Effects of Acute Physical Exercise With Low and High Cognitive Demands on Executive Functions in Children: A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 267-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Paschen ◽  
Tim Lehmann ◽  
Miriam Kehne ◽  
Jochen Baumeister
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Acute Exercise ◽  
Speed Of Processing ◽  
Cognitive Demands ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Acute Physical Exercise

Purpose: Whereas many studies addressed the relation between acute physical exercise and executive functions (EF) in children, the effects of various modalities of acute exercise on EF still remain unclear. This systematic review investigated the effects of exercise with low and high cognitive demands on speed of processing and accuracy of performance in tasks examining inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility in children. Method: A systematic literature research in electronic databases was performed. Controlled trials assessing the effects of acute exercise on EF in a pre–post design were included. Results: Ten studies involving a total of 890 participants revealed positive effects in working memory performance in speed of processing after acute exercises with low cognitive demands compared with seated rest, mixed results for inhibition after exercises with low and high cognitive demands, and mixed results for cognitive flexibility with low cognitive demands. Concerning accuracy, only mixed results were found for inhibition after exercises with low and high cognitive demands. Conclusion: The differentiated effects of acute exercises with low and high cognitive demands led to more positive effects in speed of processing compared with accuracy of performance. Further investigations including assessment of neurophysiological parameters of EF are needed.

scholarly journals Effects of Curcumin Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers, Muscle Damage, and Sports Performance during Acute Physical Exercise in Sedentary Individuals

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Kelly Aparecida Dias ◽  
Aline Rosignoli da Conceição ◽  
Lívya Alves Oliveira ◽  
Stephanie Michelin Santana Pereira ◽  
Stefany da Silva Paes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Muscle Damage ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Acute Exercise ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Muscle Performance ◽  
Sports Performance ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Physical Exercises ◽  
Acute Physical Exercise

Exhaustive and acute unusual physical exercise leads to muscle damage. Curcumin has been widely studied due to the variety of its biological activities, attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, it has shown positive effects on physical exercise practitioners. However, there is no literature consensus on the beneficial effects of curcumin in acute physical activities performed by sedentary individuals. Therefore, we systematically reviewed evidence from clinical trials on the main effects of curcumin supplementation on inflammatory markers, sports performance, and muscle damage during acute physical exercises in these individuals. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases, and only original studies were analyzed according to the PRISMA guidelines. The included studies were limited to supplementation of curcumin during acute exercise. A total of 5 studies were selected. Methodological quality assessments were examined using the SYRCLE’s risk-of-bias tool. Most studies have shown positive effects of curcumin supplementation in sedentary individuals undergoing acute physical exercise. Overall, participants supplemented with curcumin showed less muscle damage, reduced inflammation, and better muscle performance. The studies showed heterogeneous data and exhibited methodological limitations; therefore, further research is necessary to ensure curcumin supplementation benefits during acute and high-intensity physical exercises. Additionally, mechanistic and highly controlled studies are required to improve the quality of the evidence and to elucidate other possible mechanisms. This study is registered with Prospero number CRD42021262718.

scholarly journals Effects of Sport-Based Interventions on Children’s Executive Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 755
Author(s):  
Falonn Contreras-Osorio ◽  
Christian Campos-Jara ◽  
Cristian Martínez-Salazar ◽  
Luis Chirosa-Ríos ◽  
Darío Martínez-García
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Inhibitory Control ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Impact

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.

scholarly journals Executive Functions: Influence of Sex, Age and Its Relationship With Intelligence

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (62) ◽  
pp. 383-392
Author(s):  
Larissa de Oliveira e Ferreira ◽  
Daniela Sacramento Zanini ◽  
Alessandra Gotuzo Seabra
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Perceptual Organization ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Disorders ◽  
Discriminative Power ◽  
Speed Of Processing ◽  
Intelligence Scale ◽  
Tower Of Hanoi

