Acute Bouts Of Physical Activity Research Articles

Designed acute physical activity to benefit primary school children’s cognition: Effects of cognitive challenge, bout duration and positive affect

Introduction
 Acute bouts of physical activity (PA) have the potential to transiently enhance children’s cognition (Ludyga et al., 2016). Although these positive results seem to be relatively consistent, there is considerable heterogeneity in the magnitude of effects (Lubans et al., 2022). Cognitive benefits are largely influenced by the interaction of quantitative and qualitative PA task characteristics (Lubans et al., 2022; Pesce, 2012), as well as by individual differences in responsiveness to PA bouts (Herold et al., 2021). Understanding the individual and joint effects of moderators is of great practical importance in the educational setting (Schmidt et al., 2021). This information could help to design and individualize PA breaks to enhance cognitive functions that are essential for learning and academic achievement, such as executive functions (EFs; responsible for self-regulation and goal-directed behavior) and attention (responsible for allocation of resources).
 Among PA task characteristics, the level of cognitive challenge has attracted increasing interest; however, a low comparability of PA studies varying in both quantitative parameters and qualitative modality do not allow for definitive conclusions (Paschen et al., 2019; Schmidt et al., 2021). Moreover, preliminary evidence highlights that positive affect induced by the PA bout may mediate PA effects on cognition (Schmidt et al., 2016).
 Thus, the aim of the research program was threefold: (1) shed light on which cognitive challenge level in acute PA may affect children’s EFs and attention (“cognitive challenge” study); (2) investigate which bout duration of the identified optimal cognitive challenge level is necessary to reap largest benefits (“bout duration” study); and (3) manipulate positive affect through supportive feedback (and music) to elucidate its influence on cognitive performance (“positive affect” study).
 Methods
 Three studies with within-subjects experimental design were conducted with 5th-6th graders (N = 110, N = 114, N = 102; determined by a-priori power analyses). Each study used an exergame (i.e., active video game that involves gross-motor PA) as intervention, performed at 65% maximum heart rate (HR). For the studies, the following experimental conditions were used:
 
 “Cognitive challenge” study: three sessions (15-min) with different cognitive challenge levels (low, mid, high), continuously adapted to the individual ongoing performance by an ascending number of distracting stimuli and misleading cues.
 “Bout duration” study: four sessions with the same, individually adapted cognitive challenge level (chosen according to “cognitive challenge” study) and different PA durations (5-, 10-, 15-, 20-min).
 “Positive affect” study: three sessions with the same cognitive challenge level and duration of the PA bout (chosen according to “cognitive challenge” and “bout duration” studies) and different affect-inducing feedback (no feedback, music with sound effects, music with sound effects and verbal supportive feedback).
 
