Acute effect of physical activity on academic outcomes in school-aged youth: A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis

This work was supported by a postdoctoral contract granted by Junta de Andalucía (PAIDI 2020, POSTDOC_ 21_00725 to JSM). This research was funded by MCIN/ AEI /10.13039/501100011033/ and by FEDER Una manera de hacer Europa under grant number PID2021-123357OA- I00. AGH is a Miguel Servet Fellow (Instituto de Salud Carlos III –CP18/ 0150). DRL is funded by a National Health and Medical Research Council Senior Research Fellowship (APP1154507).Background There has been an increase in the number of studies examining the effect of acute and chronic physical activity on academic outcomes in children and adolescents in the last two decades. We aimed to systematically determine the acute effects of physical activity on academic outcomes in school-aged youth and to examine possible moderators. Methods We conducted a systematic search using PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and PsycINFO databases (from inception to 11th January 2023) for studies assessing the acute effects of physical activity on academic performance-related outcomes in school-aged youth. A univariate and multivariate meta-analysis was conducted based on a random-effects model with restricted maximum likelihood used to pool the academic outcomes results (Hedge's g). Results We included 11 articles (803 children and adolescents [range: 6–16 years]) in the systematic review. Overall, acute physical activity increased academic outcomes (Hedge's g = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.20–0.50). Multivariate meta-analyses revealed that physical activity increased academic performance in mathematics (Hedge's g = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.16–0.42) and language (Hedge's g = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.09–0.47). Only behavior change techniques (Hedge's g = 0.54, 95% CI, 0.18–0.90, p < 0.001) played a significant role in this relationship. Conclusions A single bout of physical activity can improve academic outcomes in school-aged youth, which may serve as a complementary tool for the educational field. However, the observed heterogeneity in the results indicates that we should interpret the findings obtained with caution.Junta de Andalucía (PAIDI 2020, POSTDOC_ 21_00725 to JSM)MCIN/ AEI /10.13039/501100011033/FEDER Una manera de hacer Europa under grant number PID2021-123357OA- I00Miguel Servet Fellow (Instituto de Salud Carlos III –CP18/ 0150)National Health and Medical Research Council Senior Research Fellowship (APP1154507

The dynamical association between physical activity and affect in the daily life of individuals with ADHD

Exercise interventions in mental disorders have evidenced a mood-enhancing effect. However, the association between physical activity and affect in everyday life has not been investigated in adult individuals with ADHD, despite being important features of this disorder. As physical activity and affect are dynamic processes in nature, assessing those in everyday life with e- diaries and wearables, has become the gold standard. Thus, we used an mHealth approach to prospectively assess physical activity and affect processes in individuals with ADHD and con- trols aged 14–45 years. Participants wore accelerometers across a four-day period and reported their affect via e-diaries twelve times daily. We used multilevel models to identify the within- subject effects of physical activity on positive and negative affect. We split our sample into three groups: 1. individuals with ADHD who were predominantly inattentive ( n = 48), 2. in- dividuals with ADHD having a combined presentation (i.e., being inattentive and hyperactive; n = 95), and 3. controls ( n = 42). Our analyses revealed a significant cross-level interaction (F(2, 135.072) = 5.733, p = 0.004) of physical activity and group on positive affect. In details, all groups showed a positive association between physical activity and positive affect. Indi- viduals with a combined presentation significantly showed the steepest slope of physical ac- tivity on positive affect (slope_inattentive = 0.005, p < 0.001; slope_combined = 0.009, p < 0.001; slope_controls = 0.004, p = 0.008). Our analyses on negative affect revealed a negative associ- ation only in the individuals with a combined presentation (slope = -0.003; p = 0.001). Whether this specifically pronounced association in individuals being more hyperactive might be a mech- anism reinforcing hyperactivity needs to be empirically clarified in future studies.European Commission 667302ECNP Networ

Prospective associations between physical fitness and executive function in adolescents: The UP&DOWN study

