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Physical activity has been suggested as modifiable factor that might contribute to improving cognitive and brain function during aging. However, previous studies were mainly of cross-sectional design and did not consider effects of time or potential reverse causality. We aimed to investigate the bidirectional associations of physical activity with brain structure in middle-aged and older adults. Overall, 4365 par-ticipants (64.01 +/- 10.82 years; 56% women) from the Rotterdam Study had physical activity and brain structure assessed on at least one of 2 timepoints ('baseline': 2006-2012 or 'follow-up': 2012-2017, me-dian duration between visits: 5 years). Physical activity was assessed through the LASA Physical Activity Questionnaire. T1-weighted MRI and diffusion tensor imaging were used to quantify brain volumes and white matter microstructure, respectively. Cross-lagged panel models were performed to estimate bidi-rectional associations, and linear mixed-effects models to investigate the consistency of findings. Larger total brain volume (fi = 0.067, 95%-confidence interval 0.035;0.099, pFDR = 0.001), gray matter volume (fi = 0.063, 0.031;0.096, pFDR = 0.002), and white matter volume (fi = 0.051, 0.020;0.083, pFDR = 0.013) at baseline were associated with higher levels of sports at follow-up. Lower global mean diffusivity at base-line was associated with higher levels of walking at follow-up (fi =-0.074,-0.111;-0.037, pFDR = 0.001). No associations were found between physical activity levels at baseline and brain metrics at follow-up. In conclusion, larger brain volumes and white matter microstructure at baseline were associated with individuals remaining more physically active at follow-up. Overall, this study identified older adults with potentially advanced brain aging status as being at higher risk of physical inactivity over time, and there-fore as potential target group for prevention and novel intervention strategies.(c) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ )

Neurotrophic factors and cardiorespiratory fitness are both considered important in developmental trajectories but their link to brain health remains poorly understood. The aims of the study were to examine whether levels of plasma-derived neurotrophic factors were associated with brain health indicators in children with overweight or obesity; and to test whether these associations were moderated by cardiorespiratory fitness. 100 children (41% girls) were included in this analysis. Plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, vascular endothelial growth factor A, and epidermal growth factor were determined by XMap technology. Academic performance and executive function were assessed using validated neuropsychological tests. Hippocampal volume was measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed using the 20-m Shuttle Run Test. Insulin-like growth factor-1 was positively associated with cognitive flexibility. Stratified analyses by fitness categories (i.e. unfit vs. fit) showed that brain-derived neurotrophic factor was positively associated with right posterior hippocampal volume in fit children, and epidermal growth factor was negatively associated with right hippocampal, and right anterior hippocampal volumes in their unfit peers, with a moderating role of cardiorespiratory fitness in these associations. However, all these significant associations disappeared after correction for multiple comparisons. The association between neurotrophic factors and brain health indicators in children with overweight/obesity was neither strong nor consistent. These results could help enhance our understanding of determinants of brain health in children with overweight/obesity. Highlights This study provides novel findings on the associations between neurotrophic factors and a wide range of brain health indicators in children. This study additionally explored the role of cardiorespiratory fitness in these associations. The association between neurotrophic factors and brain health in children with overweight/obesity was neither strong nor consistent. Cardiorespiratory fitness moderated the associations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and epidermal growth factor with right hippocampal volume.

Muscular strength has been positively associated with better brain health indicators during childhood obesity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the positive impact of muscular strength in brain health are poorly understood. We aimed to study the association of muscular strength with neurology-related circulating proteins in plasma in children with overweight/obesity and to explore the role of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) as a confounder. The participants were 86 Caucasian children (10.1 ± 1.1 years old; 41% girls) from the ActiveBrains project. Muscular strength was measured by field and laboratory tests. CRF was assessed with an incremental treadmill test. Olink's technology was used to quantify 92 neurology-related proteins in plasma. Protein–protein interactions were computed using the STRING website. Muscular strength was positively associated with 12 proteins (BetaNGF, CDH6, CLEC10A, CLM1, FcRL2, HAGH, IL12, LAIR2, MSR1, SCARB2, SMOC2, and TNFRSF12A), and negatively associated with 12 proteins (CLEC1B, CTSC, CTSS, gal-8, GCP5, NAAA, NrCAM, NTRK2, PLXNB3, RSPO1, sFRP3, and THY1). After adjustment for CRF, muscular strength was positively associated with eight proteins (BetaNGF, CDH6, CLEC10A, FcRL2, LAIR2, MSR1, SCARB2, and TNFRSF12A) and negatively associated with two proteins (gal-8 and NrCAM). After applying FDR correction, only CLEC10A remained statistically significant. In conclusion, muscular strength was associated with blood circulating proteins involved in several biological processes, particularly anti-inflammatory response, lipid metabolism, beta amyloid clearance, and neuronal action potential propagation. More powered studies are warranted in pediatric populations to contrast or confirm our findings.

