Abstract
This study examined the combined effects of breakfast and exercise on short-term academic and cognitive performance in adolescents. Eighty-two adolescents (64 female), aged 14–19 years, were randomized to four groups over a 4-hour morning: (i) a group who fasted and were sedentary (F-S); (ii) a group who ate breakfast but were sedentary (B-S); (iii) a group who fasted but completed a 30-min exercise bout (F-E); and (iv) a group who ate breakfast and completed a 30-min exercise bout (B-E). Individuals completed academic and cognitive tests over the morning. Adolescents in B-E significantly improved their mathematics score (B-E: 15.2% improvement on correct answers, vs. F-S: 6.7% improvement on correct answers; p = 0.014) and computation time for correct answers (B-E: 16.7% improvement, vs. F-S: 7.4% improvement; p = 0.004) over the morning compared with the F-S group. The B-E group had faster reaction times for congruent, incongruent and control trials of the Stroop Color-Word Task compared with F-S mid-morning (all p < 0.05). Morning breakfast and exercise combine to improve short-term mathematical task performance and speed in adolescents.
Highlights
breakfast and exercise (B-E) significantly improved their mathematics score (B-E: 15.2% improvement on correct answers, vs. fasted and were sedentary (F-S): 6.7% improvement on correct answers; p = 0.014) and computation time for correct answers (B-E: 16.7% improvement, vs. F-S: 7.4% improvement; p = 0.004) over the morning compared with the F-S group
Breakfast composition is one aspect of important consideration with lower glycemic index (GI) or glycemic load breakfasts appearing favorable in terms of cognitive outcomes [2,3,4,6,8]
Observational data support the effect of regular breakfast intake on academic performance and grades and longitudinal data from the United Kingdom have shown an association of regular breakfast consumption with performance measured
Summary
Morning breakfast and exercise combine to improve short-term mathematical task performance and speed in adolescents. Breakfast composition is one aspect of important consideration with lower glycemic index (GI) or glycemic load breakfasts appearing favorable in terms of cognitive outcomes [2,3,4,6,8]. This may result from better blood glucose regulation or, alternatively, from a favorable hormone or neurotransmitter response [1,6]. Whilst breakfast can improve acute cognitive function, effects on academic performance or attainment are more difficult to demonstrate. Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
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