Introduction: The objective of the present work is to investigate the prospective associations between physical fitness components (cardiorespiratory fitness, motor fitness, and muscular strength) and two domains of executive function (working memory and inhibitory control) in adolescents. Methods: A total of 422 Spanish adolescents (13.35 ± 1.54 years, at baseline) from the UP&DOWN study with assessments at baseline and at 2-year follow-up were included in the analysis. Physical fitness was assessed using the ALPHA Fitness Test Battery. Working memory was measured by the n-back task and inhibitory control by the go/no-go task. Relationships of physical fitness components with working memory and inhibitory control were examined using linear regression models, adjusted for confounders. Results: Higher baseline levels of the three physical fitness components (cardiorespiratory fitness, motor fitness, and muscular strength) individually predicted better performance on the working memory (βranged, from .159 to .207; all p < .012) and inhibitory control (βranged, from 0.168 to 0.263; all p < .004) tasks at the 2-year follow-up. Muscular strength was the only component associated with inhibitory control independent of the other 2 physical fitness components (β = 0.266; p = .005). Conclusions: All components of adolescents’ physical fitness at baseline were individually associated with better working memory and inhibitory control at 2-year follow-up. Specifically, our results revealed that muscular strength was the component showing the strongest association with executive function, and even the only fitness component associated with inhibitory control independent of the other fitness components. These findings may have important public health and educational implication, since promoting exercise programs that improve physical fitness, and particularly, muscular strength, may positively influence cognitive health.Spanish Government DEP 2010-21662-C04-00 CAS19/00265 RYC2019-027287-INational Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia APP 1176885 Spanish Government IJC2018-038008-

Smartphone App (2kmFIT-App) for Measuring Cardiorespiratory Fitness: Validity and Reliability Study

FBO research activity was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness—MINECO/FEDER DEP2016-79512-R; the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under Grant Agreement No. 667302; the University of Granada, Plan Propio de Investigación 2016, Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES); the Junta de Andalucía, Consejería de Conocimiento, Investigación y Universidades, and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), ref. SOMM17/6107/ UGR; the EXERNET Research Network on Exercise and Health in Special Populations (DEP2005-00046/ACTI); and the SAMID III network, RETICS, funded by the PN I+D+I 2017-2021 (Spain), ISCIII Sub-Directorate-General for Research Assessment and Promotion, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (Ref. RD16/002). AN was supported by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and the Instituto de Salud Carlos III through the CIBERFES (CB16/10/00239), the Seneca Foundation through the unit of excellence (Grant 19899/GERM/15), and the Ministry of Science Innovation and Universities RTI2018-093528-B-I00 (all of which are cofinanced by FEDER). CCS is supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (FJC2018-037925-I). The views expressed are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the institutions they belong to.Background: There is strong evidence suggesting that higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are associated with a healthier metabolic profile, and that CRF can serve as a powerful predictor of morbidity and mortality. In this context, a smartphone app based on the 2-km walk test (UKK test) would provide the possibility to assess CRF remotely in individuals geographically distributed around a country or continent, and even between continents, with minimal equipment and low costs. Objective: The overall aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of 2kmFIT-App developed for Android and iOS mobile operating systems to estimate maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) as an indicator of CRF. The specific aims of the study were to determine the validity of 2kmFIT-App to track distance and calculate heart rate (HR). Methods: Twenty participants were included for field-testing validation and reliability analysis. The participants completed the UKK test twice using 2kmFIT-App. Distance and HR were measured with the app as well as with accurate methods, and VO2max was estimated using the UKK test equation. Results: The validity results showed the following mean differences (app minus criterion): distance (& ndash;70.40, SD 51.47 meters), time (& ndash;0.59, SD 0.45 minutes), HR (& ndash;16.75, SD 9.96 beats/minute), and VO2max (3.59, SD 2.01 ml/kg/min). There was moderate validity found for HR (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] 0.731, 95% CI & ndash;0.211 to 0.942) and good validity found for VO2max (ICC 0.878, 95% CI & ndash;0.125 to 0.972). The reliability results showed the following mean differences (retest minus test): app distance (25.99, SD 43.21 meters), app time (& ndash;0.15, SD 0.94 seconds), pace (& ndash;0.18, SD 0.33 min/km), app HR (& ndash;4.5, 13.44 beats/minute), and app VO2max (0.92, SD 3.04 ml/kg/min). There was good reliability for app HR (ICC 0.897, 95% CI 0.742-0.959) and excellent validity for app VO2max (ICC 0.932, 95% CI 0.830-0.973). All of these findings were observed when using the app with an Android operating system, whereas validity was poor when the app was used with iOS. Conclusions: This study shows that 2kmFIT-App is a new, scientifically valid and reliable tool able to objectively and remotely estimate CRF, HR, and distance with an Android but not iOS mobile operating system. However, certain limitations such as the time required by 2kmFIT-App to calculate HR or the temperature environment should be considered when using the app.Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness-MINECO/FEDER DEP2016-79512-REuropean Commission 667302University of Granada, Plan Propio de Investigacion 2016, Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES)Junta de AndaluciaEuropean Commission SOMM17/6107/UGR RD16/002EXERNET Research Network on Exercise and Health in Special Populations DEP2005-00046/ACTISAMID III network, RETICS - PN I+D+I 2017-2021 (Spain)ISCIII Sub-Directorate-General for Research Assessment and PromotionMinistry of Economy and Competitiveness CB16/10/00239Instituto de Salud Carlos III through the CIBERFES CB16/10/00239Fundacion Seneca 19899/GERM/15Ministry of Science Innovation and Universities - FEDER RTI2018-093528-B-I00Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities FJC2018-037925-