This study was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (DEP2013-47540, DEP2016-79512-R, and DEP2017-91544-EXP), the European Regional Development Fund, the European Commission (No 667302) and the Alicia Koplowitz Foundation. This study was partially funded by the UGR Research and Knowledge Transfer Fund (PPIT) 2016, Excellence Actions Programme. Units of Scientific Excellence; Scientific Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES) and by the Regional Government of Andalusia, Regional Ministry of Economy, Knowledge, Entreprises and University and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), ref. SOMM17/6107/UGR. In addition, this study was further supported by the SAMID III network, RETICS, funded by the PN IthornDthornI 2017-2021 (Spain). Additional funding was obtained from the Andalusian Operational Programme supported with European Regional Development Funds (ERDF in English, FEDER in Spanish, project ref: B-CTS-355-UGR18). PS-U is supported by a grant from ANID/BECAS Chile/72180543. IE-C is supported by the Spanish Ministries of Economy and Competitiveness (RTI2018-095284-J-100), and Science and Innovation (RYC2019-027287-I). JV-R is supported by a grant from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (FJCI-2017-33396). Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Granada/CBUA. We would like to thank all the families participating in the ActiveBrains. We are grateful to Ms. Ana Yara Postigo-Fuentes for her assistance with the English language. We also acknowledge everyone who helped with the data collection and all of the members involved in the fieldwork for their effort, enthusiasm, and support. This work is part of Ph.D. Thesis conducted in the Biomedicine Doctoral Studies of the University of Granada, Spain., Background & aims: Exposure to a suboptimal environment during the fetal and early infancy period's results in long-term consequences for brain morphology and function. We investigated the associations of early life factors such as anthropometric neonatal data (i.e., birth length, birth weight and birth head circumference) and breastfeeding practices (i.e., exclusive and any breastfeeding) with white matter (WM) microstructure, and ii) we tested whether WM tracts related to early life factors are associated with academic performance in children with overweight/obesity. Methods: 96 overweight/obese children (10.03 +/- 1.16 years; 38.7% girls) were included from the ActiveBrains Project. WM microstructure indicators used were fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD), derived from Diffusion Tensor Imaging. Academic performance was evaluated with the Battery III Woodcock-Munoz Tests of Achievement. Regression models were used to examine the associations of the early life factors with tract-specific FA and MD, as well as its association with academic performance. Results: Head circumference at birth was positively associated with FA of the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus tract (0.441; p = 0.005), as well as negatively associated with MD of the cingulate gyrus part of cingulum (-0.470; p = 0.006), corticospinal (-0.457; p = 0.005) and superior thalamic radiation tract (-0.476; p = 0.001). Association of birth weight, birth length and exclusive breastfeeding with WM microstructure did not remain significant after false discovery rate correction. None tract related to birth head circumference was associated with academic performance (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: Our results highlighted the importance of the perinatal growth in WM microstructure later in life, although its possible academic implications remain inconclusive., Spanish Government DEP2013-47540 DEP2016-79512-R DEP2017-91544-EXP, European Commission European Commission European Commission Joint Research Centre 667302, Alicia Koplowitz Foundation, UGR Research and Knowledge Transfer Fund (PPIT) 2016, Excellence Actions Programme, European Commission SOMM17/6107/UGR, SAMID III network, RETICS - PN I+D+I 2017-2021 (Spain), Andalusian Operational Programme - European Regional Development Funds B-CTS-355-UGR18, ANID/BECAS Chile 72180543, Spanish Government RTI2018-095284-J-100 FJCI-2017-33396 RYC2019-027287-I