 Each exergame session was performed individually during school hours (once a week). Children wore motion-based trackers and a HR sensor, while playing a virtual game that required performing different movements (e.g., jumps, squats, punches). During each session (every 5 minutes), perceived physical and cognitive challenge, as well as affective states were assessed. After the exergame, executive control (flanker effect), attentional alerting and orienting, and their interactive functioning were assessed by a child-adapted attention network test (ANT-R; Fan et al., 2009). Repeated measures ANOVAs were calculated to analyze intervention effects on reaction times (RTs) and accuracy data, with subsequent post-hoc Bonferroni-adjusted comparisons.
 Results
 “Cognitive challenge” study. A significant interaction for RTs between cognitive challenge and flanker conditions emerged [F(2, 100) = 4.16, p = .018, ƞ2p = .07], with no effects for accuracy. Post-hoc analyses of RT difference data (incongruent – congruent, i.e., flanker effect) revealed best performance after the high-challenge condition (ps < .045; ƞ2ps > .01). Regarding differential effects, adding sex to the model showed that it moderated the effect of cognitive challenge on the interactive functioning of executive control and attentional orienting [F(6, 96) = 2.33, p = .038, ƞ2p = .12].
 “Bout duration” study. A significant effect of duration on overall RTs emerged [F(3, 101) = 4.04, p = .009, ƞ2p = .11], with no effects on accuracy. Post-hoc comparisons revealed significantly faster RTs after the 15-min compared to the 10-min condition (p = .019, ƞ2p = .09). Regarding differential effects, adding habitual PA level to the model showed that it moderated the effect of duration on the interactive functioning of executive control and attentional orienting [F(3, 100) = 4.81, p = .004, ƞ2p = .13].
 “Positive affect” study. Ongoing – results will be presented at the SGS-meeting.
 Discussion
 The high-challenging bout benefited children’s executive control the most (“cognitive challenge” study), supporting the hypothesis that PA designed to generate cognitive engagement may facilitate performance in subsequent EF tasks (i.e., cognitive stimulation hypothesis; Pesce, 2012). However, attentional alerting and orienting were unaffected in the current study, which is in line with the absence of effects found for aerobic PA bouts (van den Berg et al., 2018).
 The 15-min cognitively high-challenging bout benefited children’s overall information processing speed the most, with no duration-dependent differences for executive control, alerting or orienting (“bout duration” study). Results extend to acute cognitively challenging PA the duration-dependent effects that have been found for acute high-intensity or aerobic PA bouts on overall information processing, but neither on EFs (Hatch et al., 2021), nor on alerting and orienting (van den Berg et al., 2018).
 Interestingly, in both “cognitive challenge” and “bout duration” studies an intriguing interplay between individual and tasks characteristics on the interactive functioning of executive control and orienting networks emerged. Indeed, the high-challenging bout benefited – for males only – also the efficiency of executive control under disadvantageous spatial attention conditions, consistent with previous adult studies without PA (Li et al., 2021). Whereas, the 15-min duration benefited the same interactive functioning for more active children only, which is in line with evidence that cognitively challenging PA bouts benefit EF efficiency more in children who are physically and cognitively better equipped to capitalize on it (Jäger et al., 2015).
 The added value of the present studies within an inconsistent evidence base (Paschen et al., 2019; Schmidt et al., 2021) is threefold. The studies allowed to (1) disentangle cognitive from physical challenge effects, while individualizing cognitive challenge; (2) identify the optimal duration for learning contexts; and (3) further the understanding of the interplay between individual and task characteristics. The “positive affect” study will complement the investigation of individual- and task-level moderators with information on positive affect as potential mediator for the acute PA-cognition relation. Results of the research program may inform the design of acute and chronic PA studies implemented in the school context, to capitalize jointly on physical and cognitive benefits of PA.
 References
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 Hatch, L. M., Dring, K. J., Williams, R. A., Sunderland, C., Nevill, M. E., & Cooper, S. B. (2021). Effect of differing durations of high-intensity intermittent activity on cognitive function in adolescents. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(21), Article 11594. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111594
 Herold, F., Törpel, A., Hamacher, D., Budde, H., Zou, L., Strobach, T., Müller, N. G., & Gronwald, T. (2021). Causes and consequences of interindividual response variability: A call to apply a more rigorous research design in acute exercise-cognition studies. Frontiers in Physiology, 12, Article 682891. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.682891
 Jäger, K., Schmidt, M., Conzelmann, A., & Roebers, C. M. (2015). The effects of qualitatively different acute physical activity interventions in real-world settings on executive functions in preadolescent children. Mental Health and Physical Activity, 9, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mhpa.2015.05.002
 Li, Y., Wang, Y., Jin, X., Niu, D., Zhang, L., Jiang, S. Y., Ruan, H. D., & Ho, G. W. (2021). Sex differences in hemispheric lateralization of attentional networks. Psychological Research, 85(7), 2697–2709. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00426-020-01423-z
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 Paschen, L., Lehmann, T., Kehne, M., & Baumeister, J. (2019). Effects of acute physical exercise with low and high cognitive demands on executive functions in children: A systematic review. Pediatric Exercise Science, 31(3), 267–281. https://doi.org/10.1123/pes.2018-0215
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 Schmidt, M., Benzing, V., & Kamer, M. (2016). Classroom-based physical activity breaks and children's attention: Cognitive engagement works! Frontiers in Psychology, 7, Article 1474. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01474
 Schmidt, M., Egger, F., Anzeneder, S., & Benzing, V. (2021). Acute cognitively challenging physical activity to promote children’s cognition. In R. Bailey (Ed.), ICSSPE perspectives. Physical activity and sport during the first ten years of life: Multidisciplinary perspectives (pp. 141–155). Routledge.
 van den Berg, V., Saliasi, E., Jolles, J., de Groot, R. H., Chinapaw, M. J. M., & Singh, A. S. (2018). Exercise of varying durations: No acute effects on cognitive performance in adolescents. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 12, Article 672. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2018.00672

Exploring the use of music to promote physical activity: From the viewpoint of psychological hedonism.