Evaluation of the Equivalent Activity Plan (PAE) of the practices of the Degrees in Early Childhood and Primary Education during the Covid-19 pandemic

[EN] Curricular practices in educational schools for students of the Degree in Early Childhood and Primary Education are an essential period in their initial training since they involve contact with the real educational context, enable the integration between theory and practice, disciplinary learning, and the development of knowledge in real professional contexts. However, this possibility was prevented during the 2019-20 academic year due to the confinement derived from the Covid-19 pandemic. This caused the Faculty of Education of the University of the Balearic Islands to develop an equivalent activity for all the students who at that time were taking or had to take the internship, called the Equivalent Activity Plan (PAE). The objective of this work was to evaluate the usefulness of the PAE as an option to carry out internships remotely during confinement. A total of 131 people answered a questionnaire after the end of the internship with questions about their perception of the PAE in different aspects. The results of the evaluation show that it was a useful resource to overcome the impossibility of going to schools, but it did not allow the acquisition of the skills or abilities more linked to the presence and life in the schools.[ES] Las prácticas en los centros educativos para el alumnado del Grado en Educación Infantil y Primaria son un periodo esencial en su formación inicial ya que suponen un contacto con el contexto educativo real, posibilitan la integración entre teoría y práctica, aprendizajes disciplinares y el desarrollo del conocimiento en contextos profesionales reales. Sin embargo, esta posibilidad se vio impedida durante el curso 2019-20 por el confinamiento derivado de la pandemia por Covid-19. Esto provocó que la Facultad de Educación de la Universitat de les Illes Baleares desarrollara una actividad equivalente para todo el alumnado que en ese momento estaba cursando o tenía que cursar las prácticas, llamado Plan de Actividades Equivalente (PAE). El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la utilidad del PAE como opción para cursar las prácticas de manera no presencial durante el confinamiento. Un total de 131 personas respondieron a un cuestionario una vez finalizado el periodo de prácticas con preguntas sobre su percepción del PAE en diferentes aspectos. Los resultados de la evaluación muestran que fue un recurso útil para suplir la imposibilidad de acudir a los centros, pero no permitió adquirir las competencias o habilidades más ligadas a la presencia y vida en el centro.Buil-Legaz, L.; Pinya-Medina, C.; Esteller-Cano, À.; Muntaner-Mas, A. (2023). Evaluación del Plan de Actividades Equivalente (PAE) de las prácticas de los Grados en Educación Infantil y Primaria durante la pandemia por Covid-19. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 862-870. https://doi.org/10.4995/INRED2023.2023.1662486287

