Changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior associated with an exercise intervention in depressed adults

BackgroundExercise is beneficial for depression, but less is known about its impact on post-intervention physical activity and sedentary behavior. The aim of this paper was to determine the extent to which participation in light-, moderate- and vigorous-intensity exercise intervention influenced habitual physical activity and sedentary behavior patterns in depressed adults.MethodsAccelerometer data was collected pre- and post-intervention from depressed participants randomized to one of three 12-week intervention groups: light (n = 21), moderate (n = 25) and vigorous (n = 22) exercise. Mixed models examined changes in time spent sedentary and in light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA); time accumulated in sedentary and MVPA bouts; and, number of MVPA bouts and interruptions in sedentary time.ResultsOverall sedentary time decreased while light activity time increased across all intervention groups but not significantly so. The light exercise intervention group reduced MVPA minutes (−8.22, 95% CI: −16.44, −0.01), time in MVPA bouts (−8.44, 95% CI: −14.27, −2.62), and number of activity bouts (−0.43, 95% CI: −0.77, −0.09). The moderate exercise intervention group reduced time in MVPA bouts (−6.27, 95% CI: −11.71, −0.82) and number of sedentary interruptions (−6.07, 95% CI: −9.30, −2.84). No changes were observed for the vigorous exercise intervention group.ConclusionsThe exercise intervention led to an increase in overall light physical activity and decrease in sedentary time, though neither change was statistically significant. Participation in the light and moderate exercise intervention groups was associated with reductions of time in MVPA bouts, but this was not evident for the vigorous exercise intervention group.     

Psychological,social and physical environmental mediators of the SCORES intervention on physical activity among children living in low-income communities

ObjectivesThis study examined mediation effects of socio-ecological variables on accelerometer-determined physical activity among children in the Supporting Children's Outcomes using Rewards, Exercise and Skills (SCORES) intervention.DesignRandomized control trial mediation analysis.MethodsPrimary school children were randomly assigned the SCORES multi-component intervention or control group for the 12-month study. The outcome was accelerometer derived total moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Hypothesized mediators measured in children were physical activity enjoyment and perceived sport competence and social support. Hypothesized mediators measured in parents were family social support, access to physical activity facilities and equipment at home, and perceived access to physical activity opportunities in the local community. Mediation analyses were conducted using multi-level linear analysis in MPlus.ResultsThere were significant intervention effects for social support from teachers (A = 1.73, SE = 0.88, p = 0.048) and parental perceived access to physical opportunities in the local community (A = 2.69, SE = 1.12, p = 0.016). There were significant associations between changes in perceived sport competence (B = 0.48, SE = 0.36, p = 0.027), parental perceived access to physical activity opportunities in the local community (B = 0.60, SE = 0.26, p = 0.021), and changes in total MVPA. Parental perceived access to physical activity opportunities in the local community was found to have a significant mediating effect on total MVPA (AB = 1.61, 95% CI = 0.06 to 3.95, proportion 13%).ConclusionsParental perceived access to physical activity opportunities in the local community is a potential mechanism of behavior change for children and mediated the effect of the SCORES intervention on objectively measured physical activity.     

Momentary affective response to bouts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity predicts changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior during behavioral weight loss

BackgroundAffective responses are posited to be key predictors of the uptake and maintenance of health behaviors. However, few studies have examined how individuals’ affective response to physical activity, as well as the degree to which their affect response changes, may predict changes in physical activity and sedentary time during behavioral weight loss treatment.PurposeThe current study examined how baseline momentary affective response (i.e., stress and anxiety) to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and the degree of pre--post intervention change in this response predicted change in daily sedentary, light, and MVPA time during a three-month internet-based weight loss program.MethodsWomen with overweight/obesity (final N = 37) completed 14-day ecological momentary assessment (EMA) protocols with objective measurement of physical activity (i.e., bout-related MVPA time) before and after the intervention.ResultsWomen who had more reinforcing responses to MVPA (i.e., greater reductions in anxiety and stress response following MVPA bouts) at baseline had greater increases in overall MVPA at the end of the intervention. Those who had greater anxiety reductions after MVPA bouts at baseline also evidenced less sedentary time at the end of the intervention. Changes in affective responses across the intervention were not related to changes in physical activity levels.ConclusionsFindings suggest initial levels of affective reinforcement from MVPA bouts predict future change in MVPA and sedentary time during behavioral weight loss. Future work is needed to examine the utility of more precisely targeting affective responses to physical activity to optimize intervention approaches.     