Background Physical activity and sedentary behaviors have been shown to have varying health benefits. Nevertheless, it is unclear how physical activity and screen time affect body composition during adolescence. This study examined the associations of physical activity and screen time with overall and abdominal fat depositions in general pediatric population. Methods In a population-based prospective cohort study, among 3.258 adolescents aged 13 years, physical activity and screen time were assessed via self-report questionnaires. Body mass index, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-based measures (i.e., fat mass index (FMI), lean body mass index and android/gynoid fat mass ratio (A/G ratio)), and magnetic resonance imaging-based measures (i.e., abdominal subcutaneous fat index, abdominal visceral fat index and abdominal visceral/subcutaneous fat mass ratio) were obtained. Results After adjusting for social-demographic and growth-related factors, a change of per additional hour per day spent in physical activity was associated with lower FMI (Z score difference, -0.08; 95% CI, -0.14 to 0.01), A/G ratio (-0.10 [-0.18; -0.03]) and abdominal visceral fat index (-0.11 [0.20; -0.02]), and higher lean body mass index (0.15 [0.08; 0.22]). A change of per additional hour per day spent in screen time was also associated with higher body mass index (0.02 [0.01; 0.04]), FMI (0.02 [0.01; 0.03]), A/G ratio (0.03 [0.02; 0.04]), abdominal subcutaneous fat index (0.03 [0.02; 0.05]) and abdominal visceral fat index (0.03 [0.01; 0.05]), and lower abdominal visceral/subcutaneous fat mass ratio (-0.02 [-0.04; -0.01]). Conclusion Adolescents with higher physical activity and lower screen time had lower levels of adiposity both at the general and visceral levels. This information may be used for future work to develop targeted intervention strategies that improve body composition among adolescents.

Physical fitness is an important marker of current and future health status, yet the association between physical fitness and indicators of mental health in youth has not been systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed. The aim of this work was to systematically review and meta-analyze the association between physical fitness components (i.e. cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, speed-agility, flexibility and fitness composite) and mental health indicators (i.e. psychological well-being and psychological ill-being) in preschoolers, children and adolescents. Systematic review and meta-analysis. Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus from database inception to May 2020. Studies (cross-sectional, longitudinal and intervention designs) were included if they measured at least one physical fitness component and one mental health indicator in healthy youth (2–18 years). A total of 58 unique studies (52 cross-sectional, 4 longitudinal and 4 intervention studies) met all eligibility criteria and were included. There was a significant positive overall association between physical fitness and mental health in children and adolescents (pooled r = 0.206, p