Obesity and physical activity patterns among Balearic Islands children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study

Childhood and adolescents’ obesity remains a public health concern. In addition, it has been reported that youth population do not reach the international recommendations for physical activity. The aims of the present study were to determine the prevalence and risk factors of overweight and obesity, and to investigate the lifestyle determinants of physical activity practice in children and adolescents of the Balearic Islands (Spain). A cross-sectional survey (n = 3164; 44.2% girls; 10-16 years old) was carried out. Weight and height were assessed to estimate obesity prevalence according to the International Obesity Task Force cut-offs for body mass index. Physical activity patterns, sedentary behaviours, lifestyles determinants and parental characteristics were surveyed. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among Balearic Islands youth aged 10 to 16 years was 22.3% and 19.2%, respectively. Low parental educational level was associated with higher levels of children’s and adolescent’s body mass index, in both genders. The probability of being an overweight children and adolescent was increased significantly with a mother who never practice physical activity. Physically inactive children and adolescents had one and half (boys) and two (girls) times higher odds of being obese than physically active. Girls who exceeded 2 h per day of media screen time had a significantly higher body mass index. Parental educational level, mother’s physical activity practice, size of municipality of school, media screen time and physical activity are important factors of obesity among Balearic Islands children and adolescent

Low cardiorespiratory fitness and obesity for ADHD in childhood and adolescence: A 6‐year cohort study

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent disorder in childhood and identifying risk factors associated with developing ADHD during childhood and adolescence is relevant from a clinical and epidemiological point of view. This work examines (1) whether overweight/obesity and low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are associated with increased ADHD symptoms in childhood (cross sectional analysis), and (2) whether overweight/obesity and low CRF levels during childhood predict increased ADHD symptoms in adolescence (longitudinal analysis). Data were examined from a longitudinal study of Estonian inhabitants who took part in the European Youth Heart Study (EYHS) in 1998 and 1999 (baseline age 9 years), who were re-evaluated 6 years later as part of the longitudinal Estonian Children Personality Behaviour and Health Study (ECPBHS). CRF was determined via an incremental maximal cycle-ergometer test, overweight/obesity was based on body mass index (BMI), and the 7-point af Klinteberg Hyperactivity Scale was used to assess ADHD symptoms at both time points. In the cross-sectional analysis, children with overweight/obesity were at greater risk of ADHD symptoms compared to underweight/normal-weight children, as were those unfit compared to fit children (OR=1.92 and 95%CI=1.02–3.55, and OR=1.84 and 95%CI=1.13–2.98, respectively). The cross-sectional association between BMI and ADHD symptoms was mediated by CRF (z=2.116, 42.9%; p=0.034). The longitudinal analysis showed being unfit in childhood was associated with a greater risk of increased ADHD symptoms 6 years later in adolescence (OR=2.26 and 95%CI=1.14–4.47), even after adjusting for baseline ADHD symptoms and BMI. Our result suggests that being unfit is an additional risk factor for increased ADHD symptoms during childhood and adolescence. The association between BMI and ADHD symptoms was mediated by CRF in the cross-sectional analysis and no association was seen between overweight/obesity and increased ADHD symptoms

A Systematic Review of Fitness Apps and Their Potential Clinical and Sports Utility for Objective and Remote Assessment of Cardiorespiratory Fitness

