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

Benzing, Valentin; Heinks, Theda; Eggenberger, Noëmi; Schmidt, Mirko

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0167501

Cited by 96 publications

(116 citation statements)

References 62 publications

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“…As can be seen from these examples, the workouts mainly include a training of strength, coordination (and endurance), as well as demands on cognitive functions such as inhibition, switching, updating, attention, and speed of action. In two previous studies, this exergame has been shown to be cognitively and physically challenging, and acute effects on the EFs have been reported . Moreover, it has been compared to purely physically challenging aerobic exergaming and was found to be more cognitively challenging than the latter …”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 96%

The effect of exergaming on executive functions in children with ADHD: A randomized clinical trial

Benzing

Schmidt

2019

Scandinavian Med Sci Sports

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110

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Background Children with ADHD frequently suffer from deficits in cognitive (ie, executive functions) and motor abilities. Although medication usually has a positive effect, a lack of commitment and possible side effects result in a need for adjunct or alternative treatments. Thus, the aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of cognitively and physically demanding exergaming on executive functions, ADHD symptoms, and motor abilities. Methods In a parallel group randomized trial, 51 children between 8‐12 years (M = 10.63; SD = 1.32) diagnosed with ADHD were assigned either to an 8‐week exergame intervention group (three training sessions per week for 30 minutes) or a waiting‐list control group. The core executive functions (inhibition, switching, updating), parent ratings of symptoms, and motor abilities were assessed/gathered before and after the intervention. Results Analyses of covariance (using pre‐test values as covariates) revealed that children in the exergame intervention group improved in specific executive functions (reaction times in inhibition and switching), general psychopathology as well as motor abilities compared to control group. Conclusions Findings indicate that exergaming might benefit two domains in which frequent deficits can be observed in children with ADHD, executive functions and motor abilities. Given that these beneficial effects in turn might positively affect psychopathology, exergaming could serve as an individualized home‐based intervention in the future. However, in order to maximize benefits and make exergaming a valuable adjunct to treatment for children with ADHD, customized exergames are needed.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 96%

The effect of exergaming on executive functions in children with ADHD: A randomized clinical trial

Benzing

Schmidt

2019

Scandinavian Med Sci Sports

Self Cite

110

151

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“…The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2015) has publicly recognized that physical activity may support academic behavior (i.e., timeon-task) and classroom focus, and these gains occur independently of weight status (Davis, Tkacz, Tomporowski, & Bustamante, 2015). One session of physical activity can improve attention Janssen, Toussaint, van Mechelen, & Verhagen, 2014b;Pontifex, Scudder, Drollette, & Hillman, 2012), increase working memory (Benzing, Heinks, Eggenberger, & Schmidt, 2016;Pontifex, Hillman, Fernhall, Thompson, & Valentini, 2009), enhance academic learning time (Bartholomew & Jowers, 2011;Webster, Wadsworth, & Robinson, 2015), and improve the development of anterior frontal brain patterns that support task completion and lesson comprehension (Chaddock-Heyman et al, 2013).…”

Section: The Effect Of Physical Activity On Behaviormentioning

confidence: 99%

The use of bicycle desks to increase physical activity in two special education classrooms

Fedewa¹,

Cornelius²,

Whitney³

et al. 2018

Health Psychology Report

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Although the literature has predominantly focused on elementary youth, preliminary findings indicate that attentional benefits may arise from adolescent physical activity as well. Limited research has examined the impact of classroom-based physical activity for secondary students, and no research to date has explored bicycle workstations as a means to improve physical activity within the special education classroom. participants and procedureTwo special education resource classrooms within a high school took part in the research study. Students were given the option of riding on the bike or sitting on chairs in each classroom. Heart rate, calories, miles, time, and on-task behavior data were collected. In addition, student acceptability of bikes was explored. resultsThe results indicated that the overall mean heart rate during bike riding was significantly higher than the overall mean heart rate when seated on a traditional chair. Also a significant main effect was found for time on calories expended while riding. No significant results were found for miles or on-task behavior. conclusionsOverall, students enjoyed the use of bicycles during class, found the bicycle workstations to be beneficial to their learning, and appeared to note as many benefits as limitations with the bicycle workstations. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

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“…These video games have raised a lot of clinical interest over the past decade, both as commercially available video games (used within an evidence-based neuropsychological framework), or specifically designed serious games. Exergames have been used to train many executive functions (13,14), and, as pointed out by a recent meta-analysis (15), they have been used to improve cognitive functioning in neurological disabilities of older adults or school-aged children affected by developmental disorders (16,17). They also increase daily physical activity in populations such as children with autism, without whom may have difficulty accessing collective sports (18).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Therapeutic and Preventive Use of Video Games in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: A Systematic Review

2020

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Background: Over the past decade, the use of commercial video games and serious games has developed in child and adolescent psychiatry. These games may become relevant alternatives or adjuncts to traditional psychotherapy, providing that their effectiveness is properly established. The purpose of this literature review was to evaluate the effectiveness of serious games and commercial video games in the treatment or prevention of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. Methods: Medline's database was used to search articles published between January 2012 and July 2019. The following keywords were used for this search: "Video games" OR "Active video game" OR "serious gaming" OR "Serious game" OR "Exergame" AND "Child mental disorder" OR "Adolescent" OR "Child" AND "Therapy" OR "Prevention". Only comparative studies which targeted interventions on children and adolescents suffering from psychiatric disorders were included. Results: Twenty-two studies, focusing on a wide range of psychiatric conditions, met our inclusion criteria's: 14 evaluated serious games and 8 commercial games. All studies were randomized controlled trials but only two studies compared the intervention game to psychotherapeutic gold standard; other studies used a no-intervention control group or an alternative game as the control group. Eighteen studies reported significant improvements on the symptoms and test scores targeted. Conclusion: Serious games and commercially available video games can be an effective trajectory for psychotherapy in child and adolescent psychiatry. However, there is a lack of longitudinal studies which assess the sustained effects of these games, and standards for proper evaluation of their effectiveness are missing.

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

Cited by 96 publications

References 62 publications

The effect of exergaming on executive functions in children with ADHD: A randomized clinical trial

The effect of exergaming on executive functions in children with ADHD: A randomized clinical trial

The use of bicycle desks to increase physical activity in two special education classrooms

Therapeutic and Preventive Use of Video Games in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: A Systematic Review

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