AbstractThe Tower of Hanoi is a tool used to evaluate executive functions. However, few studies describe what functions are evaluated in this test. This study investigates the executive functions, evaluated by the Tower of Hanoi (ToH), and the influence of gender, age and its relationship with intelligence. We evaluated 55 children and adolescents, between the ages of ten and 16, without diagnosed neuropsychiatric disorders. The results showed that the performance and time in to complete the Tower of Hanoi have no discriminative power when comparing age groups and sex; there was also no significant correlation found between the ToH and the execution quotient of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Third Edition (WISC III), perceptual organization and the speed of processing. Only the subtest coding were positively related to the ToH, demonstrating that these instruments may be measuring related aspects of intelligence and executive functions, namely intelligence and working memory.

scholarly journals Effects of Physical Exercise on Sexual Function and Quality of Sexual Life Related to Menopausal Symptoms in Peri- and Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. 2680 ◽  
Author(s):  
María del Carmen Carcelén-Fraile ◽  
Agustín Aibar-Almazán ◽  
Antonio Martínez-Amat ◽  
David Cruz-Díaz ◽  
Esther Díaz-Mohedo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Menopausal Symptoms ◽  
Sexual Life ◽  
Psychological Conditions ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Traditional Programs

During the menopausal period, sexual dysfunction is associated with the development or worsening of psychological conditions, causing deterioration in women’s mental health and quality of life. This systematic review aims to investigate the effects of different exercise programs on sexual function and quality of sexual life related to menopausal symptoms. With this purpose, a systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Plus. A total of 1787 articles were identified in the initial search and 11 prospective studies (including 8 randomized controlled trials) were finally included. The most commonly recommended training programs are based on exercising pelvic floor muscles, as they seem to have the largest impact on sexual function. Mind–body disciplines also helped in managing menopausal symptoms. However, as far as the most traditional programs were concerned, aerobic exercises showed inconsistent results and resistance training did not seem to convey any benefits. Although positive effects have been found, evidence supporting physical exercise as a strategy to improve sexual function and quality of sexual life related to menopausal symptoms is limited, and further studies on this topic are needed.

scholarly journals INFLUENCE OF ACUTE PHYSICAL EXERCISE ON COGNITIVE AND MOTOR BEHAVIOR IN AN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 152-156
Author(s):  
Meiriélly Furmann ◽  
Denise Barth Rebesco ◽  
Leandro Smouter ◽  
Andressa Panegalli Hosni ◽  
Ivo Ilvan Kerppers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Size Effect ◽  
Spatial Memory ◽  
Acute Exercise ◽  
Motor Behavior ◽  
Behavioral Alterations ◽  
Intervention Protocol ◽  
Acute Physical Exercise

ABSTRACT Introduction: Aging causes alterations in various executive and cognitive functions, mainly related to the incidence of dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease (AD). Several studies mention physical exercise as a preventive resource for depressive symptoms. Objective: To investigate the cognitive and behavioral alterations related to AD that are capable of slowing disease progression and its complications. Methods: The sample consisted of 10 male Wistar rats, divided into 2 groups (n = 5), swimming and Alzheimer + swimming, with a 6-day intervention protocol. The elevated plus maze test was used to assess anxiety, the Morris water maze for spatial memory, the isolation box for aversive memory, and the open field test to assay motor behavior. Results: There was improvement in spatial memory in the Swimming group (169 ± 142.9 x 24.2 ± 31.3), but motor behavior deteriorated after exercise. An increase in anxious behavior (8 ± 13.03 x 67.8 ± 48.1) was observed in the animals with AD. This is a relevant characteristic of the disease, which did not improve after acute exercise. By analyzing the size effect, it was possible to observe a difference in the Alzheimer + swimming group in terms of reduced anxiety and improved motor behavior after exercise. Despite the benefits of physical exercise for AD symptoms, there is still no consensus on the type of physical exercise and length of intervention necessary to achieve a positive response as a treatment method, since studies are yet to confirm this fact in an acute or chronic manner. Conclusion: Acute physical exercise was not fully effective as a means of treating behavioral alterations related to AD, but had a mean effect on the size effect analysis of motor behavior and anxiety, specifically. Level of evidence IV; Investigation of treatment outcomes.

