A short physical activity break from cognitive tasks increases selective attention in primary school children aged 10-11

M. Janssen, M.J.M. Chinapaw, S.P. Rauh, H.M. Toussaint, W. van Mechelen, E.A.L.M. Verhagen

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    47 Citations (Scopus)
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    Abstract

    Importance

    Evidence for an acute effect of physical activity on cognitive performance within the school setting is limited. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into acute effects of a short physical activity bout on selective attention in primary school children, specifically in the school setting.

    Methods

    Hundred and twenty three 10–11 years old children, 49.6% girls, engaged in four experimental breaks in random order: 1 h of regular cognitive school tasks followed by a 15 min episode with the following conditions 1) ‘no break’ (continuing a cognitive task), 2) passive break (listening to a story), 3) moderate intensity physical activity break (jogging, passing, dribbling) and 4) vigorous intensity physical activity break (running, jumping, skipping). Selective attention in the classroom was assessed by the TEA-Ch test before and after the 15 min break in each condition.

    Results

    After the passive break, the moderate intensity physical activity break and the vigorous intensity physical activity break attention scores were significantly better (p < 0.001) than after the ‘no break’ condition. Attention scores were best after the moderate intensity physical activity break (difference with no break = −0.59 s/target, 95% CI: −0.70; −0.49).

    Conclusion

    The results show a significant positive effect of both a passive break as well as a physical activity break on selective attention, with the largest effect of a moderate intensity physical activity break. This suggests that schools could implement a moderate intensity physical activity break during the school day to optimize attention levels and thereby improve school performance.

    Trial registration

    NTR2386.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)129-134
    JournalMental Health and Physical Activity
    Volume7
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Sept 2014

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