Despite the global efforts to encourage people to regularly participate in physical activity (PA) at moderate-to-vigorous intensity, an inadequate number of adults and adolescents worldwide meet the recommended dose of PA. A major challenge to promoting PA is that sedentary or low-active people experience negative shifts in affective valence (feeling bad versus good) in response to moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA. Interestingly, empirical data indicate that listening to music during acute bouts of PA positively alters affective valence (feeling good versus bad), reduces perceived exertion, and improves physical performance and oxygen utilization efficiency. From the viewpoint of the ancient principle of psychological hedonism - humans have ultimate desires to obtain pleasure and avoid displeasure - we elaborate on three putative mechanisms underlying the affective and ergogenic effects of music on acute bouts of PA: (1) musical pleasure and reward, (2) rhythmic entrainment, and (3) sensory distraction from physical exertion. Given that a positive shift in affective valence during an acute bout of PA is associated with more PA in the future, an important question arises as to whether the affective effect of music on acute PA can be carried over to promote long-term PA. Although this research question seems intuitive, to our knowledge, it has been scarcely investigated. We propose a theoretical model of Music as an Affective Stimulant to Physical Activity (MASPA) to further explain the putative mechanisms underlying the use of music to promote long-term PA. We believe there have been important gaps in music-based interventions in terms of the rationale supporting various components of the intervention and the efficacy of these interventions to promote long-term PA. Our specification of relevant mechanisms and proposal of a new theoretical model may advance our understanding of the optimal use of music as an affective, ergogenic, and sensory stimulant for PA promotion. Future directions are suggested to address the gaps in the literature.

Physical activity for obstructive sleep apnea after stroke? A pilot study assessing the contribution of body fluids.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and physical inactivity are common after stroke. Physical inactivity can lead to/or exacerbate edema following stroke, and the resultant overnight fluid shift may increase the risk of OSA. We aimed to investigate the effect of physical activity on nocturnal rostral fluid shift, sleep pattern, and edematous state of hemiparetic patients. Neck circumference (tape measured) and arms, legs, and trunk fluid volume (bioelectrical impedance spectrum analyzer) were measured before and after 2 polysomnography (PSG) examinations. In the lab, a whole night PSG was performed after the intervention. The intervention consisted of inactivity (lying down and sitting) or activity (standing, performing calf muscle contractions while standing, walking, and climbing stairs) between 13 and 21 h, after therandomization of the participants. With a 7-day interval, participants crossed over to the other group. From 126 eligible participants, 8 with hemiparetic post-first-ever ischemic stroke at the subacute phase were recruited (age: 53.2 ± 16.2; 6 women). Physical activity reduced AHI from 19 to 13n°/h and wake after sleep onset from 76.5 to 60.3 min and increased fluid volume of paretic and non-paretic arms and trunk before sleep compared to inactivity. An acute bout of physical activity reduced OSA classification based on AHI (from moderate to mild) and sleep fragmentation. Our results provide preliminary evidence of a possible link between physical activity in patients after stroke as an intervention to counteract OSA severity and improve sleep.

Association of Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Time with Epigenetic Markers of Aging.

Physical activity may influence chronic disease risk, in part, through epigenetic mechanisms. Previous studies have demonstrated that an acute bout of physical activity can influence DNA methylation status. Few studies have explored the relationship between habitual, accelerometer-measured physical activity or sedentary time with epigenetic markers of aging. We used linear regression to examine cross-sectional associations of accelerometer-measured physical activity and sedentary time with extrinsic and intrinsic epigenetic age acceleration (EEAA and IEAA) models and GrimAge measured from blood samples from Framingham Heart Study participants with accelerometry and DNA methylation data ( n = 2435; mean age, 54.9 ± 14.3; 46.0% men). Residuals of Hannum-, Horvath-, and GrimAge-predicted epigenetic age were calculated by regressing epigenetic age on chronological age. We took into account blood cell composition for EEAA, IEAA, and AdjGrimAge. Moderate to vigorous physical activity was log-transformed to normalize its distribution. Adjustment models accounted for family structure, age, sex, smoking status, cohort-laboratory indicator, and accelerometer wear time. We additionally explored adjustment for body mass index (BMI). Walking 1500 more steps per day or spending 3 fewer hours sedentary was associated with >10 months lower GrimAge biological age (or ~1 month lower AdjGrimAge, after adjusting for blood cells, P < 0.05). Every 5 min·d -1 more moderate to vigorous physical activity was associated with 19-79 d of lower GrimAge (4-23 d lower using EEAA or AdjGrimAge, P < 0.01). Adjusting for BMI attenuated these results, but all statistically significant associations with AdjGrimAge remained. Greater habitual physical activity and lower sedentary time were associated with lower epigenetic age, which was partially explained by BMI. Further research should explore whether changes in physical activity influence methylation status and whether those modifications influence chronic disease risk.

