Effect of Physical Exercise in Real-World Settings on Executive Function of Typical Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this paper is to provide a systematic review of research on physical exercise in real-world settings on executive function of typical children and adolescents. Methods: The CNKI, WOS, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched by computer. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias in the included literature. Statistical analysis was performed using frequency and percentage and the χ2 test. Results: A total of 49 articles was included. Acute (moderate intensity lasting 30–50 min) and long-term (interventions of moderate intensity of 30–50 min at least 3 times a week for 17 weeks or more) physical exercises in real-world settings have positive intervention effects on executive function. Furthermore, for acute interventions, closed skills are more efficient for inhibitory control, open skills are more efficient for working memory and cognitive flexibility, and open-continuous and closed-sequential skills are the most efficient; long-term interventions with open skills, sequential skills, and open-sequential skills are more effective. Conclusion: Physical exercise in real-world settings has a good promotion effect on typical children and adolescents, and motor skills with open and/or sequential attributes are more helpful in improving executive function.

Effect of physical exercise in real‐world settings on executive function of atypical children: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Planning and problem solving is a more complex skill than the other dimensions and is usually controlled by goal orientation, planning and organization, maintaining goals in working memory and monitoring behavioural performance (Chang et al, 2011; Dehaene & Changeux, 1991; Diamond, 2013). Thus, improvements in the higher structures of executive function build on the lower structures, and further improvements in planning and problem solving are only possible when inhibitory control, working memory and cognitive flexibility are effectively developed (Shi, Tang, et al, 2022).…”

“…shown that sequential skills yield more cognitive benefits. In addition, a systematic review by Shi, Tang, et al (2022)…”

“…Thus, improvements in the higher structures of executive function build on the lower structures, and further improvements in planning and problem solving are only possible when inhibitory control, working memory and cognitive flexibility are effectively developed (Shi, Tang, et al, 2022).…”

“…Several studies (Memarmoghaddam et al, 2016; Verret et al, 2012) have also focused on the facilitative effects of physical exercise on executive function in atypical children. Some studies have used highly controlled laboratory settings for interventions that ignore the complexity of movement in real‐world settings and have low ecological validity (Ludyga et al, 2022; Shi, Tang, et al, 2022). In fact, a number of studies (Memarmoghaddam et al, 2016; Verret et al, 2012) have examined the effects of exercise in real‐world settings on executive function in atypical children, but the findings have been inconsistent.…”

The Effect of Physical Activity on Children's Logical-Mathematical Intelligence

“…In general, the executive function is known as a multidimensional structure. Although there is ongoing debate regarding the elements of executive function, the general opinion is that executive function includes flexibility, goal setting and planning, attention and memory systems, such as working memory and inhibition control (Deer et al, 2020;Shi et al, 2022;Stillman et al, 2016;Zulherma & Suryana, 2019).…”