Author(s): NURULFA, R.1.2, MELCZER, C.1, KLAVINA, A.2, Institution: UNIVERSITY OF PECS, Country: HUNGARY, Abstract-ID: 1349

Cognitive function and reaction time are essential components of academic performance and daily functioning in young adults. This study investigated the relationship between cognitive performance, measured reaction time, body composition, and health-related lifestyle behaviors among university students.
A cross-sectional study was conducted involving university students aged 18–25 years in Pecs, Hungary. Cognitive function, including attention, processing speed, and executive function, was assessed using the Vienna Test System. Reaction time was measured using the computerized Reaction X test. Body composition parameters, including body mass index, body fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass, and visceral fat level, were obtained using bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody). Health-related behaviors were evaluated through validated questionnaires assessing physical activity, eating habits, and sleep quality.

The results revealed significant associations between body composition and cognitive outcomes. Lower body fat percentage and higher skeletal muscle mass were associated with better attention and executive function scores, as well as faster reaction times (p < 0.05). Higher levels of physical activity were positively correlated with cognitive performance and inversely associated with reaction time. Good sleep quality was significantly associated with improved cognitive efficiency and shorter response latency, whereas poor sleep quality was linked to reduced performance. Healthier dietary patterns demonstrated moderate positive associations with cognitive domains, although the magnitude of associations varied. Multivariate analysis indicated that physical activity and sleep quality were independent predictors of cognitive performance after adjusting for body composition variables. Together, lifestyle behaviors and body composition explained a meaningful proportion of variance in reaction time and executive function measures.

In conclusion, favorable body composition and healthy lifestyle behaviors are associated with enhanced cognitive performance and faster reaction time in university students. These findings underscore the importance of integrated health promotion strategies targeting physical activity, nutrition, and sleep to support cognitive health and academic success in university students.