Key Points The validity and reliability of existing and/or underdevelopment fitness apps should be further investigated. Physiological signals should be incorporated into fitness apps, such as heart rate measures using a smartphone camera, during or after exercise testing. There is a need to develop interoperable fitness apps (e.g., different languages, apps integrated into both app markets, data that is device-independent). Fitness apps should incorporate evidence-based cutpoints of CRF, allowing interpretation of fitness testing resultsWe are grateful to Ms Carmen Sainz-Quinn for assistance with the English language.Background Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) assessment provides key information regarding general health status that has high clinical utility. In addition, in the sports setting, CRF testing is needed to establish a baseline level, prescribe an individualized training program and monitor improvement in athletic performance. As such, the assessment of CRF has both clinical and sports utility. Technological advancements have led to increased digitization within healthcare and athletics. Nevertheless, further investigation is needed to enhance the validity and reliability of existing fitness apps for CRF assessment in both contexts. Objectives The present review aimed to (1) systematically review the scientific literature, examining the validity and reliability of apps designed for CRF assessment; and (2) systematically review and qualitatively score available fitness apps in the two main app markets. Lastly, this systematic review outlines evidence-based practical recommendations for developing future apps that measure CRF. Data Sources The following sources were searched for relevant studies: PubMed, Web of Science®, ScopusTM, and SPORTDiscus, and data was also found within app markets (Google Play and the App Store). Study Eligibility Criteria Eligible scientific studies examined the validity and/or reliability of apps for assessing CRF through a field-based fitness test. Criteria for the app markets involved apps that estimated CRF. Study Appraisal and Synthesis Methods The scientific literature search included four major electronic databases and the timeframe was set between 01 January 2000 and 31 October 2018. A total of 2796 articles were identified using a set of fitness-related terms, of which five articles were finally selected and included in this review. The app market search was undertaken by introducing keywords into the search engine of each app market without specified search categories. A total of 691 apps were identified using a set of fitness-related terms, of which 88 apps were finally included in the quantitative and qualitative synthesis. Results Five studies focused on the scientific validity of fitness tests with apps, while only two of these focused on reliability. Four studies used a sub-maximal fitness test via apps. Out of the scientific apps reviewed, the SA-6MWTapp showed the best validity against a criterion measure (r = 0.88), whilst the InterWalk app showed the highest test–retest reliability (ICC range 0.85–0.86). Limitations Levels of evidence based on scientific validity/reliability of apps and on commercial apps could not be robustly determined due to the limited number of studies identified in the literature and the low-to-moderate quality of commercial apps. Conclusions The results from this scientific review showed that few apps have been empirically tested, and among those that have, not all were valid or reliable. In addition, commercial apps were of low-to-moderate quality, suggesting that their potential for assessing CRF has yet to be realized. Lastly, this manuscript has identified evidence-based practical recommendations that apps might potentially offer to objectively and remotely assess CRF as a complementary tool to traditional methods in the clinical and sports settings

Bright light therapy versus physical exercise to prevent co-morbid depression and obesity in adolescents and young adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: The risk for major depression and obesity is increased in adolescents and adults with attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and adolescent ADHD predicts adult depression and obesity. Non-pharmacological interventions to treat and prevent these co-morbidities are urgently needed. Bright light therapy (BLT) improves day– night rhythm and is an emerging therapy for major depression. Exercise intervention (EI) reduces obesity and improves depressive symptoms. To date, no randomized controlled trial (RCT) has been performed to establish feasibility and efficacy of these interventions targeting the prevention of co-morbid depression and obesity in ADHD. We hypothesize that the two manualized interventions in combination with mobile health-based monitoring and reinforcement will result in less depressive symptoms and obesity compared to treatment as usual in adolescents and young adults with ADHD. Methods: This trial is a prospective, pilot phase-IIa, parallel-group RCT with three arms (two add-on treatment groups [BLT, EI] and one treatment as usual [TAU] control group). The primary outcome variable is change in the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology total score (observer-blinded assessment) between baseline and ten weeks of intervention. This variable is analyzed with a mixed model for repeated measures approach investigating the treatment effect with respect to all three groups. A total of 330 participants with ADHD, aged 14 – < 30 years, will be screened at the four study centers. To establish effect sizes, the sample size was planned at the liberal significance level of α = 0.10 (two-sided) and the power of 1-β = 80% in order to find medium effects. Secondary outcomes measures including change in obesity, ADHD symptoms, general psychopathology, health-related quality of life, neurocognitive function, chronotype, and physical fitness are explored after the end of the intervention and at the 12-week follow-up. This is the first pilot RCT on the use of BLT and EI in combination with mobile health-based monitoring and reinforcement targeting the prevention of co-morbid depression and obesity in adolescents and young adults with ADHD. If at least medium effects can be established with regard to the prevention of depressive symptoms and obesity, a larger scale confirmatory phase-III trial may be warranted.The trial is funded by the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, Horizon 2020 (Project no. 667302). Funding period: January 2016–December 2020. This funding source had no role in the design of this study and will not have any role during its execution, analyses, interpretation of the data, or decision to submit results. Some local funds additionally contributed to carry out this study, especially for the preparation of the interventions: FBO research activity is by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness – MINECO (RYC-2011-09011) and by the University of Granada, Plan Propio de Investigación 2016, Excellence actions: Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES)