Examining the Effects of Acute Cognitively Engaging Physical Activity on Cognition in Children.

Cognitively engaging physical activity (PA) has been suggested to have superior effects on cognition compared to PA with low cognitive demands; however, there have been few studies directly comparing these different types of activities. The aim of this study is to compare the cognitive effects of a combined physically and cognitively engaging bout of PA to a physical or cognitive activity alone in children. Children were randomized in pairs to one of three 20-min conditions: (1) a cognitive sedentary activity; (2) a non-cognitively engaging PA; and a (3) cognitively engaging PA. Executive function (EF) was assessed using a modified Eriksen flanker task immediately before and 10–15 min following the experimental condition. Children ages 6–8 years (n = 48, Mage = 7.04, SD = 1.37; 40% girls) were included in the study. A repeated measures ANOVA found no significant difference between groups with respect to scores on the flanker task. The results do not support the hypotheses that a cognitively engaging bout of PA enhances cognitive performance over non-cognitively engaging PA or sedentary activities. Possible explanations for our findings include overexertion during the acute bout of PA and depletion of positive affect prior to performing the post-intervention EF tasks.

The Role Of BMI On Cognition Following Acute Physical Activity In Preadolescent Children

PURPOSE: There is an increasing prevalence of physical inactivity during childhood, concurrent with a rise in obesity rates (as measured by Body Mass Index, BMI), which is associated with a variety of health problems. However, the extent to which increased BMI influences acute physical activity (PA) benefits on cognition in childhood remains unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of BMI and acute PA on performance of a modified flanker task, which modulates inhibitory control. METHODS: In a sample of 116 children pooled from four prior studies (ages 8-11; 51 females), demographic measures of age, sex, IQ, socioeconomic status, and aerobic fitness were considered along with BMI. Children participated in a counterbalanced, randomized crossover study, whereby they completed two different interventions; 20 minutes of restful reading or treadmill walking (60-70% heart rate max). Following each intervention, children performed a modified flanker task to assess inhibitory control. Correlations were conducted to determine the influence of demographic variables, fitness, and BMI on inhibitory control following each intervention. Subsequent hierarchical regression analyses were performed with significant demographic factors in the first step, aerobic fitness in the second step when significant, and BMI in the final step. RESULTS: Analyses indicated that children exhibited improved task performance (p’s ≤ 0.001) following the walking intervention, as well as decreased interference (p = 0.04), indicating greater benefits following acute PA for the task condition requiring greater inhibitory control. Regression analyses were conducted to examine the influence of BMI on task performance following each intervention. Results revealed that increased BMI was related to decreased performance following acute PA (p = 0.001), an effect not seen following restful reading (p’s ≥ 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that the beneficial effects following an acute bout of PA on cognition are generalized across conditions of a flanker task, but are selectively greater for the task conditions requiring greater inhibitory control. However, the effects may be blunted in children with higher BMI. These results suggest that indices of inhibition are influenced by PA and adiposity in children.

Are There Extended Cognitive Improvements from Different Kinds of Acute Bouts of Physical Activity?

