Caterina Pesce
Biographic Data
| ID | 1662081 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Caterina Pesce |
| GIVEN NAMES | Caterina |
| FAMILY NAME | Pesce |
| SIGNATURE | PESCE C |
| AFFILIATIONS | Foro Italico University of Rome |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-4245-3898 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 29 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 4 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 29 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2015 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 1 |
An international multi-stakeholder study on developing teacher capabilities and agency to implement and sustain physically active learning in schools
Background Despite growing acceptance of integrating physically active learning (PAL) into schools, challenges remain regarding sustaining the results obtained in controlled experiments beyond the formal program. This study addresses this gap by exploring how in-service teacher training can be structured to support the sustained implementation of PAL. Methods We adopted an international multi-stakeholder perspective and recruited teachers ( n = 6…
Creative minds in motion: The role of motor creativity in skill transfer among kindergarten children
Brief Pre-Class Physical Exercise Selectively Enhances Mathematics-Specific Inhibitory Control: A Cluster-Randomized Trial in Authentic Classrooms
Motor Skill Development at Preschool Age in Girls and Boys: The Role of Outdoor Free Play
Males might capitalize on free outdoor play opportunities as early as preschool age to engage in activities that promote their motor and especially object control skill development. Longitudinal studies are needed to test causality and derive practical indications for enabling both males and females to fully exploit the opportunities provided by free outdoor play to exercise both locomotor and object control skills
Longitudinal associations between preschoolers’ 24-h movement behaviors and development of self-regulation, executive function, vocabulary, and numeracy
Physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SED), including screen time, and sleep constitute 24-h “movement behaviors” and may influence development of children’s cognitive function and academic skills. However, the existing longitudinal evidence in young children is scarce and inconsistent. The aim of this study was to examine longitudinal associations between these movement behaviors and change in self-regulation, executive function, vocabular…
How physical activity context relates to cognition across the lifespan: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Risk of undermining the cognitive benefits of physical activity by overcorrecting for risk of bias: Reply to Román-Caballero (2025)
An increasing number of meta-analyses examining chronic and acute effects of physical activity on cognition-varying in aims, eligibility criteria, and statistical methods to reduce risk of bias-have contributed to inconsistent conclusions. To make evidence-based statements about the effects of physical activity on cognition that can reliably inform policy development in physical activity advocacy documents, we need a transparent open science appr…
Cognitively enriched physical activity may foster motor competence and executive function as early as preschool age: A pilot trial
Background The relation between physical activity (PA), motor skills and cognitive function in children is receiving considerable attention. To transition scientific evidence into pedagogical practice, however, we need to further our understanding of which qualitative PA characteristics are best suited to stimulate motor skills and executive functions (EFs) relevant for children to develop their full potential.Purpose The purpose of this pilot st…
Chess training for improving executive functions and invasion game tactical behavior of college student athletes: A preliminary investigation
Background Within team sports, players’ ability to inhibit inappropriate behavioral responses and flexibly adapt to upcoming challenges relates significantly to their game performance. As such, there have been calls for cognitively fostering programs to form the basis of game teaching and coaching practice. However, only few studies have tested so far the effects of purposefully designed perceptual-cognitive interventions on players’ tactical per…
Understanding the Benefits of Brief Classroom‐Based Physical Activity Interventions on Primary School‐Aged Children's Enjoyment and Subjective Wellbeing: A Systematic Review
The Interlink among Age, Functional Fitness, and Perception of Health and Quality of Life: A Mediation Analysis
In aging societies, physical activity may benefit functional fitness influencing the health of older people. The aim of this study was to explore the interrelation between age and perception of health and quality of life, and the mediating effects of functional fitness in older individuals. One hundred and sixty-six late middle-aged (55-64 years, young-old (65-74 years), and old (75-84 years) adults, divided into senior athletes ( n = 44), physic…
The Effects of a Cognitively Challenging Physical Activity Intervention on School Children’s Executive Functions and Motivational Regulations
This study examined the effects of a physical education intervention consisting of cognitively challenging physical activity games on school children's executive functions and motivational regulations. Ninety-nine fourth- and fifth-grade children participated in this two-group, repeated measures, quasi-experimental study with a cross-over design. Children's executive functions (measured with the design fluency and Stroop and flanker tests) and mo…
The feasibility and acceptability of a classroom-based physical activity program for children attending specialist schools: A mixed-methods pilot study
This trial was prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ( ACTRN12619000193178 ) on 11 February 2019
Fostering Self-Control Development With a Designed Intervention in Physical Education: A Two-Year Class-Randomized Trial