IMPORTANCE Pediatric overweight and obesity are highly prevalent across the world, with implications for poorer cognitive and brain health. Exercise might potentially attenuate these adverse consequences. OBJECTIVES To investigate the effects of an exercise program on brain health indicators, including intelligence, executive function, academic performance, and brain outcomes, among children with overweight or obesity and to explore potential mediators and moderators of the main effects of exercise. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS All preexercise and postexercise data for this 20-week randomized clinical trial of 109 children aged 8 to 11 years with overweight or obesity were collected from November 21, 2014, to June 30, 2016, with neuroimaging data processing and analyses conducted between June 1, 2017, and December 20, 2021. All 109 children were included in the intention-to-treat analyses; 90 children (82.6%) completed the postexercise evaluation and attended 70%or more of the recommended exercise sessions and were included in per-protocol analyses. INTERVENTIONS All participants received lifestyle recommendations. The control group continued their usual routines, whereas the exercise group attended a minimum of 3 supervised 90-minute sessions per week in an out-of-school setting. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Intelligence, executive function (cognitive flexibility, inhibition, andworking memory), and academic performancewere assessed with standardized tests, and hippocampal volume was measured with magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS The 109 participants included 45 girls (41.3%); participants had a mean (SD) body mass index of 26.8 (3.6) and a mean (SD) age of 10.0 (1.1) years at baseline. In per-protocol analyses, the exercise intervention improved crystallized intelligence, with the exercise group improving from before exercise to after exercise (mean z score, 0.62 [95%CI, 0.44-0.80]) compared with the control group (mean z score, –0.10 [95%CI, –0.28 to 0.09]; difference between groups, 0.72 SDs [95%CI, 0.46-0.97]; P < .001). Total intelligence also improved significantly more in the exercise group (mean z score, 0.69 [95%CI, 0.48-0.89]) than in the control group (mean z score, 0.07 [95% CI, –0.14 to 0.28]; difference between groups, 0.62 SDs [95%CI, 0.31-0.91]; P < .001). Exercise also positively affected a composite score of cognitive flexibility (mean z score: exercise group, 0.25 [95% CI, 0.05-0.44]; control group, –0.17 [95%CI, –0.39 to 0.04]; difference between groups, 0.42 SDs [95%CI, 0.13-0.71]; P = .005). These main effects were consistent in intention-to-treat analyses and after multiple-testing correction. There was a positive, small-magnitude effect of exercise on total academic performance (mean z score: exercise group, 0.31 [95%CI, 0.18-0.44]; control group, 0.10 [95%CI, –0.04 to 0.24]; difference between groups, 0.21 SDs [95%CI, 0.01-0.40]; P = .03), which was partially mediated by cognitive flexibility. Inhibition, working memory, hippocampal volume, and other brain magnetic resonance imaging outcomes studied were not affected by the exercise program. The intervention increased cardiorespiratory fitness performance as indicated by longer treadmill time to exhaustion (mean z score: exercise group, 0.54 [95%CI, 0.27-0.82]; control group, 0.13 [95%CI, –0.16 to 0.41]; difference between groups, 0.42 SDs [95%CI, 0.01-0.82]; P = .04), and these changes in fitness mediated some of the effects (small percentage of mediation [approximately 10%-20%]). The effects of exercise were overall consistent across the moderators tested, except for larger improvements in intelligence among boys compared with girls. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this randomized clinical trial, exercise positively affected intelligence and cognitive flexibility during development among children with overweight or obesity. However, the structural and functional brain changes responsible for these improvementswere not identified., Spanish Government DEP2013-47540 DEP2016-79512-R DEP2017-91544-EXP, European Commission European Commission European Commission Joint Research Centre 667302, Alicia Koplowitz Foundation, ERDF (FEDER in Spanish) B-CTS-355-UGR18, University of Granada, Plan Propio de Investigacion, Visiting Scholar grants, Junta de Andalucia, Unit of Excellence on Exercise, Nutrition and Health (UCEENS), European Commission SOMM17/6107/UGR, EXERNET Research Network on Exercise and Health DEP2005-00046/ACTI, High Council of Sports 09/UPB/19, Spanish Government FPU 14/06837 FPI-BES-2014-068829 FJC2018-037925-I FJCI-2014-19563 IJCI-2017-33642 RYC2019-027287-I FPU15/02645 FJCI-2017-33396 IJC2019-041916-I, National Agency for Research and Development (ANID)/BECAS Chile 72180543, Ramon Areces Foundation

BackgroundEmerging research supports that exercise positively affects neurodevelopment. However, the mechanisms linking exercise with brain health are largely unknown. We aimed to investigate the effect of exercise on (i) blood biomarkers selected based on previous evidence (brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), cathepsin B (CTSB), kynurenine, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1)); and (ii) a panel of 92 neurology-related proteins (discovery analysis). We also investigated whether changes in these biomarkers mediate the effects of exercise on brain health (hippocampal structure and function, cognitive performance, and mental health).Methods81 children with overweight/obesity (10.1 ±1.1 years, 41% girls) were randomized to either 20-week of aerobic plus resistance exercise or control. Candidate biomarkers were assessed using ELISA for Kynurenine, FGF21, and CTSB, colorimetry for BHB, and XMap for BDNF and VCAM-1. The 92 neurology-related proteins were analyzed by antibody-based proteomic analyses.ResultsOur intervention had no significant effect on candidate biomarkers (all p>0.05). In the discovery analysis, a reduction in circulating macrophage scavenger receptor type-I (MSR1) was observed (standardized differences between groups (SMD): -0.3, p=0.001). This effect was validated using ELISA methods (SMD: -0.3, p=0.01). None of the biomarkers mediated the effects of exercise on brain health.ConclusionsOur study does not support a chronic effect of exercise on candidate biomarkers. Nevertheless, we observed that chronic exercise reduced the levels of MRS1, while it did not mediate the effects of exercise on brain health. Future studies should explore the implications of this novel biomarker on general health.HighlightsCandidate biomarkers (i.e., brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), cathepsin B (CTSB), kynurenine, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1)) did not mediate the effects of exercise on brain health outcomes.Our discovery analysis, a panel of 92 neurology-related proteins, identified a reduction effect of exercise on blood-circulating MRS1.Exercise-induced changes in MRS1 did not mediate changes in brain health outcomes.The MSR1 is a membrane glycoprotein, that has not been related to exercise before, expressed in macrophages, and involved in pathological processes such as atherosclerosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and neurological diseases.Future studies should confirm the effect of exercise on MRS1 and its implications on general health.