Acute bouts of physical activity of at least moderate intensity have shown to enhance cognition in young as well as older adults. This effect has been observed for different kinds of activities such as aerobic or strength and coordination training. However, only few studies have directly compared these activities regarding their effectiveness. Further, most previous studies have mainly focused on inhibition and have not examined other important core executive functions (i.e., updating, switching) which are essential for our behavior in daily life (e.g., staying focused, resisting temptations, thinking before acting), as well. Therefore, this study aimed to directly compare two kinds of activities, aerobic and coordinative, and examine how they might affect executive functions (i.e., inhibition, updating, and switching) in a test-retest protocol. It is interesting for practical implications, as coordinative exercises, for example, require little space and would be preferable in settings such as an office or a classroom. Furthermore, we designed our experiment in such a way that learning effects were controlled. Then, we tested the influence of acute bouts of physical activity on the executive functioning in both young and older adults (young 16–22 years, old 65–80 years). Overall, we found no differences between aerobic and coordinative activities and, in fact, benefits from physical activities occurred only in the updating tasks in young adults. Additionally, we also showed some learning effects that might influence the results. Thus, it is important to control cognitive tests for learning effects in test-retest studies as well as to analyze effects from physical activity on a construct level of executive functions.

Examination of the Myokine Response in Pregnant and Non-pregnant Women Following an Acute Bout of Moderate-Intensity Walking.

BackgroundIt is recommended that women accumulate 150-min of weekly moderate-intensity physical activity (MPA) when pregnant. Engaging in regular physical activity (PA) confers many health benefits to both the mother and the fetus. However, the molecular mechanisms by which these health benefits are bestowed are not well understood. One potential factor that may be contributing to the observed benefits is myokines, which are small peptides secreted by skeletal muscles. In the non-pregnant population, myokines are believed to be involved in the molecular mechanisms resulting from PA. The objective of this study was to characterize and compare the myokine profile of pregnant and non-pregnant women, after an acute bout of MPA.MethodsPregnant (n = 13) and non-pregnant (n = 17) women were recruited from the Ottawa region to undergo a treadmill walking session at moderate-intensity (40–60% heart rate reserve). Pre- and post-exercise serum samples were taken, and a set of 15 myokines were analyzed although only 10 were detected. IL-6 was analyzed using a high-sensitivity assay, while FGF21, EPO, BDNF, Fractalkine, IL-15, SPARC, FABP-3, FSTL-1, and oncostatin were analyzed using various multiplex assays.ResultsThe pregnant and non-pregnant groups did not differ in terms of age, height, non/pre-pregnancy weight, BMI, and resting heart rate. Baseline levels of EPO and oncostatin were higher in the pregnant group while FGF21 was higher in the non-pregnant group. Circulating levels of three myokines, FGF21, EPO, and IL-15 significantly increased in response to the acute exercise in the pregnant group. Non-pregnant women exhibited an increase in three myokines, FABP-3, FSTL-1, and oncostatin, while one myokine, EPO, decreased post-exercise. SPARC, fractalkine and BDNF were shown to increase post-exercise regardless of pregnancy status while the response for BDNF was more pronounced in the non-pregnant group.ConclusionThis is the first study examining myokine response following an acute bout of PA in pregnancy. Moderate intensity PA, which is recommended during pregnancy, elicited an increase in four myokines post-compared to pre-exercise in the pregnant group. Further research is warranted to understand the role of myokines in pregnancy.

Affective and Cognitive Responses to Acute Bouts of Physical Activity and Mindfulness Training

Affective and Cognitive Responses to Acute Bouts of Physical Activity and Mindfulness Training

A systematic review of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness on P3b

Given accumulating evidence indicating that acute and chronic physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness are related to modulation of the P3b-ERP component, this systematic review provides an overview of the field across the last 30+ years and discusses future directions as the field continues to develop. A systematic review was conducted on studies of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness on P3b. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from database inception to March 28, 2018. Search results were limited to peer-reviewed and English-written studies investigating typically developed individuals. Seventy-two studies were selected, with 39 studies examining cross-sectional relationships between chronic physical activity (n=19) and cardiorespiratory fitness (n=20) with P3b, with 16 and 17 studies reporting associations of P3b with physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness, respectively. Eight studies investigated the effects of chronic physical activity interventions, and all found effects on P3b. Eight studies investigating P3b during acute bouts of physical activity showed inconsistent results. Nineteen of 23 studies demonstrated acute modulation of P3b following exercise cessation. Conclusions drawn from this systematic review suggest that physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with P3b modulation during cognitive control and attention tasks. Acute and chronic physical activity interventions modulate the P3b component, suggesting short- and long-term functional adaptations occurring in the brain to support cognitive processes. These summary findings suggest physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness are beneficial to brain function and that P3b may serve as a biomarker of covert attentional processes to better understand the relationship of physical activity and cognition.

