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Despite the importance of physical education (PE) lessons for physical activity in adolescents, the acute cognitive responses to PE lessons have not been explored; a gap in the literature that this study addresses. Following familiarisation, 76 (39 female) adolescents (12.2 ± 0.4 y) completed two trials (60 min games-based PE lesson and 60 min academic lesson) separated by 7-d in a counterbalanced, crossover design. Attention, executive function, working memory, and perception were assessed 30 min before, immediately post, and 45 min post-lesson in both trials. Participants were split into high-and low-fit groups based on a gender-specific median split of distance run on the multi-stage fitness test. Furthermore, participants were split into high and low MVPA groups based on a gender-specific median split of MVPA time (time spent >64% HR max) during the PE lesson. Overall, a 60 min games-based PE lesson had no effect on perception, working memory, attention, or executive function in adolescents (all p > 0.05) unless MVPA time is high. The physical activity-cognition relationship was moderated by MVPA, as working memory improved post-PE lesson in adolescents who completed more MVPA during their PE lesson (time*trial*MVPA interaction, p

Although risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases begin to present in young people, the association between physical fitness and adiposity with traditional and novel risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases across adolescence remains relatively unknown. Following ethical approval, fifty-two adolescents (age 11.6 ± 0.6 years; 32 girls) were recruited for a 2-years longitudinal study. Adiposity was assessed based on sum of skinfolds, waist circumference and body mass index, and physical fitness as distance run on the multi-stage fitness test (MSFT). Risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases (pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, plasma insulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance - HOMA-IR, blood pressure) were measured following an overnight fast. Relationships between independent and response variables were analysed using multi-level modelling (final combined models were created using the stepwise backward elimination method). Plasma insulin concentration and HOMA-IR were positively associated with adiposity and inversely associated with distance run on the MSFT (all p

BackgroundSchool-based physical activity interventions are accessible to most adolescents and could enhance adolescent cardiometabolic health and cognition; yet the feasibility and success of school-based physical activity interventions is understudied.MethodsSixteen adolescent girls (age: 11.7 ± 0.3 y; height: 1.58 ± 0.07 m; body mass: 45.5 ± 9.2 kg) were randomized to either an intervention (2-weeks sprint training; n = 8) or control group (continuation of regular physical activity levels; n = 8). Following familiarization, all participants completed baseline measurements including fasted and postprandial capillary blood samples, a battery of cognitive function tests (Stroop Test, Sternberg Paradigm and Flanker Task), and an assessment of physical fitness (20 m sprint and multi-stage fitness test). The intervention group completed 2-weeks progressive sprint training (3 sessions per week: week one 6 × 10 s sprints, week two 8 × 10 s sprints). Follow-up measurements were completed 48 h after the final sprint training session. Data were analyzed via ANCOVA to examine between group differences at follow-up whilst controlling for baseline score.ResultsAccuracy in the intervention group during the three-item Sternberg paradigm was greater when compared with the control group (Intervention: 99.6 ± 1.1%; Control: 97.7 ± 2.2%, p = 0.046). BDNF concentration was also higher in the intervention group at follow-up than control group (Intervention: 39.12 ± 9.88 ng.ml−1; Control: 22.95 ± 9.13 ng.ml−1, p < 0.001). There were no differences at follow-up between the intervention and control group for measures of cardiometabolic health (fasted cytokine concentrations or postprandial glycaemic and insulinaemic responses) or on the Stroop Test or Flanker Task (all p > 0.05). However, the intervention group reported enjoying the sprint training and that they found the sessions valuable.ConclusionTwo-weeks sprint interval training in a school-setting enhanced working memory and increased concentrations of BDNF in adolescent girls. The intervention was deemed enjoyable and worthwhile by the adolescent girls and thus the longer-term implementation of such an intervention should be examined.

The role of physical activity in determining the metabolic health of adolescents is poorly understood, particularly concerning the effect on low-grade chronic inflammation (chronic elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and acute phase protein CRP, which is implicated in the etiology of atherosclerosis) and anti-inflammatory mediators such as IL-10. Furthermore, there is limited information on the mediating effects of performance on the multi-stage fitness test (MSFT), V˙O2 peak and adiposity on risk factors for cardio-metabolic disease in adolescents.Purpose: To examine the effect of performance on the MSFT, V˙O2 peak and adiposity on risk factors for cardio-metabolic diseases in adolescents.Methods: Following ethical approval, 121 adolescents (11.3 ± 0.8 year) completed the study. Risk factors for cardio-metabolic disease (circulating inflammatory cytokines, blood glucose and plasma insulin concentrations) was assessed using a fasted capillary blood sample. Participants were separated into quartiles based upon distance ran during the MSFT, the blood lactate response to submaximal exercise, V˙O2 peak (determined during an uphill graded treadmill test), and adiposity (determined as the sum of four skinfolds). The blood lactate response to submaximal exercise and V02 peak were measured in a sub-group of participants. Data were analyzed using two-way between-subjects ANCOVA and multiple linear regression.Results: Participants with the lowest performance on the MSFT had higher blood concentrations of IL-6 (3.25 ± 0.25 pg mL-1) and IL-1β (4.78 ± 0.54 pg mL-1) and lower concentrations of IL-10 (1.80 ± 0.27 pg mL-1) when compared with all other quartiles (all p < 0.05). Yet, when categorized into V˙O2 peak quartiles, no differences existed in any of the inflammatory mediators (all p > 0.05). Performance on the MSFT was the only predictor of IL-6 (β = -0.291, p = 0.031), IL-1β (β = -0.405, p = 0.005), IL-10 (β = 0.325, p = 0.021) and fasted blood glucose (β = -0.545, p < 0.001) concentrations. Adiposity was the only predictor of plasma insulin concentration (β = 0.515, p < 0.001) and blood pressure (diastolic: β = 0.259, p = 0.042; mean arterial pressure: β = 0.322, p = 0.011).Conclusion: Enhanced performance on the MSFT, but not V˙O2 peak, was associated with a favorable inflammatory profile in adolescents; whilst adiposity adversely affected plasma insulin, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure. These findings demonstrate that enhancing performance on the MSFT and maintaining a healthy body composition are a potential therapeutic intervention for the attenuation of risk factors for cardio-metabolic diseases in adolescents.