Author(s): MESSAOUDENE, L., BOUCARD, G., DELPECH, N., ENEA, C., Institution: MOVE LABORATORY - UNIVERSITY OF POITIERS, Country: FRANCE, Abstract-ID: 2215

INTRODUCTION:
Preadolescence is a critical window for cognitive development, marked by rapid prefrontal cortex maturation, supporting executive functions such as attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility [1,2]. Although physical activity (PA) has been consistently associated with cognitive benefits, the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear. Beyond exercise-induced neuroplasticity, cardiovascular (CV) adaptations, such as enhanced cerebral blood flow and vascular function, have been proposed as potential contributors, yet their mediating role in children is still uncertain [3].
This cross-sectional study examined the associations between PA, CV health indicators and executive functions in prepubertal children. It further investigated whether cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) mediate the relationship between PA and cognitive performance.
METHODS:
Seventy-four healthy children (9.5 ± 0.9 years) were recruited from two elementary schools. PA and sedentary behavior were objectively measured with accelerometers over seven consecutive days. CV health was assessed via estimated CRF from the 20-meter shuttle run test and resting SBP after a 10-minute rest. Executive functions were evaluated using the Tower of London (planning), Stroop test (inhibition), 2-back task (working memory), and Child Trail Making Test (flexibility).
RESULTS:
Higher moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was associated with lower body fat, lower SBP, and higher CRF. SBP was related to planning performance, while CRF was associated with processing speed and cognitive flexibility. Mediation analyses indicated that SBP and CRF fully mediated the association between MVPA and specific executive functions (planning efficiency and cognitive flexibility, respectively). Sedentary behavior was linked to poorer inhibitory control. Children with higher CRF outperformed less fit peers in processing speed, independent of body composition. Despite higher MVPA and CRF in boys, cognitive performance was similar across sexes.
CONCLUSION:
CV health may constitute one physiological pathway linking PA to executive function in prepubertal children. Promoting higher-intensity PA and improving CRF may support both CV and cognitive development, as children exceeding current PA recommendations showed the most favorable CV health and cognitive profiles.
References
[1] C. H. Hillman, N. E. Logan, et T. T. Shigeta, « A Review of Acute Physical Activity Effects on Brain and Cognition in Children », Transl J ACSM, vol. 4, no 17, p. 132‑136, sept. 2019
[2] V. K. Mah et E. L. Ford-Jones, « Spotlight on middle childhood: Rejuvenating the ‘forgotten years’ », vol. 17, no 2, 2012.
[3] J. Ni, M. Cheng, R. Zhang, et Y. Wang, « Meta-analysis of a moderate-to-vigorous physical activity intervention for academic achievement in children and adolescents », Physiology & Behavior, vol. 288, p. 114750, janv. 2025