ImportanceChildhood obesity is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular disease, and mental disorders later in life. To investigate the parallel effects on cardiometabolic and mental health in children with overweight or obesity will provide new insights on the benefits of exercise on overall health.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effects of a 20-week exercise program on cardiometabolic and mental health in children with overweight or obesity.DesignParallel-group randomized clinical trial (RCT) conducted in Granada (Spain) from November 2014 to June 2016.SettingClinical setting.ParticipantsEligibility criteria included children with overweight or obesity aged 8 to 11.9 years from Granada (Spain) and surrounding areas.InterventionThe exercise program included 3-5 sessions/week (90 min/session) of aerobic plus resistance training for 20-weeks. The wait-list control group continued with their usual routines.Main Outcomes and MeasuresCardiometabolic outcomes included body composition (fat mass, fat-free mass, and visceral adipose tissue), physical fitness (cardiorespiratory, speed-agility, and muscular), and traditional risk factors (waist circumference, blood lipids biomarkers, glucose, insulin, and blood pressure). Cardiometabolic risk score (z-score) was calculated based on age and sex reference values for triglycerides, inverted high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glucose, the average of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and waist circumference. An additional cardiometabolic risk score also included cardiorespiratory fitness. Mental health outcomes included an array of psychological well-being and ill-being indicators.ResultsThe ActiveBrains exercise program reduced the cardiometabolic risk score by ∼0.4 (95% confidence interval [CI95%]: −0.75, −0.03) standard deviations (SD). The exercise program had a positive effect on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (−7.40 [CI95%: −14.82, 0.016] mg/dL), body mass index (−0.60 [CI95%: −1.07, −0.13] kg/m2), fat mass index (−0.70 [CI95%: −1.03 to −0.36] kg/m2), visceral adipose tissue (−34.05 [CI95%: −61.38, −6.73] g), and cardiorespiratory fitness (+3.07 [CI95%: 0.68, 5.45] laps) in the exercise group compared to controls. No effects were observed on mental health outcomes.Conclusions and RelevanceThe ActiveBrains exercise program improved cardiometabolic health in children with overweight or obesity, yet it had no effect on mental health. These findings support public health initiatives promoting exercise programs in children with excess body weight to prevent future cardiovascular comorbidities.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02295072.Key PointsQuestionWhat are the parallel effects of exercise on cardiometabolic and mental health in children with excess of adiposity?FindingsIn this parallel-group randomized clinical trial of 109 children with overweight or obesity, a 20-week exercise program including aerobic plus resistance training improved body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and cardiometabolic risk factors. No effects on mental health were observed.MeaningExercise programs should be promoted in children with excess adiposity to improve their cardiometabolic health.

BackgroundPhysical activity has been suggested as a protective factor against psychiatric symptoms. While numerous studies have focused on the magnitude of physical activity’s effect on psychiatric symptoms, few have examined the potential mechanisms.ObjectiveThe current review aimed to synthesize scientific evidence of the mechanisms through which physical activity might reduce psychiatric symptoms across the lifespan.MethodsWe included articles that were published before March 2022 from five electronic databases (Medline, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Embase, and Cochrane). A qualitative synthesis of studies was conducted. The risk of bias assessment was performed using The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool for Systematic Reviews. Studies were included if they explored the possible mechanisms through which physical activity links with psychiatric symptoms (i.e., internalizing and externalizing symptoms) across the lifespan.ResultsA total of 24 articles were included (three RCTs, four non-RCTs, four prospective longitudinal studies, and 13 cross-sectional studies). Overall, most of the studies (70%) focused on children, adolescents, and young adults. Our findings show that self-esteem, self-concept, and self-efficacy were the only consistent paths through which physical activity may influence psychiatric symptoms (specifically depressive and anxiety symptoms). There were insufficient studies to determine the role of neurobiological and behavioral mechanisms. Findings from our systematic review suggest that self-esteem, self-concept, and self-efficacy are potential paths through which physical activity might reduce psychiatric symptoms across the lifespan.ConclusionsOverall, future physical activity interventions with the purpose of improving mental health should consider these mechanisms to develop more effective interventions. Current literature gaps and recommendations for researchers to explore other potential mechanisms were also included.Protocol RegistrationThe protocol of this study was registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number CRD42021239440) and published in April 2022.Key PointsSelf-esteem, self-concept, and self-efficacy are potential paths through which physical activity might reduce psychiatric symptoms (specifically depressive and anxiety symptoms) across the lifespan. Future studies should consider incorporating strategies to enhance these psychosocial mechanisms in physical activity interventions.Few studies have examined the role of neurobiological and behavioral mechanisms. It is recommended that future research could focus on these areas.Integrated studies that examine the combined and independent contributions of the neurobiological, psychosocial and behavioral mechanisms are needed to obtain the overall picture.There is a lack of research on externalizing and other internalizing symptoms beside depressive and anxiety symptoms (e.g., somatic symptoms).

