Acute Cognitively Engaging Exergame-Based Physical Activity Enhances Executive Functions in Adolescents.

Valentin Benzing,Theda Heinks,Mirko Schmidt,Noëmi Eggenberger,Antonio Verdejo-García

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0167501

Valentin Benzing, Theda Heinks + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0167501

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Abstract

The study aimed to elucidate the influence of cognitive engagement comprised in an acute bout of exergame-based physical activity on executive functions (inhibition, cognitive flexibility) in adolescents. Therefore, the level of cognitive engagement and the intensity of physical activity were systematically varied across three experimental conditions. Sixty-five healthy male adolescents (13–16 years) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (a) physical activity with high levels of cognitive engagement during active video gaming, (b) physical activity with low levels of cognitive engagement during active video gaming, (c) sedentary with low levels of cognitive engagement during passive video watching. Manipulation checks, including subjective and objective operationalizations of cognitive engagement, were applied. Executive functions were assessed before and after each condition using the D-KEFS design fluency test. Results showed that cognitive engagement, operationalized by subjects’ ratings and heart rate variability, differed between conditions. The physical activity condition with a high level of cognitive engagement resulted in significantly better performance in cognitive flexibility compared to conditions with low levels of cognitive engagement. Regarding benefits for executive functions in male adolescents, the results indicate that acute physical activity with high cognitive engagement could be more efficient than physical activity of the same intensity with low cognitive engagement. Even though further evidence is needed, these results extend previous research and suggest a methodological approach for measuring cognitive engagement.

Highlights

A wide range of literature demonstrates the beneficial effects of acute physical activity (PA) on cognitive performance in children and adolescents [1,2], with executive functions profiting most [3]
Regarding benefits for executive functions in male adolescents, the results indicate that acute physical activity with high cognitive engagement could be more efficient than physical activity of the same intensity with low cognitive engagement
Male adolescents were invited since prior experience with exergaming/video gaming and heart rate variability (HRV) measures vary between the two sexes (e.g. [33,34])

Summary

Introduction

A wide range of literature demonstrates the beneficial effects of acute physical activity (PA) on cognitive performance in children and adolescents [1,2], with executive functions profiting most [3]. The empirical evidence concerning the beneficial effects of cognitive engagement in PA on executive function in adolescence is contradictory and limited. The question remains whether and how the level of cognitive engagement inherent in PA might influence executive functions. Pubertal status was assessed using the German version of the pubertal developmental scale [36] This consists of three questions for each gender, asking for example: “Have you noticed a deepening of your voice?”. Socioeconomic status [39] was assessed using the Family Affluence Scale II This consists of four questions asking about the family (whether they have their own bedroom, the number of family-owned cars, computers and holidays in the past year). Acceptable psychometric properties have been demonstrated [40]

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