This study evaluated whether a theory-based intervention in physical education (PE) designed to train self-control may positively impact children’s quick-temperedness and disruptiveness and whether changes in executive functions (EFs) may be a correlate or antecedent of such effects. One hundred and sixteen children aged 8–9 years participated in a 2-year intervention and completed three assessments at baseline, 6- and 18-month follow-ups in quic…
Age-Related Differential Effects of School-Based Sitting and Movement Meditation on Creativity and Spatial Cognition: A Pilot Study
Psychophysical well-being can be supported during development by the integration of extra-curricular activities in scholastic settings. These activities can be implemented in different forms, ranging from physical activities to sitting meditation practices. Considering that both such activities are thought to affect children's psychophysical development, a movement-based meditation that combines the two approaches-in the form of a short daily act…
Fostering Holistic Development with a Designed Multisport Intervention in Physical Education: A Class-Randomized Cross-Over Trial
Physical education (PE) is acknowledged as a relevant context for holistic child and youth development promotion. However, interventional research mostly builds on individual theories focused on specific outcome domains. This study presents a multisport enriched PE intervention that capitalizes on the intersection of different theory-based approaches to motor, cognitive and socio-emotional skills development promotion. With a cross-over design, 1…
Staying Active under Restrictions: Changes in Type of Physical Exercise during the Initial Covid-19 Lockdown
The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated governmental restrictions suddenly changed everyday life and potentially affected exercise behavior. The aim of this study was to explore whether individuals changed their preference for certain types of physical exercise during the pandemic and to identify risk factors for inactivity. An international online survey with 13,881 adult participants from 18 countries/regions was conducted during the initial C…
Exploring Potential Benefits of Accumulated Multicomponent-Training in Non-Active Older Adults: From Physical Fitness to Mental Health
The present study aimed to analyze the impact of a multicomponent training (MCT) program in a group of non-active older adults, comparing two different dose distributions. Twenty-four individuals, assigned to two groups, completed 15 weeks of MCT (2 days/week). The continuous group (CMCT; n = 14, 9 females; 71.07 ± 5.09 years) trained for 60 min/session in the morning. The accumulated group (AMCT; n = 10, 5 females; 72.70 ± 3.59 years) performed …
A Preliminary Investigation of the Relationship between Motivation for Physical Activity and Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties in Children Aged 8–12 Years: The Role of Autonomous Motivation
While motivation for physical activity (PA) and PA participation have been linked, research on the relationship between motivation for PA and mental health outcomes is scant, with studies involving children largely underrepresented. Grounded in self-determination theory, this cross-sectional study aimed to determine whether autonomous motivation versus external motivation (a form of controlled motivation) for PA is associated with fewer emotional…
Effects of physical activity interventions on cognitive and academic performance in children and adolescents: A novel combination of a systematic review and recommendations from an expert panel
Developmental and Adapted Physical Education: Making Ability Count
Now in a fully revised and updated 6th edition, reflecting changes in legislation and cutting-edge research, this is a complete introduction to adapted physical education, from the underpinning science to practical teaching strategies and program design. The book covers a broader range of disabilities, developmental disorders, and health conditions than any other textbook and includes brand new material on developmental coordination disorders and…
How Older Adults Cope with Cognitive Complexity and Environmental Constraints during Dual-Task Walking: The Role of Executive Function Involvement
This cross-sectional study investigated the interactive dual-task (DT) effects of executive function demands and environmental constraints on older adults’ walking and the moderating role of habitual physical activity (PA). Locomotor performance under different environmental constraints (flat versus obstructed walking) and cognitive performance with different executive function involvement (backward counting versus random number generation) were …
Associations of Class-Time Sitting, Stepping and Sit-to-Stand Transitions with Cognitive Functions and Brain Activity in Children
Previous research showed that children's physical activity is positively related to executive functions, whilst screen time shows negative associations. However, it is unclear how school-based sitting time and transitions from sitting to standing relate to cognition. We investigated the relationship between class time sitting/stepping/sit-to-stand transitions and cognitive functions in Grade 1-2 children. Overall, 149 children (7.7 ± 0.6 years ol…
Exercise, sports, and performance arts benefit cognition via a common process
Exercise training is widely promoted as a method to enhance both physical health and cognitive function. Although routine exercise engenders physiological adaptations to the body and brain, its effects on mental processing are uncertain. Our review of the experimental evidence reveals that acknowledging the role of skill acquisition may help clarify the exercise-cognition relation. Instructional methods that optimize physical and mental challenge…
The Effect of Physical Activity Interventions on Children’s Cognition and Metacognition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Exercise, sports, and performance arts benefit cognition via a common process
Exercise training is widely promoted as a method to enhance both physical health and cognitive function. Although routine exercise engenders physiological adaptations to the body and brain, its effects on mental processing are uncertain. Our review of the experimental evidence reveals that acknowledging the role of skill acquisition may help clarify the exercise-cognition relation. Instructional methods that optimize physical and mental challenge…
