Duration Of Aerobic Exercise And Effects On Self-Regulation Among Children With Behavioral Health Disorders

Abstract

PURPOSE: Aerobic bouts as short as 10 minutes have been shown to positively affect impulsivity and mood in clinical settings among typically developing children. Recent studies show similar effects in children with neurodevelopmental or affective disorders. However, little research has been conducted on effects of exercise on behavior and affect among populations with behavioral health challenges in naturalistic settings like schools. Manville Moves is an exercise intervention using exergame-cycling in physical education (PE) classes at a therapeutic day school serving children with complex behavioral health challenges. This study examined if minutes of riding had a dose-response relationship with impulsivity and emotional lability scores. METHODS: A 14-wk crossover design was used. Children (n=105, 81.3% male, age 11.9±2.3, 70.0% with multiple diagnoses, 72.2% taking medication) were randomly assigned by classroom to receive the 7-wk intervention during fall or spring, during which they used the bikes 2x/wk in PE and could elect to ride during self-breaks from class. Real-time data on exercise duration was collected via bikes using student ID codes. School staff completed the Conners Abbreviated Teacher Rating Scale (CATRS-10) (n=5,252) daily for each student. Clinically relevant a priori thresholds were established for CATRS-10 score (≥15), impulsivity sub-score (≥9) and emotional lability sub-score (≥6). Ride duration was categorized as reference (0 min), short (0<min<10) and long (≥10 min). Mixed effects logistic regression was used to assess relationships between score thresholds and ride duration category accounting for individual and classroom random effects and controlling for elective rides occurring in response to behavioral episodes. RESULTS: Both short and long riding categories were significantly associated with reduced odds of elevated CATRS-10 (short: OR=0.46, p<0.001; long: OR=0.64, p=.035) and impulsivity (short: OR=0.58, p=0.004; long: OR=0.62, p=0.030) versus no riding. Short rides were associated with reduced odds of elevated emotional lability (OR=0.58, p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Even short duration school-based exergaming rides of 10 minutes or less may meaningfully improve impulsivity and affect among children with behavioral health challenges.