Effects of an Acute Physical Activity Intervention on Classroom Behavior in Off-Task Preschoolers

Evidence suggests that physical activity (PA) may improve classroom behavior in elementary school children. Further, studies have shown that the most off-task children may exhibit greater benefit from acute bouts of PA. However, limited data exists in preschoolers. PURPOSE: To examine baseline relationships between PA and classroom behavior, and to identify if the most off-task preschoolers responded differently to PA compared to those least off-task. METHODS: Participants (n=31, age=3.8±0.8 years, 61% male) attended a university-based preschool. In week one of this two-week pilot study, children engaged in their typical curriculum. Week two included daily short bouts of PA that were integrated into early learning standards. PA was assessed with accelerometers worn on the lower back during preschool attendance. Trained researchers conducted weekly 10-minute classroom observations to quantify children’s classroom behavior [active engaged time, (AET); passive engaged time, (PET); off-task motor, (OFT-M); off-task verbal, (OFT-V); off-task passive, (OFT-P)] using the Behavioral Observation of Students in Schools (BOSS) tool. Spearman correlations were used to examine baseline relationships between PA and classroom behavior variables. To test if children with high off-task behavior (HIGH) responded differently to PA compared to children with low off-task behavior (LOW), participants were categorized into tertiles based on baseline off-task behavior and groups were compared using t-tests. RESULTS: A negative correlation was observed between light intensity activity (min/day) and AET at baseline (r=-0.44, p=0.02). No other significant relationships were observed. However, when classroom behavior following PA in the most off-task children was examined, improvements were observed in OFT-M (HIGH=-36.5±5.4%, LOW=10.5±5.7%; p=0.0001), OFT-V (HIGH=-16.7±2.8%, LOW=5.7±3.3%; p=0.0004), and OFT-P behaviors (HIGH=-19.6±7.6%, LOW=12.0±7.1%; p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Initial evidence for PA to improve classroom behavior among children who exhibited greater off-task behavior was observed and is consistent with previous findings. Future work should build on this acute study and examine chronic PA to limit classroom off-task behaviors. Supported by: NASPEM Marco Cabrera Student Research Award

Abstract 278: Using mHealth to Assess Physical Activity Guideline Adherence in Smokers: A Secondary Analysis of mActive-Smoke

Background: Rates of cigarette smoking are decreasing due to public health initiatives, pharmacological aids, and clinician focus on smoking cessation. However, a sedentary lifestyle increases cardiovascular risk and therefore inactive smokers have a particularly enhanced risk of cardiovascular disease. We previously linked acute bouts of physical activity, but not total daily steps, to a decreased urge to smoke. In this secondary analysis, we investigate adherence to guideline-recommended moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in smokers and its association with urge to smoke. Methods: We enrolled 60 active smokers (≥3 cigarettes/day) and recorded free-living continuous step counts with the Fitbit Charge HR. MVPA was defined as cadence ≥100 steps/min. Participants were prompted to report instantaneous smoking urges via text message 3 times a day, on a Likert scale from 1 to 9. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to test between-group differences in MVPA. A mixed-effects linear model for repeated measures, controlling for demographics and baseline activity level, was used to investigate the association between MVPA and urge. Results: Fifty-three participants (aged 40 ± 12 years, 57% [30/53] women, 49% [26/53] nonwhite, 38% [20/53] obese) recorded at least 6 weeks of data and were thus included; 3,633 days were analyzed, with a mean of 69 days per participant. Among all participants, median daily MPVA was 6 minutes (IQR 2-13), and this differed by sex (12 min [IQR 3-20] for men versus 3.5 min [IQR 1-9] for women, p=0.004) and BMI (2.5 min [IQR 1-8.25] for obese versus 10 min [IQR 3-15] for non-obese, p=0.035). The median daily MVPA minutes was poorly correlated with self-report via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Spearman’s coefficient -0.162, p=0.25). Thirty-one out of 53 (58%) participants ever obtained 30 min/day of MVPA over the study duration, and these 31 participants obtained 30 min/day MVPA on a mean of 19% of days. Only 15/53 (28%) participants met the national guidelines of 150 min/week of MVPA at least once throughout the study, and the median total MVPA per week was 80 minutes (IQR 31-162). Adjusted models showed no association between the number of MVPA minutes per day and mean daily smoking urge (p=0.72). Conclusion: In this 12-week study of adult smokers, the prevalence of MVPA was low and participants rarely met national guidelines for physical activity. Given poor attainment of guideline-recommended physical activity goals and the dual cardiovascular risk of inactivity and smoking, more work is required to address risk factors in smokers through promotion of physical activity.

