Executive cognitive function as a correlate and predictor of child food intake and physical activity.
Investigated were relations among executive cognitive function (ECF), food intake, and physical activity in 184, fourth grade children. It was hypothesized that self-reported ECF proficiency would predict greater self-reported fruit/vegetable intake and physical activity, but less "snack food" intake. Structural models demonstrated that ECF was significantly correlated with less concurrent snack food intake and greater concurrent fruit/vegetable intake, but not physical activity. Baseline ECF also significantly predicted greater fruit/vegetable intake and physical activity four months later, but not snack food intake. One implication is to promote ECF as a correlate and predictor of food intake and physical activity in children by providing opportunities for youth to practice newly developing ECF capacities.
University of Southern California, Alhambra, CA 91803, USA. nriggs@usc.edu
Nathaniel
N
Riggs
Chih-Ping
CP
Chou
Donna
D
Spruijt-Metz
Mary Ann
MA
Pentz
D002140:California; D002648:Child; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D003071:Cognition; D004034:Diet Surveys; D004435:Eating / Q000523:psychology*; D056344:Executive Function; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005518:Food Preferences; D005523:Food Supply; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012574:Schools; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014675:Vegetables