Relationship between cognitive functioning and physical fitness in regard to age and sex

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships among physical cognitive ability, academic performance, and physical fitness regarding age and sex in a group of 187 students (53.48% male, 46.52% female) from one town of Norwest of Jaén, Andalusia (Spain), aged between 9 and 15 years old (M = 11.97, SD = 1.99). The D2 attention test was used in order to analyze selective attention and concentration. Physical fitness, reflected on maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), was evaluated using the 6 min Walking Test (6MWT). The analysis taken indicated a significant relationship between physical fitness level, attention, and concentration, as in the general sample looking at sex (finding differences between boys and girls in some DA score in almost all age categories [p < 0.05]) and at age category (finding some differences between the younger age category groups and the older age category groups in some DA scores (p < 0.05), not finding any significant interaction between sex and age category (p > 0.05). In sum, the present study revealed that students with better aerobic fitness can present better-processed elements and smaller omission errors. Moreover, girls and older students seem to present better cognitive functioning scores than boys and younger. Our findings suggest that more research is necessary to elucidate the cognitive function between ages, sexes, and physical fitness and anthropometry levels of students.

The Effect of Physical Activity Levels on Cognitive Performance: Research in Portuguese Adolescents

“…However, our findings suggest that only vigorous and very vigorous levels of physical activity seem to impact ∆CP. This aligns with previous studies on the types of PA, such as sports [22,25] and aerobic and anaerobic exercise [40], which predominantly involve higher intensities that can improve CP. Despite the results obtained, Jeppesen, et al [46] advocate for light-intensity PA. Future interventions aimed at enhancing CP and, subsequently, academic performance ought to consider strategies that encourage vigorous and very vigorous PA.…”

“…However, research on adolescents from low socioeconomic status has suggested that gender serves as a predictor of cognitive pathways, with CP improving in boys over time while decreasing in girls [ 39 ]. Conversely, a study conducted on adolescents in Spain revealed gender differences, with girls exhibiting stronger CP [ 40 ].…”

“…The existing literature indicates that older adolescents typically exhibit greater CP [ 40 ]. However, our study revealed a nuanced progression within high and middle school throughout the academic year, with participants from middle school demonstrating a higher ∆CP compared to participants from high school.…”

Can 16 Minutes of HIIT Improve Attentional Resources in Young Students?

“…Gallotta et al [ 33 ] demonstrated that the effects of high-intensity aerobic exercise on cognitive function were changed or influenced by the exercise duration, intensity, physical fitness, and the particular physical activity conducted during exercise, indicating that high-intensity aerobic exercise appears to be a better at boosting cognitive functioning. Some authors, in fact, have highlighted the impact of high-intensity aerobic exercise in increasing executive function [ 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 ]. Moreover, Du Rietz et al [ 38 ] concluded that 20 min of high-intensity exercise enhanced cognition and attentional resources in adults.…”