Does parental support moderate the effect of children's motivation and self-efficacy on physical activity and sedentary behaviour?

Objectives1) To test whether parental support moderates the direct effects of children's motivation and self-efficacy on objectively measured moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time. 2) To explore differences in the relationships between boys and girls.DesignCross-sectional observational study.MethodData were collected from 430 9–11 year old UK children and their parents; parents self-reported on the support they provided to their children to be active (through providing transport, encouragement, watching, or taking part with their child), and children self-reported their motivation and self-efficacy towards exercise. MVPA and sedentary time were measured using accelerometers.ResultsBoth parent- and child-level factors were largely positively associated with children's MVPA and negatively related to sedentary time. There was no evidence of a moderation effect of parental support on MVPA or sedentary time in boys. Parental provision of transport moderated the effect of girls' motivation on week-day MVPA; more motivated girls were less active when transport was provided. Transport and exercising with one's child moderated the effect of motivation and self-efficacy on girls' sedentary time at weekends; more motivated girls, and those with higher self-efficacy were less sedentary when parents provided more frequent transportation or took part in physical activity with them.ConclusionsThe results largely supported a model of the independent effects of parent and child determinants for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, but there was evidence that some types of parent support can moderate sedentary time in girls. Further research is needed to explore the causal pathways between the observed cross-sectional results.     

Using self-determination theory to promote adolescent girls' physical activity: Exploring the theoretical fidelity of the Bristol Girls Dance Project

ObjectivesTo report the theory-based process evaluation of the Bristol Girls' Dance Project, a cluster-randomised controlled trial to increase adolescent girls' physical activity.DesignA mixed-method process evaluation of the intervention's self-determination theory components comprising lesson observations, post-intervention interviews and focus groups.MethodFour intervention dance lessons per dance instructor were observed, audio recorded and rated to estimate the use of need-supportive teaching strategies. Intervention participants (n = 281) reported their dance instructors' provision of autonomy-support. Semi-structured interviews with the dance instructors (n = 10) explored fidelity to the theory and focus groups were conducted with participants (n = 59) in each school to explore their receipt of the intervention and views on the dance instructors' motivating style.ResultsAlthough instructors accepted the theory-based approach, intervention fidelity was variable. Relatedness support was the most commonly observed need-supportive teaching behaviour, provision of structure was moderate and autonomy-support was comparatively low. The qualitative findings identified how instructors supported competence and developed trusting relationships with participants. Fidelity was challenged where autonomy provision was limited to option choices rather than input into the pace or direction of lessons and where controlling teaching styles were adopted, often to manage disruptive behaviour.ConclusionThe successes and challenges to achieving theoretical fidelity in the Bristol Girls' Dance Project may help explain the intervention effects and can more broadly inform the design of theory-based complex interventions aimed at increasing young people's physical activity in after-school settings.     

Long-term effects of a dyadic planning intervention with couples motivated to increase physical activity

ObjectiveIn dyadic planning a target person and a planning partner create plans for when, where, and how the target person will change a health-relevant behavior. Across 52 weeks, direct and indirect effects of a dyadic-planning intervention on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and physical fitness in target persons and their partners were investigated in a randomized controlled trial. Relationship quality was explored as a moderator.MethodsN = 338 couples (target persons randomized) were randomly assigned to a dyadic-planning- (DPC), an individual-planning- (IPC), or a no-planning dyadic-control condition (CC). MVPA was objectively assessed four times across 52 weeks using accelerometry. Physical fitness and proposed mediators (individual action control, received behavior-specific support and control) were repeatedly assessed. Relationship quality was measured at baseline. Latent growth curve-, multi-level-, and manifest mediation models were fit.ResultsAcross 52 weeks, MVPA of IPC and CC target persons increased. MVPA of DPC target persons remained stable, but those who reported high relationship quality increased their MVPA over time. DPC partners showed steeper increases in physical fitness when compared to IPC partners, but not CC partners. DPC partners’ increases in physical fitness were mediated by received support from target persons.ConclusionsThe dyadic planning intervention showed non-beneficial effects for target persons’ MVPA, but beneficial effects on their partners’ fitness. These findings resemble evidence from the social support literature indicating more benefits for support providers than for recipients.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01963494.     

