The acute effects of continuous and intermittent cycling on executive function in children

Bibliographic Data

ID21283438
AuthorsRicardo Martins (0000-0002-3046-1700, Coventry University, corresponding author), Ricardo Manuel Gonçalves Martins (0000-0003-1391-7179, Coventry University, corresponding author), Michael J Duncan (0000-0002-2016-6580, Coventry University), Cain C T Clark (0000-0002-6610-4617, Coventry University), Emma L J Eyre (0000-0002-4040-5921, Coventry University)
Year2021
Volume218
Pages103363
Publication date2021-07-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueActa Psychologica (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0001-6918 • E-ISSN: 1873-6297
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.actpsy.2021.103363
PMID34218076
OpenAlexW3182977860
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited60

This study assessed the effect of acute continuous and intermittent physical activity (PA) on children's executive function (EF). Twenty-four participants (14 boys M = 10.32 ± 0.48 years), using a within-subjects design, performed a continuous (70% HRmax) and an intermittent (≥85%HRmax; 12 bouts: 30 s work, 45 s rest) PA bout of cycling, both lasting 15 min. Executive function was assessed using the Stroop task, Digit Span and Corsi Blocks tests and these were administered before and 1 min and 30 min post PA. Comparing both conditions, performance at the Stroop task (i.e., reaction time) improved in the continuous condition after 1 min and after 30 min (congruent stimuli) (mean diff = 126 ms ± 59; p = 0.047 and mean diff = 89 ms ± 38; p = 0.031, respectively). The intermittent condition improved at 30 min post (congruent and incongruent) (mean diff = 116 ms ± 46; p = 0.021 and mean diff = 111 ms ± 49; p = 0.039, respectively) showing a delayed benefit from the PA bout and greater improvements compared to the continuous condition. Verbal memory was improved for the continuous condition 1 min post only and no effects on visual memory were observed for both experimental conditions. The results demonstrated that both acute PA bouts might be a time-efficient approach for enhancing EF, with intermittent PA having a delayed and greater benefit

Audiology · Cognition · Cycling · Memory span · Physical medicine and rehabilitation · Psychiatry · Stroop effect · Working memory · Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder · Children's Physical and Motor Development · Medicine · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet · Psychology