Context-Specific Associations of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior With Cognition in Children

Abstract

In the present study, we investigated how overall and specific domains of physical activity and sedentary behavior at the age of 7 years were associated with cognition at the age of 11 years in 8,462 children from the Millennium Cohort Study. Data were collected from 2001 to 2013. Participation in domains of physical activity and sedentary behavior at 7 years of age were reported. Activity levels were also measured objectively. Cognition was assessed using the British Ability Scales. General linear models were used to assess longitudinal associations of physical activity and sedentary behavior, measured both objectively and via self-report, with cognition. Analyses were adjusted for prespecified covariates. Sports/physical activity club attendance (B = 0.6, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.2, 1.1), doing homework (B = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.0, 0.9), and objectively measured sedentary time (B = 0.8, 95% CI: 0.1, 1.4) at age 7 years were positively associated with cognition at age 11 years in final the models. Television viewing was negatively associated with cognition (B = −1.7, 95% CI: −2.4, −1.0), although the association was attenuated to the null after adjustments for baseline cognition. Objectively measured light physical activity was inversely associated with cognition (B = −0.7, 95% CI: −1.3, −0.1). Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was also inversely associated with cognition in girls only (B = −1.1, 95% CI: −2.0, −0.3). Associations of physical activity and sedentary behavior with cognition appear to be context-specific in young people.

Associations between objectively measured physical activity and later mental health outcomes in children: findings from the UK Millennium Cohort Study

“…In a study examining the relationship between PA and cognition in children, Aggio et al 41 found that objectively measured PA was inversely associated with cognition, while frequency of sports club participation increased cognitive scores. Sports clubs, as opposed to playing sports with friends or family, tend to be more structured, interactive, strategic and goal-oriented, which help develop cognitive function 42.…”

The Influence of Health Behaviours in Childhood on Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder in Adolescence

“…Previous studies indicate that PA has a positive effect on a number of mental health-related problems, such as improved self-esteem, emotional well-being, and peer-relationships [44,54]. The existing evidence also suggests that PA positively influences cognitive function and the academic performance of children and adolescents with or without ADHD [55,56,57]. These previous studies and our present results suggest that physical activity may be a protective factor for ADHD.…”

Change in device-measured physical activity assessed in childhood and adolescence in relation to depressive symptoms: a general population-based cohort study

“…We then created four activity groups based on PA measurement at both time points (low–low; low–high; high–low; high–high). We have previously found evidence of selection bias in those participants providing valid accelerometry data24; thus, we used weighted analyses based on the accelerometry subsample. Given the marked gender differences in depressive symptoms and PA during the adolescent developmental period, all analyses were stratified by sex.…”