Executive functions disorders in high functioning autism and rehabilitation implications

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S435-S435
Author(s):  
A. Di Santantonio ◽  
M. Manfredini ◽  
N. Varucciu ◽  
M. Fabbri ◽  
M.C. Cutrone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
High Functioning Autism ◽  
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Cognitive Screening ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
High Functioning

IntroductionThe term executive functions (EFs) includes a set of cognitive processes such as planning, working memory, attention, problem solving, inhibition, mental flexibility, multi-tasking, and initiation and monitoring of actions. EFs are the higher order control processes to guide behaviour.Some studies on the relationship between EFs and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) showed deficit in the cognitive flexibility and speed processing, particularly with Asperger syndrome. Recently, Merchán-Naranjo et al. [1] supported that children's and adolescents with autism without intellectual disability are insufficient in at least 5 domains: attention, working memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control and problem-solving.AimsOur work is aimed at verifying if the presence of a dysexecutive syndrome significantly impacts on the adaptive functioning of people with high functioning autism.MethodsA group of young adults with ASD were administered traditional neuropsychological assessment, specific assessment, focusing on the planning strategies for solving problems (Test Tower of London), abstraction and categorization (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test), and the Dysexecutive Questionnaires.ResultsThe results showed the presence of a specific deficit in the executive functioning in an average cognitive functioning.ConclusionsIntegrate the standard cognitive screening with a specific EFs assessment resulted to be very useful for the clinician to realize neuropsychological and psychotherapeutic individualized treatment.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Acute physical exercise improves memory consolidation in humans via BDNF and endocannabinoid signaling

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blanca Marin Bosch ◽  
Aurélien Bringard ◽  
Maria Grazia Logrieco ◽  
Estelle Lauer ◽  
Nathalie Imobersteg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Acute Exercise ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
Hippocampal Activity ◽  
High Exercise Intensity ◽  
Acute Physical Exercise ◽  
Term Performance ◽  
The Impact

AbstractRegular physical exercise enhances memory functions and neurogenesis in the hippocampus, an effect partially mediated by BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor). Acute exercise promotes the release of endocannabinoids (especially anandamide, AEA), which enhance BDNF release and improve hippocampal plasticity in rodents. How acute exercise affects BDNF and AEA levels and influences memory performance in humans remains to date unknown. Here we combined blood biomarkers, behavioral and fMRI measurements to assess the impact of acute physical exercise on associative memory and underlying neurophysiological mechanisms. For each participant, memory was tested after three conditions: rest, moderate or high exercise intensity. A long-term memory retest took place 3 months later. At both test and retest, memory performance increased after moderate but not high intensity exercise or rest. We also show that memory benefited from exercise-related increases in both AEA and BNDF levels: AEA boosted hippocampal activity during memory recall, while BDNF enhanced hippocampal memory representations and long-term performance.

scholarly journals Attentional and executive functions in children and adolescents with developmental coordination disorder and the influence of comorbid disorders: A systematic review of the literature

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. e0252043
Author(s):  
Catherine Lachambre ◽  
Mélodie Proteau-Lemieux ◽  
Jean-François Lepage ◽  
Eve-Line Bussières ◽  
Sarah Lippé
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Developmental Coordination Disorder ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Verbal Working Memory ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Comorbid Disorders ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Coordination Disorder

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting primarily motor skills, but attentional and executive impairments are common in affected individuals. Moreover, the presence of neurodevelopmental comorbidities is frequent in this population, which certainly influences the cognitive profile of the children concerned. Previous studies have reported deficits in visuospatial/nonverbal and planning tasks. This systematic review of the literature aims to determine if impairments can be found in other attentional and executive functions as well. The type of cognitive tasks, the tasks’ modality (verbal/nonverbal), and the influence of comorbid disorders on attentional and executive profiles are systematically considered. Forty-one studies were identified through the PubMed/Medline and PsycINFO databases according to pre-established eligibility criteria. The results reveal weaknesses in inhibitory control, working memory, planning, nonverbal fluency, and general executive functioning in children with DCD. The presence of comorbid disorders seemingly contributes to the verbal working memory difficulties findings. This review contributes to a better understanding of the cognitive impairments in DCD and of the needs of children with this disorder, allowing to optimize practitioners’ therapeutic interventions.