Exercise-induced pain and analgesia? Underlying mechanisms and clinical translation.

An acute bout of physical activity and exercise can increase pain in individuals with chronic pain, but regular exercise is an effective treatment. This review will discuss these two dichotomous findings by summarizing studies in human and animal subjects. We will provide the data that supports the role of physical activity in modulating central nervous system excitability and inhibition, immune system function, and psychological constructs associated with pain. We show evidence that the sedentary condition is associated with greater excitability and less inhibition in both the central nervous system (brainstem inhibitory/facilitatory sites) and the immune system. We further show that exercise and regular physical activity decreases excitability and improves inhibition in both the central nervous system (brainstem inhibitory/facilitatory sites) and the immune system. We will then discuss the clinical implications of these findings, make recommendations for clinical application of exercise, and suggest future research directions.

Acute Physical Activity Enhances Executive Functions in Children with ADHD

Acute physical activity of moderate to vigorous intensity has been shown to improve cognitive functions in children. However, the empirical evidence associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children is still limited, in particular regarding which specific cognitive functions benefit. This study investigated the effects of an acute bout of physical activity on multiple aspects of executive functions (inhibition, switching, and visual working memory) in children with ADHD. Forty-six children (8–12 years old; 82.6% boys) were randomly assigned to either 15 minutes of acute exergaming (physical activity of moderate intensity) or to a control condition (sedentary). Executive function performance in inhibition, switching and visual working memory were assessed before and after each condition, using a modified version of both the Flanker and the Color Span Backwards Task. The results revealed that participants in the exergaming group performed significantly faster than those in the control group in terms of both inhibition and switching, but there was no significant difference in the accuracy of the two tasks nor in visual working memory performance. These findings suggest that acute physical activity utilizing exergaming has the potential to improve specific aspects of executive functions (reaction times in inhibition and switching) in children with ADHD.

Executive Function and Cerebral Hemodynamic Responses Following an Acute Bout of Physical Activity

Executive Function and Cerebral Hemodynamic Responses Following an Acute Bout of Physical Activity

Effects of Vigorous Intensity Physical Activity on Mathematics Test Performance

The effect of an acute bout of physical activity on academic performance in school-based settings is under researched. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between a single, vigorous (70–85%) bout of physical activity completed during physical education on standardized mathematics test performance among 72, eighth grade students at a school in the Southwestern United States. Students received both a physical activity and nonactive condition, in a repeated measures design. Academic performance measures were collected at 30 and 45-minutes post condition. It was hypothesized that students would have greater gains in mathematics test scores post physical activity condition compared with post nonactive condition. Results reported students achieved 11–22% higher math scores at 30 minutes post physical activity condition compared with other time points (45 minutes post PA, 30 and 45 minutes post sedentary) (F(1, 68) = 14.42, p &lt; .001, d = .90). Findings suggest that physical activity may facilitate academic performance in math.

Effects of acute bouts of physical activity on children's attention: a systematic review of the literature

The aim of this review was to describe the effects of acute bouts of physical activity on attention levels of children. A systematic review was performed of English studies from searches in PubMed, Sportdiscus and PsycINFO from 1990 to (May) 2014 according to the PRISMA statement. Only prospective studies of children aged 4-18 years old were included, detailing acute effects of physical activity bouts with the primary outcome attention.One reviewer extracted data on the study characteristics. Two reviewers conducted the methodological quality assessment independently using a criteria checklist, which was based on the Downs and Black checklist for non-randomised studies.Overall the evidence is thin and inconclusive. The methodological differences in study sample (size and age), study design and measurement of attention make it difficult to compare results.There is weak evidence for the effect of acute bouts of physical activity on attention. More experimental studies with a comparable methodology, especially in the school setting, are needed to strengthen this evidence.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/2193-1801-3-410) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The acute effects of physical activity on cigarette cravings: Exploration of potential moderators, mediators and physical activity attributes using individual participant data (IPD) meta-analyses

