Abstract
BackgroundPhysical activity breaks are widely being implemented in school settings as a solution to increase academic performance and reduce sitting time. However, the underlying physiological mechanisms suggested to improve cognitive function from physical activity and the frequency, intensity, and duration of the breaks remain unknown. This study will investigate the effects of frequent, short physical activity breaks during prolonged sitting on task-related prefrontal cerebral blood flow, cognitive performance, and psychological factors. Additionally, the moderating and mediating effects of arterial stiffness on changes in cerebral blood flow will be tested.MethodsThis is a protocol for a randomized crossover study that will recruit 16 adolescents (13–14 years old). Participants will undergo three different conditions in a randomized order, on three separate days, involving sitting 80 min with a different type of break every 17 min for 3 min. The breaks will consist of (1) seated social breaks, (2) simple resistance activities, and (3) step-up activities. Before and after the 80-min conditions, prefrontal cerebral blood flow changes will be measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (primary outcome), while performing working memory tasks (1-, 2-, and 3-back tests). Arterial stiffness (augmentation index and pulse wave velocity) and psychological factors will also be assessed pre and post the 80-min interventions.DiscussionPublication of this protocol will help to increase rigor in science. The results will inform regarding the underlying mechanisms driving the association between physical activity breaks and cognitive performance. This information can be used for designing effective and feasible interventions to be implemented in schools.Trial registrationwww.ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04552626. Retrospectively registered on September 21, 2020.
Highlights
Physical activity breaks are widely being implemented in school settings as a solution to increase academic performance and reduce sitting time
Aims and research questions The main purpose of this study is to investigate how 80 min of prolonged sitting with and without frequent, short physical activity breaks of different intensities affects functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)-measured cerebral blood flow in the prefrontal cortex, in an ecologically valid mimicked classroom setting, during working memory tests of differential mental workloads in 13– 14-year-olds
Our primary research question is: How does oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) in the prefrontal cortex during a working memory test change from before to after 80 min of prolonged sitting and after 80 min of sitting with physical activity breaks; and do these changes differ between these 80-min conditions? Our secondary questions are: 1. Do physical activity breaks during prolonged sitting affect cognitive performance on the 1, 2, and 3-back tests; and self-reported psychological factors? Are these changes significantly different between conditions?
Summary
This is a protocol for a randomized crossover study that will recruit 16 adolescents (13–14 years old). Participants will undergo three different conditions in a randomized order, on three separate days, involving sitting 80 min with a different type of break every 17 min for 3 min. The breaks will consist of (1) seated social breaks, (2) simple resistance activities, and (3) step-up activities. Before and after the 80-min conditions, prefrontal cerebral blood flow changes will be measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (primary outcome), while performing working memory tasks (1-, 2-, and 3-back tests). Arterial stiffness (augmentation index and pulse wave velocity) and psychological factors will be assessed pre and post the 80-min interventions
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