Corporate responsibility for childhood physical activity promotion in the UK
The alarming epidemic of obesity and physical inactivity at paediatric age urges societies to rise to the challenge of ensuring an active lifestyle. As one response to this, business enterprises are increasingly engaged in promoting sport and physical activity (PA) initiatives within the frame of corporate social responsibility (CSR). However, comparative analyses among industry sectors of CSR strategies for PA promotion with a particular focus o…
Health and Quality of Life Perception in Older Adults: The Joint Role of Cognitive Efficiency and Functional Mobility
Cognitive and mobility functions are involved in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The present cross-sectional study aimed at investigating what facets of efficient cognition and functional mobility interactively contribute to mental and physical HRQoL. Fifty-six healthy older individuals (aged 65-75 years) were evaluated for mental and physical HRQoL, core cognitive executive functions (inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility…
Using concept mapping in the development of the EU-PAD framework (EUropean-Physical Activity Determinants across the life course): A Dedipac-study
The current framework provides a preliminary overview of factors which may account for PA behaviour across the life course and are most relevant to the European community. These insights could potentially be a foundation for future Pan-European research on how these factors might interact with each other, and assist policy makers to identify appropriate interventions to maximize PA behaviours and thus the health of European citizens
The Effect of Physical Activity Interventions on Children’s Cognition and Metacognition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Academic Achievement and Physical Activity: A Meta-analysis
Effects of physical activity interventions on cognitive and academic performance in children and adolescents: A novel combination of a systematic review and recommendations from an expert panel
Developmental and Adapted Physical Education: Making Ability Count
Now in a fully revised and updated 6th edition, reflecting changes in legislation and cutting-edge research, this is a complete introduction to adapted physical education, from the underpinning science to practical teaching strategies and program design. The book covers a broader range of disabilities, developmental disorders, and health conditions than any other textbook and includes brand new material on developmental coordination disorders and…
How Older Adults Cope with Cognitive Complexity and Environmental Constraints during Dual-Task Walking: The Role of Executive Function Involvement
This cross-sectional study investigated the interactive dual-task (DT) effects of executive function demands and environmental constraints on older adults’ walking and the moderating role of habitual physical activity (PA). Locomotor performance under different environmental constraints (flat versus obstructed walking) and cognitive performance with different executive function involvement (backward counting versus random number generation) were …
Associations of Class-Time Sitting, Stepping and Sit-to-Stand Transitions with Cognitive Functions and Brain Activity in Children
Previous research showed that children's physical activity is positively related to executive functions, whilst screen time shows negative associations. However, it is unclear how school-based sitting time and transitions from sitting to standing relate to cognition. We investigated the relationship between class time sitting/stepping/sit-to-stand transitions and cognitive functions in Grade 1-2 children. Overall, 149 children (7.7 ± 0.6 years ol…
Exercise, sports, and performance arts benefit cognition via a common process
Exercise training is widely promoted as a method to enhance both physical health and cognitive function. Although routine exercise engenders physiological adaptations to the body and brain, its effects on mental processing are uncertain. Our review of the experimental evidence reveals that acknowledging the role of skill acquisition may help clarify the exercise-cognition relation. Instructional methods that optimize physical and mental challenge…
A Preliminary Investigation of the Relationship between Motivation for Physical Activity and Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties in Children Aged 8–12 Years: The Role of Autonomous Motivation
While motivation for physical activity (PA) and PA participation have been linked, research on the relationship between motivation for PA and mental health outcomes is scant, with studies involving children largely underrepresented. Grounded in self-determination theory, this cross-sectional study aimed to determine whether autonomous motivation versus external motivation (a form of controlled motivation) for PA is associated with fewer emotional…
Fostering Self-Control Development With a Designed Intervention in Physical Education: A Two-Year Class-Randomized Trial
This study evaluated whether a theory-based intervention in physical education (PE) designed to train self-control may positively impact children’s quick-temperedness and disruptiveness and whether changes in executive functions (EFs) may be a correlate or antecedent of such effects. One hundred and sixteen children aged 8–9 years participated in a 2-year intervention and completed three assessments at baseline, 6- and 18-month follow-ups in quic…
Age-Related Differential Effects of School-Based Sitting and Movement Meditation on Creativity and Spatial Cognition: A Pilot Study
Psychophysical well-being can be supported during development by the integration of extra-curricular activities in scholastic settings. These activities can be implemented in different forms, ranging from physical activities to sitting meditation practices. Considering that both such activities are thought to affect children's psychophysical development, a movement-based meditation that combines the two approaches-in the form of a short daily act…