The effects of acute bouts of physical activity (PA) on Strength of Desire (SoD) and Desire to Smoke (DtS) using individual participant data (IPD) from 19 acute randomised controlled studies were quantified. However, there is a need to identify factors influencing this relationship. To understand who most benefits from PA, whether changes in affect mediate these effects and whether any specific attributes of PA are associated with cigarette cravings. IPD (n = 930) contributed to one-stage IPD meta-analyses. Participants engaging in PA were compared against controls, using post-intervention DtS and SoD (when DtS is not available) with baseline adjustments. The craving scales were linearly rescaled to 0-100% (a mean difference between groups of -10 would indicate that post-intervention cravings were 10% lower in the PA compared with the control group). Demographic, smoking and other characteristics were examined as predictors and potential moderators, whereas change in affect was considered as a mediator. PA was categorised according to type, duration and intensity, to determine PA attributes associated with cravings reduction. None of the included covariates were shown to moderate or mediate the effects of PA. Intensity of PA was significantly associated with a reduction in cravings; moderate and vigorous intensity PA offered the most benefits. A one-stage IPD meta-analysis yielded effect sizes of -9.22 (-15.24; -3.20) for light, -34.57 (-42.64; -26.50) for moderate and -31.29 (-38.00; -24.57) for vigorous intensity in comparison with controls. Moderate intensity PA could be recommended to all smokers regardless of demographic, smoking and other characteristics.

Heavy reliance on carbohydrate across a wide range of exercise intensities during voluntary arm ergometry in persons with paraplegia

Context/objectiveTo describe and compare substrate oxidation and partitioning during voluntary arm ergometry in individuals with paraplegia and non-disabled individuals over a wide range of exercise intensities.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingClinical research facility.ParticipantsTen apparently healthy, sedentary men with paraplegia and seven healthy, non-disabled subjects.InterventionsRest and continuous progressive voluntary arm ergometry between 30 and 80% of peak aerobic capacity (VO2peak).Outcome measuresTotal energy expenditure and whole body rates of fat and carbohydrate oxidation.ResultsA maximal whole body fat oxidation (WBFO) rate of 0.13 ± 0.07 g/minute was reached at 41 ± 9% VO2peak for subjects with paraplegia, although carbohydrate became the predominant fuel source during exercise exceeding an intensity of 30–40% VO2peak. Both the maximal WBFO rate (0.06 ± 0.04 g/minute) and the intensity at which it occurred (13 ± 3% VO2peak) were significantly lower for the non-disabled subjects than those with paraplegia.ConclusionSedentary individuals with paraplegia are more capable of oxidizing fat during voluntary arm ergometry than non-disabled individuals perhaps due to local adaptations of upper body skeletal muscle used for daily locomotion. However, carbohydrate is the predominant fuel source oxidized across a wide range of intensities during voluntary arm ergometry in those with paraplegia, while WBFO is limited and maximally achieved at low exercise intensities compared to that achieved by able-bodied individuals during leg ergometry. These findings may partially explain the diminished rates of fat loss imposed by acute bouts of physical activity in those with paraplegia.

Steroidhormones in the saliva of children after acute physical stress in school

Acute bouts of physical activity can influence the secretory processes of the adrenal cortex releasing cortisol (C) in adolescents (Budde et al., 2010). After 12 minutes of exercise and an adequate workload of &gt; 70% of the HFmax adolescents revealed increased salivary C levels (Budde et al., 2010).The aim of our study was to assess to what extent these results are replicable in primary school students.53 students of a 4th grade (9–10 years of age) were randomly assigned to an experimental (EG) and a control group (CG). Saliva collection took place after a normal school lesson (pre‐test) and 5 minutes after a 12‐min. control condition (movie watching) (CG, n = 21) or intensive exercise in a defined heart rate (HR) interval (EG, n = 32) (post‐test).Repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant interaction between group (EG, CG) and test session (pre‐test, post‐test), F (1,49) = 5.00, p = .030, η2 = .093, pointing to a different response to physical exercise for the EG compared with the CG. However, post‐hoc t‐tests showed no significant increase of C concentration in the EG, but a significant decrease of C in the CG from pre‐ to post‐test.Results, also for testosterone, are being discussed.