Body-related emotions and subsequent physical activity behaviour: An ecological momentary assessment

Body-related shame and guilt are theorized to be time-varying affective determinants of physical activity, yet research has predominantly relied on self-report measures of physical activity and between-person associations. To address these limitations, the present study used ecological momentary assessment to examine within- and between-person associations between body-related shame and guilt, and subsequent time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) measured by continuously worn accelerometers. University students (n = 98; 79.6% female; m_age = 19.45) were prompted 49 times over seven days to report body-related shame and guilt, and wore activPAL accelerometers to monitor movement behaviours. Higher levels of within-person body-related guilt, but not shame, were associated with increased subsequent time spent in MVPA. Contrary to existing literature, neither body-related shame nor guilt demonstrated a significant association with average levels of MVPA between individuals. These findings support theoretical propositions that body-related guilt may impact engagement in physical activity in daily life.     

Global self-esteem,perceived athletic competence,and physical activity in children: A longitudinal cohort study

ObjectivesThe Exercise and Self-Esteem Model is used as a theoretical framework to describe associations between global self-esteem and physical activity, mediated by perceived athletic competence. We know little about how these associations develop over time in elementary school children. We examined the change in, and associations between, global self-esteem, perceived athletic competence, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in children from kindergarten to grade 4. We also investigated if this change and these associations were different for boys and girls.DesignA prospective longitudinal cohort-sequential design that consisted of two cohorts of children.MethodChildren in cohort I were followed from kindergarten to grade 2, and children in cohort II were followed from grade 2 to grade 4. Global self-esteem and perceived athletic competence were measured with the Self-Perception Profile for Children (SPPC) (n = 292; 148 boys), while MVPA was measured with proxy-reports for physical activity filled in by parents (n = 184; 88 boys).ResultsGlobal self-esteem, perceived athletic competence, and MVPA remained stable. Global self-esteem was the same in boys and girls, while boys reported higher levels of perceived athletic competence and were more physically active than girls. The change in global self-esteem was significantly associated with perceived athletic competence and MVPA in girls, but not in boys.ConclusionThere are few developmental changes in global self-esteem, perceived athletic competence, and MVPA from kindergarten to grade 4. The change in global self-esteem was associated with perceived athletic competence and MVPA in girls, but not in boys.     

Coach autonomy support predicts autonomous motivation and daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary time in youth sport participants

ObjectiveGuided by self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 1987), this study tested a trans-contextual model linking perceptions of the social environment created by the youth sport coach to levels of autonomous and controlled motivation, and objectively measured daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time (ST) in young football players.DesignThe study employed a cross-sectional design, assessing physical activity using accelerometers.Method105 male youth sport footballers (M age = 12.79 ± 1.85 years) wore a GT3X accelerometer for 7 days. Measures of height and weight were recorded. Participants completed a multi-section questionnaire assessing perceptions of autonomy support and controlling coaching behaviours, and motivation toward their participation in sport and physically active games.ResultsPath analysis supported a model in which players’ perceptions of coach-provided autonomy support positively predicted autonomous motivation for sport engagement. In turn, autonomous motivation was positively associated with MVPA, and negatively related to ST (min/day). Controlling coach behaviours were positively linked to controlled motivation. However, controlled motivation for sport and physically active games was unrelated to daily MVPA and ST. Perceptions of coach-provided autonomy support had a significant positive indirect effect on daily MVPA, and a significant negative indirect effect on daily ST.ConclusionsResults suggest that autonomy supportive coach behaviours are related to daily physical activity patterns in young male footballers. Theory-based interventions that aim to encourage autonomy supportive coaching, and subsequently foster autonomous reasons for sport engagement, may enhance the potential of youth sport for increasing daily MVPA and reducing ST among children and adolescents active in this setting     

Compositional insights on the association between physical activity and sedentary behavior on momentary mood in daily life

ObjectiveGiven the increasing number of mental disorders, a growing body of studies now focuses on the relationship between physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and mental health. However, momentary mechanisms and interrelatedness between PA, SB, and mood in daily life are highly understudied.MethodsTo investigate whether the composition of light physical activity (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and SB influences mood, we conducted an Ambulatory Assessment study in the everyday life of 103 university students over five days. We measured PA and SB via accelerometers and assessed mood up to six times each day on smartphone diaries. We combined compositional data analyses (CoDA) with multilevel modeling to analyze within-person effects of the behavioral composition on mood.ResultsHigher ratio of the SB to LPA and MVPA composition within the 60 min prior to a diary rating negatively influenced valence (p = 0.006) and energetic arousal (p < 0.001). Furthermore, a higher ratio of LPA to SB and MVPA positively influenced energetic arousal (p < 0.001) and a higher ratio of MVPA to SB and LPA positively influenced valence (p = 0.004) and energetic arousal (p = 0.022). Simulation analyses revealed that replacing 20 min of SB with PA can influence mood rating up to 3.39 units [range from 0–100].ConclusionsFindings suggest that minutely replacements of SB with PA may lead to mood enhancements. Given the high prevalence of mental disorders, more studies are warranted to deepen the understanding of momentary compositional mechanisms between SB, PA, and mood. Applying CoDA to intensive longitudinal data can serve as a starting point to identify the optimal composition of SB, LPA, and MVPA for mood enhancements in everyday life.     