Fostering Holistic Development with a Designed Multisport Intervention in Physical Education: A Class-Randomized Cross-Over Trial
Physical education (PE) is acknowledged as a relevant context for holistic child and youth development promotion. However, interventional research mostly builds on individual theories focused on specific outcome domains. This study presents a multisport enriched PE intervention that capitalizes on the intersection of different theory-based approaches to motor, cognitive and socio-emotional skills development promotion. With a cross-over design, 1…
Staying Active under Restrictions: Changes in Type of Physical Exercise during the Initial Covid-19 Lockdown
The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated governmental restrictions suddenly changed everyday life and potentially affected exercise behavior. The aim of this study was to explore whether individuals changed their preference for certain types of physical exercise during the pandemic and to identify risk factors for inactivity. An international online survey with 13,881 adult participants from 18 countries/regions was conducted during the initial C…
Exploring Potential Benefits of Accumulated Multicomponent-Training in Non-Active Older Adults: From Physical Fitness to Mental Health
The present study aimed to analyze the impact of a multicomponent training (MCT) program in a group of non-active older adults, comparing two different dose distributions. Twenty-four individuals, assigned to two groups, completed 15 weeks of MCT (2 days/week). The continuous group (CMCT; n = 14, 9 females; 71.07 ± 5.09 years) trained for 60 min/session in the morning. The accumulated group (AMCT; n = 10, 5 females; 72.70 ± 3.59 years) performed …
Understanding the Benefits of Brief Classroom‐Based Physical Activity Interventions on Primary School‐Aged Children's Enjoyment and Subjective Wellbeing: A Systematic Review
The Interlink among Age, Functional Fitness, and Perception of Health and Quality of Life: A Mediation Analysis
In aging societies, physical activity may benefit functional fitness influencing the health of older people. The aim of this study was to explore the interrelation between age and perception of health and quality of life, and the mediating effects of functional fitness in older individuals. One hundred and sixty-six late middle-aged (55-64 years, young-old (65-74 years), and old (75-84 years) adults, divided into senior athletes ( n = 44), physic…
The Effects of a Cognitively Challenging Physical Activity Intervention on School Children’s Executive Functions and Motivational Regulations
This study examined the effects of a physical education intervention consisting of cognitively challenging physical activity games on school children's executive functions and motivational regulations. Ninety-nine fourth- and fifth-grade children participated in this two-group, repeated measures, quasi-experimental study with a cross-over design. Children's executive functions (measured with the design fluency and Stroop and flanker tests) and mo…
The feasibility and acceptability of a classroom-based physical activity program for children attending specialist schools: A mixed-methods pilot study
This trial was prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ( ACTRN12619000193178 ) on 11 February 2019
Cognitively enriched physical activity may foster motor competence and executive function as early as preschool age: A pilot trial
Background The relation between physical activity (PA), motor skills and cognitive function in children is receiving considerable attention. To transition scientific evidence into pedagogical practice, however, we need to further our understanding of which qualitative PA characteristics are best suited to stimulate motor skills and executive functions (EFs) relevant for children to develop their full potential.Purpose The purpose of this pilot st…
Chess training for improving executive functions and invasion game tactical behavior of college student athletes: A preliminary investigation
Background Within team sports, players’ ability to inhibit inappropriate behavioral responses and flexibly adapt to upcoming challenges relates significantly to their game performance. As such, there have been calls for cognitively fostering programs to form the basis of game teaching and coaching practice. However, only few studies have tested so far the effects of purposefully designed perceptual-cognitive interventions on players’ tactical per…
Motor Skill Development at Preschool Age in Girls and Boys: The Role of Outdoor Free Play
Males might capitalize on free outdoor play opportunities as early as preschool age to engage in activities that promote their motor and especially object control skill development. Longitudinal studies are needed to test causality and derive practical indications for enabling both males and females to fully exploit the opportunities provided by free outdoor play to exercise both locomotor and object control skills
Longitudinal associations between preschoolers’ 24-h movement behaviors and development of self-regulation, executive function, vocabulary, and numeracy
Physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SED), including screen time, and sleep constitute 24-h “movement behaviors” and may influence development of children’s cognitive function and academic skills. However, the existing longitudinal evidence in young children is scarce and inconsistent. The aim of this study was to examine longitudinal associations between these movement behaviors and change in self-regulation, executive function, vocabular…
How physical activity context relates to cognition across the lifespan: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Psychology (17 works) · Medicine (15 works) · Cognition (12 works) · Children's Physical and Motor Development (10 works) · Developmental psychology (8 works) · Physical Activity and Health (7 works) · Physical therapy (7 works) · Executive functions (6 works) · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet (5 works) · Psychiatry (5 works)