scholarly journals Linking inhibitory control to math achievement via comparison of conflicting decimal numbers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linsah Coulanges ◽  
Roberto A. Abreu-Mendoza ◽  
Sashank Varma ◽  
Melina Uncapher ◽  
Adam Gazzaley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Inhibitory Control ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Math Achievement ◽  
Academic Learning ◽  
Whole Number ◽  
Calculation Skills ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Number Knowledge

The relationship between executive functions (EF) and academic achievement is well-established, but leveraging this insight to improve educational outcomes remains elusive. Here, we propose a framework for relating the role of specific EF on specific precursor skills that support later academic learning. Specifically, we hypothesize that executive functions contribute to general math skills both directly – supporting the online execution of problem solving strategies – and indirectly – supporting the acquisition of precursor mathematical content. We test this hypothesis by examining the contribution of inhibitory control on processing rational numbers pairs which conflict with individual’s prior whole number knowledge and on general math knowledge. In 97 college students (79 female, age = 20.63 years), we collected three measures of EF: working memory (backwards spatial span), inhibition (color-word Stroop) and cognitive flexibility (task switching), and timed and untimed standardized measures of math achievement. Our target precursor skill was a decimals comparison task where correct responses were inconsistent with prior whole number knowledge (e.g. 0.27 vs. 0.9). Participants performed worse on these trials relative to the consistent decimals pairs (e.g. 0.2 vs. 0.87). Individual differences on incongruent Stroop trials predicted performance on inconsistent decimal comparisons, which in turn predicted performance on both timed and untimed measures of math achievement. With respect to relating inhibitory control to math achievement, incongruent Stroop performance was an independent predictor of untimed calculation skills after accounting for age, working memory and cognitive flexibility. Finally, we found that inconsistent decimals performance partially mediated the relationship between inhibition and untimed math achievement, consistent with the hypothesis that mathematical precursor skills can explain the relationships between executive functions and academic outcomes, making them promising targets for intervention.

scholarly journals A Review of Cognitive Changes During Acute Aerobic Exercise

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie A. Cantelon ◽  
Grace E. Giles
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Response Time ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Cognitive Domain ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Motor Speed ◽  
Cognitive Changes ◽  
Vigorous Intensity

A growing body of work has investigated the effects of acute, or single bouts of, aerobic exercise on cognitive function. However, review of this research has largely focused on changes following exercise, with less focus on cognitive changes during exercise. The purpose of this review is to discuss the critical characteristics of this literature to date, including: (1) what has been done, (2) what has been found, and (3) what is next. Furthermore, previous meta-analytic reviews have demonstrated there is a small positive effect on cognition when measured during exercise, with executive functions showing the largest effects. However, these reviews group executive functions together. Here we explore how inhibition, working memory and cognitive flexibility are individually impacted by factors such as exercise intensity or duration. Searches of electronic databases and reference lists from relevant studies resulted in 73 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Studies were grouped by executive and non-executive cognitive domains, intensity and duration of exercise bouts. Within the executive domain, we found that effects on working memory and cognitive flexibility remain mixed, effects on inhibition are clearer. Moderate intensity exercise improves response time, vigorous intensity impairs accuracy. Moderate to vigorous intensity improves response time across non-executive domains of attention, motor speed and information processing, with no significant effects on accuracy. Memory processes are consistently improved during exercise. Effects of exercise duration on response time and accuracy are nuanced and vary by cognitive domain. Studies typically explore durations of 45 min or less, extended exercise durations remain largely unexplored. We highlight factors to consider when assessing exercise-cognition relationships, as well as current gaps and future directions for work in this field.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document