La prescripción del ejercicio físico a través de las aplicaciones móviles y su impacto sobre la salud en personas de edad avanzada

El envejecimiento activo y saludable se ha convertido en una de las prioridades en la agenda de los organismos de salud pública. La actividad física juega un papel crucial en la mejora de la salud. En la última década, las capacidades técnicas de la telefonía móvil han evolucionado enormemente mostrando su aptitud para prescribir ejercicio físico. La escasa evidencia científica en este sentido muestra la necesidad de confirmar este potencial mediante ensayos controlados bien diseñados. El objetivo de la presente Tesis es estudiar si la prescripción de ejercicio físico, a través de la telefonía móvil, es viable y efectiva para producir cambios sustancialmente positivos en la condición física, en los factores de riesgo de las enfermedades cardiovasculares y en los niveles de adiposidad en personas ≥55 años. Los principales componentes de la condición física, los factores de riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular y los niveles de adiposidad fueron medidos. Los principales resultados y conclusiones fueron: I) La mayoría de trabajos publicados en la literatura científica, que han utilizado las aplicaciones móviles para la prescripción de ejercicio físico, son estudios pilotos o de viabilidad en los cuales se muestran metodologías a prueba y resultados preliminares. II) La prescripción de ejercicio físico a través de una aplicación móvil (WhatsApp) es viable. III) Un ensayo controlado basado en un programa de ejercicio físico y prescrito a través de una aplicación móvil aumenta de forma no significativa la fuerza muscular, la capacidad aeróbica y el equilibrio en personas ≥55 años. IV) Los efectos de un programa de ejercicio físico dirigido, sobre la condición física y los factores de riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular, tienen un impacto más positivo sobre la salud que si el mismo programa se prescribe a través de una aplicación móvil en personas ≥55 años. La prescripción de ejercicio físico a través de las aplicaciones móviles podría ser efectiva como parte de una intervención multicomponente, pero no de forma aisladaHealthy aging has become a priority in the agenda of public health. Physical activity plays a crucial role in improving health. In the last decade, the technical capabilities of the mobile phone have evolved showing their ability to prescribe exercise. Previous research in this field shows the need to confirm this potential with well-designed controlled trials. The aim of this Thesis is to study whether the prescription of physical exercise through mobile phones is feasible and effective in producing positive changes in physical condition, cardiovascular disease risk factors and adiposity in people ≥55 years. The components of physical fitness, cardiovascular disease risk factors and adiposity levels were assessed. The main results and conclusions were: I) Mostly of the publish studies based on the prescription of physical exercise through mobile phone are pilots of feasibility studies in which are shown proof methods and preliminary results. II) The prescription of physical exercise through mobile phone is feasible. III) A clinical controlled study based in physical exercises program and prescribed through mobile application increases no significantly strength levels, aerobic capacity and balance in adult’s ≥55 years. IV) The effects of a physical exercise program on physical fitness and cardiovascular disease risk factors have better impact on health than if the same program is prescribed by mobile application in adult’s ≥55 years. The prescription of physical exercise by mobile phone could be effective as part of a multicomponent intervention but not in isolation