Results Analyses revealed that available impulsivity-focused approaches can be categorised as psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, computer-assisted cognitive training, and direct neuromodulation interventions. Regarding their effectiveness, it appeared that all of these approaches might be promising to change food-related impulsivity in individuals with binge eating episodes, particularly to decrease binge eating symptoms. However, a superior intervention approach in this early state of evidence could not be determined, although food-related cue exposure, transcranial direct current stimulation, and the combination of several interventions seem fruitful. Conclusion Efforts to treat binge eating behaviour with interventions focusing on food-related impulsivity appear to be promising, particularly concerning binge eating frequency, and also for food craving and inhibitory control. Given limited research and varying methods, it was not possible to conclude whether one impulsivity-focused intervention can be considered superior to others.

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