Investigating real-time physical activity behavior using ecological momentary assessment: Effects of mental fatigue and benefit-cost valuations

BackgroundCurrent research investigating the relationship between mental fatigue and physical activity behaviors relies on laboratory-based, experimental studies which lack ecological validity.ObjectiveThis study used ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to assess feelings of mental fatigue and subjective evaluations (benefits and costs) as predictors of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity in the everyday lives of young adults.MethodsOne hundred participants (n = 22 males, n = 78 females, M_age = 20.60 years, 70% meeting or exceeding physical activity guidelines) responded to digital survey prompts up to four times a day and wore an accelerometer for seven consecutive days. Moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity in the 180-min time window following each survey prompt was recorded. Data from the 28 survey-moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity epochs were analyzed using multilevel mixed-effects linear modelling.ResultsHigher levels of mental fatigue than one’s average level were associated with engaging in fewer moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity minutes (p = .004) and lower benefit vs. cost scores (p = .001). Higher benefit vs. cost scores than one’s average level were associated with engaging in more minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (p < .001).ConclusionsResults are the first to demonstrate outside the lab, that mental fatigue experienced in everyday life may amplify the perceived costs of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity, with both factors playing a potential role in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity decision-making. Future research may apply insights gained from this study in design and testing of real-time interventions promoting moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity.     

Stereotype endorsement and perceived ability as mediators of the girls' gender orientation–soccer performance relationship

ObjectiveThis study investigated girls' endorsement of the stereotype that girls are not good soccer performers through three questions: (1) did stereotype endorsement predict soccer performance? (2) Was this relationship mediated by perceived ability? (3) Was stereotype endorsement related to gender role orientation?MethodOne hundred and two junior high school girls from the 6th to the 9th grade (M age = 13.5 years, SD = 1.23) reported their beliefs about girls' and boys' performance in soccer, perceived ability and gender role orientation. Next, their soccer performance was observed during matches in compulsory physical education classes. A path-analytic model tested the relationships among the variables using a product-moment correlation matrix and a maximum likelihood estimation procedure.ResultsStereotype endorsement (i.e., the belief that girls' performance in soccer is poor) negatively predicted performance, this relationship being mediated by perceived ability. Moreover, masculinity positively predicted perceived ability, and this relationship was partially mediated by stereotype endorsement.ConclusionThis study reinforces the idea that girls' sports performance may be related to gender stereotypes. Interpretations of the results in light of Eccles et al.’s expectancy-value model and stereotype threat theory are discussed, along with implications for practice.     

Exercise video games are associated with more positive affective response,which predicts physical activity adherence

BackgroundA more positive affective valence during exercise is predictive of adherence to physical activity programs. This study examines the relationship between affective response during exercise and longer-term maintenance of physical activity among individuals using exercise video games (EVGs) and standard modalities of physical activity (i.e., walking, cycling).MethodsHealthy adults (mean age 45.4, SD = 14.5) were randomly assigned to a 12-week supervised, thrice weekly program of EVGs (n = 93) or Standard exercise (n = 96), and were assessed for affect immediately before, at the mid-point, and immediately after one exercise session per week. Participation in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was conducted at end of treatment (EOT) and 6-month follow up.ResultsEVG participants reported more positive affective valence during exercise compared to Standard participants (b = 0.63, SE = 0.08, p < .001), and perceived less exertion (b = 0.52, SE = 0.36, p = .04) compared to Standard participants. For both groups, a more positive affective valence during exercise was significantly predictive of continued physical activity at 6-months (b = 6.64, SE = 2.50, p = .01). EVG participants also showed a significant chronic effect such that week-to-week there were improvements in affect prior to exercise and this effect was significantly associated with greater MPVA at EOT and follow-up (b = 21.96, SE = 10.10, p = .03 at EOT). Among Standard participants no significant chronic effect was seen over time.ConclusionsEVGs may provide an effective means of promoting more positive shifts in affective valence both during, and in anticipation of, physical activity that encourages longer-term participation.     

