Physical Activity Interventions for Neurocognitive and Academic Performance in Overweight and Obese Youth: A Systematic Review.
This article examines cognitive, academic, and brain outcomes of physical activity in overweight or obese youth, with attention to minority youth who experience health disparities. Physically active academic lessons may have greater immediate cognitive and academic benefits among overweight and obese children than normal-weight children. Quasi-experimental studies testing physical activity programs in overweight and obese youth show promise; a few randomized controlled trials including African Americans show efficacy. Thus, making academic lessons physically active may improve inhibition and attentiveness, particularly in overweight youngsters. Regular physical activity may be efficacious for improving neurologic, cognitive, and achievement outcomes in overweight or obese youth.
Department of Kinesiology & Nutrition, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1919 West Taylor Street, Room 626, MC 517, Chicago, IL 60516, USA.
Eduardo E
EE
Bustamante
Georgia Prevention Institute, Augusta University, 1125 15th Street, HS-1755, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
Celestine F
CF
Williams
Department of Pediatrics, Georgia Prevention Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1125 15th Street, HS-1711, Augusta, GA 30912, USA. Electronic address: cadavis@augusta.edu.
Catherine L
CL
Davis
D000124:Achievement; D000293:Adolescent; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare / Q000639:trends; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D056344:Executive Function; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014481:United States
Academic performance; Brain; Childhood obesity; Cognition; Executive function; Exercise; Health disparities; Physical activity