School-Based Aerobic Exercise Promotes Physical Fitness and Cognition in Children with Overweight

Abstract

Background Being overweight negatively influences physical fitness and cognitive function. Furthermore, aerobic exercise for children promotes physical fitness and cognition function. Objective To evaluate the effect of long-term school-based aerobic exercise intervention on the physical fitness and cognitive function of children with overweight. Methods Sixty-five 6-year-old children were divided into a normal group (children with normal weight) and an aerobic exercise group (children with overweight). Children in the aerobic exercise group received 16 weeks aerobic exercise intervention (three times a week for 60 min per session), whereas those in the normal group continued their usual routines. All the children underwent three tests before and after the 16-week study period. Results All body composition variables, except height were higher in the aerobic exercise group than in the normal group (p < 0.05). Physical fitness and executive function were significantly lower in the aerobic exercise group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Physical fitness and executive function parameters significantly improved in aerobic exercise group after the intervention compared with that observed in the control group (p < 0.05). The within-group comparison results demonstrated that 16 weeks of school-based aerobic exercise interventions significantly improved the physical fitness and cognition of the children with overweight (p < 0.05). Aerobic exercise significantly improved physical fitness and executive function parameters in the control group after the 16-week intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion Sixteen weeks of school-based aerobic exercise interventions remarkably promoted physical fitness and cognition in the children with overweight.