Momentary associations between stress and physical activity among children using ecological momentary assessment

Chronic and acute stress may have a detrimental effect on children's physical activity. Research on stress as a predictor of children's physical activity has mostly focused on stress between children, rather than how children's within-day variation in stress may predict physical activity. The current study assessed the within- and between-effects of stress on subsequent physical activity in three different time windows using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and accelerometry. Children (N = 190; M_{Baseline Age} = 10.1 ± 0.9, 53% female, 56% self-identified Hispanic/Latino) completed six semi-annual assessment bursts across three years. During each burst, participants responded to up to seven (weekend) or three (weekday) randomly prompted EMA surveys on smartphones for seven days and wore a waist-worn accelerometer. Multi-level structural equation modeling examined within- and between-subjects effects of stress as a predictor of children's subsequent moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in the 15, 30, and 60 min following the EMA prompt. Latent variables were created for within- and between-subjects stress were comprised of three EMA stress items. Higher than average levels of stress (within-subjects) significantly predicted lower MVPA in the subsequent 15, 30 and 60 min (ps < .05). Between-subjects stress was not significantly associated with subsequent MVPA (ps > .05). Results indicate that elevated momentary stress predicts less subsequent MVPA. These findings suggest that within-day fluctuations in stress may be a barrier for children engaging in physical activity. Childhood physical activity promotion and interventions should consider the role of children's stress, aim to reduce the stress children experience throughout the day, and incorporate stress coping strategies.     

Effects of a teacher training program to promote physically active play among preschoolers with autism spectrum disorders

Wellness Enhancing Physical Activity for Young Children (WE PLAY) is an intervention intended to promote physical activity (PA) among typically-developing preschool children in child care settings. It was adapted for use by teachers who educate children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). This study used a multiple baseline design across participants to evaluate the impact of WE PLAY-Autism on teachers' PA facilitating behaviors and on the PA levels of children with ASD. Visual analysis and effect size estimates indicated that two of the three teachers increased their PA facilitating behavior, although this was insufficient to demonstrate a functional relation. Children's (n = 5) PA was measured daily during school hours using accelerometry. Visual analysis, which was further supported by effect size calculations, indicated higher average levels of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) among preschoolers with ASD in the intervention phase (Tau-U_{A vs. B} = 0.53, p < .001, Hedges' g = 0.99, 95% CI [0.56, 1.43]) and post-training phase (Tau-U_{A vs. B} = 0.55, p < .001, Hedges' g = 1.17, 95% CI [0.73, 1.60]) in comparison to the baseline phase. WE PLAY-Autism is an intervention deserving of further investigation given its meaningful impact on the MVPA of preschoolers with ASD paired with its potential for broad implementation in preschools.     

Effects of a physical education intervention programme for ninth-graders on physical activity-related health competence: Findings from the GEKOS cluster randomised controlled trial

The main purpose of this cluster randomised controlled trial was to investigate the effects of a physical education (PE) intervention programme combining theoretical and practical components on students' knowledge, skills, abilities and motivation related to competence for a healthy active lifestyle. The intervention used learning tasks to combine theory on health and physical fitness with either running/jumping activities or small-sided ball games and was compared to regular PE classes. Forty-eight PE classes were randomly assigned to intervention (IG-run, IG-game play; 27 classes) and control (CG-run, CG-game play; 21 classes) groups. Overall, 841 ninth-graders (51.1% girls, M_age = 14.20, SD = 0.51) were tested before and after the six-week intervention and in an eight-to-twelve-week follow-up. Students completed a health-related fitness knowledge test, questionnaires on control competence for physical training, health- and fitness-related interest and attitudes, and physical fitness tests. Regressions in structural equation models revealed positive treatment effects of the game play intervention on students' knowledge (β_StdY = 0.33, 99.6% CI [0.12, 0.55]) and control competence for physical training (β_StdY = 0.26, 99.6% CI [0.02, 0.50]) at the post-test. No significant effects were found at the follow-up test. Treatment effects were independent of gender. The results indicate the short-term effectiveness of learning tasks combining theory with ball games in order to develop knowledge and control competence for physical training in PE. Further studies have to clarify how to sustain effects over time and address students' physical fitness and health- and fitness-related interest and attitudes in interventions combining theory and practice.Trial registrationThis study was retrospectively registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS), DRKS-ID: DRKS00016349.     

Fearing fatness and feeling fat: Encountering affective spaces of physical activity

The intention of this paper is to reveal how emotional dynamics of girls' fear and repulsion of fat operate within spaces of physical activity including Physical Education (PE). Through engagement with girls' everyday embodied experiences, understandings and practices of physical activity this paper weaves dialogue between contemporary obesity and health discourses and girls' emotional embodied experiences of encountering material and non-tangible spaces of physical activity. This paper draws from PhD research of a feminist ethnographic study with PE teachers and female pupils in Scottish primary and secondary schools; the paper reveals girls encounters with both material objects – such as swimming pool water—and non-material, discursive spaces of school-based physical activity, rooted within contemporary health discourses which perpetuate a ‘fear of fatness’. Such intra-active encounters reveal new ways of understanding how girls and young women come to feel their bodies inside of contemporary obesity debates.     

Longitudinal relations between psychological distress and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity: A latent change score approach

ObjectivesThe effect of physical inactivity on mental health risk is well established; however, less is known about about how psychological distress might deter participation in physical activity. Guided by advancements in the treatment of longitudinal data, the aim of this study was to examine patterns and predictors of change in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and psychological distress (e.g., feeling nervous, worthless).Design methodAustralian adults (4944 females, M_age = 34.63 years ±5.34; 4322 males, M_age = 37.51 years ±6.14) provided baseline data as part of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) and were followed for measurements every two years for 10 years.ResultsLatent change score analyses revealed support for a reciprocal effects model, whereby change in MVPA and psychological distress occurred as a function of individuals’ prior levels of, and/or prior change in these variables.ConclusionsThis investigation is the first to document that changes in MVPA and psychological distress are coupled temporally. Notably, we observed that individuals’ distress levels at a given time point predicted subsequent change on both MVPA and distress; a finding which provides novel and important insight into how adults’ activity levels and psychological distress fluctuate relative to one another.     

Effects of a single bout of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on executive functions in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to systematically review the literature investigating the acute effects of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on executive functions (EFs) in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and perform a meta-analysis of the effects of MVPA on task components that require lower and higher EF demand in this population.MethodsThe systematic review and meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Six electronic databases, i.e., PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, SPORTDiscus, and Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), were searched for eligible studies. Random-effects weights were used to pool the effect sizes. Publication bias was assessed by Egger’s regression test and Rosenthal’s fail-safe N. This study is registered on PROSPERO, number CRD42020184082.ResultsThe electronic database search yielded 12 studies, which met the inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 375 participants. Eleven studies with data from 275 participants were included in the meta-analysis to examine the acute effects of MVPA on tasks with lower and higher EF demand. A single bout of MVPA had a small positive effect on tasks with lower (n = 10, g = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.123–0.517) and higher (n = 10, g = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.13–0.371) EF demand. No publication bias was found.ConclusionsA single bout of MVPA may have a general facilitative effect on cognition, indicating that acute MVPA may be a transient nonpharmacological adjunctive treatment for childhood ADHD.     

Time for change: using implementation intentions to promote physical activity in a randomised pilot trial

Objective: A common barrier to exercise is a perceived lack of time. The current pilot study examined the effects of an implementation intention intervention to enhance exercise self-efficacy, increase confidence to exercise when facing time constraints, and increase physical activity in middle-aged adults (n?=?63, aged 35–69). Design: Participants received a pedometer (Fitbit) to objectively measure activity and were randomly assigned to either a control or intervention condition. After a 1-week baseline, the intervention condition received instructions to plan how, where, and when they would add steps to their daily routine to meet their step goal, using personalised schedules and maps. Both groups were contacted nightly via email. Main Outcome Measures: Physical activity (steps and time spent in moderate-to-vigorous activity), goal achievement, exercise self-efficacy, time-relevant exercise self-efficacy and affect. Results: Compared to the control, the intervention condition significantly increased in steps, time spent in moderate-to-vigorous activity, and time-relevant exercise self-efficacy. Goal achievement was related to greater time-relevant exercise self-efficacy and more positive affect at the daily level. Conclusion: Findings suggest that the personalised planning intervention increased physical activity and confidence in achieving physical activity goals under time constraints. Avenues for future directions, especially for producing more sustained effects, are discussed.