Background: Adolescence is a critical period for neurodevelopment, it is characterised by the establishment of behavioural patterns that can affect children's physical, mental and cognitive health, both immediately and later in life. Objective: The aim of the present research was to examine the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MeD) and academic performance, as well as to analyze the moderating role of body mass index (BMI) status in this relationship. Methods: This cross-sectional study had a total 1290 adolescents (13.07 ± 0.82 years old, 714 boys and 576 girls) aged 12–14 years were included in this study. Adherence to the MeD was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index. Academic performance was assessed through school records using four subjects: language, mathematics, English and grade point average (GPA). Results: Results showed a positive association between adherence to the MeD and all academic indicators after adjusting for potential confounders (β ranging from 0.165 to 0.213, all p < 0.001). The group of good adherence to the MeD had significantly higher scores in all the academic indicators compared with the poor/average group (p < 0.01). No interaction was found between BMI status and adherence to MeD in relation to academic indicators (all p > 0.340). These differences remained significant for both normal weight and overweight/obesity groups (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our results suggest that adherence to the MeD may be positively associated academic performance on adolescents regardless, of BMI status.

This study aimed to analyze the associations of activity-rest pattern indicators with academic achievement, executive function, and intelligence and to explore whether these associations are mediated by the total gray matter volume among children with overweight/obesity. Ninety-five children (10 ± 1 year, 37 girls) with overweight/obesity (based on the World Obesity Federation body mass index cutoff points) were included in this cross-sectional study. Hip- and wrist-worn ActiGraph GT3X + accelerometers were used to assess the activity-rest pattern. Interdaily stability (IS), intradaily variability (IV), the mean value of the lowest 5 hours (L5), and the mean value of the maximum 10 hours (M10) of activity and their respective timing (TL5, TM10) were used as indicators of the activity-rest pattern throughout the day. Chronotype and social jetlag were used as indicators of circadian preference. Academic achievement, executive function, and intelligence were assessed with standardized tests. Gray matter volume was acquired by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). IS was positively associated with executive function (β = 0.244, P = .014). IV was negatively associated with mathematics and academic applications (β: -0.211 to -0.238, P's ≤ .026). Later TM10 in the day was related to lower writing, academic skills, and intelligence (β: -0.229 to -0.271, P's ≤ .025). None of the associations found were mediated by gray matter volume. A non-fragmented and stable activity-rest pattern and earlier physical activity in the day were associated with better academic achievement, executive function, and intelligence in children with overweight/obesity. Further studies are required to corroborate or contrast our findings.

RODRIGUEZ-AYLLON, M., I. ESTEBAN-CORNEJO, J. VERDEJO-ROMAN, R. L. MUETZEL, J. H. MIGUELES, J. MORAGONZALEZ, P. SOLIS-URRA, K. I. ERICKSON, C. H. HILLMAN, A. CATENA, H. TIEMEIER, and F. B. ORTEGA. Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and White Matter Microstructure in Children with Overweight or Obesity. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 52, No. 5, pp. 1218–1226, 2020. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the associations of objectively measured and self-reported physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior with white matter microstructure in children with overweight or obesity. Methods: In a sample of 103 participants (age, 10.02 ± 1.15 yr; 42 girls) from the ActiveBrains project, we assessed PA and sedentary behavior using accelerometers (GT3X+; ActiGraph, Pensacola, FL), and the Youth Activity Profile-Spain questionnaire. Objectively measured PA and sedentary behavior were classified into different intensities following the hip- and wrist-based cutoff points for the Euclidean Norm Minus One metric by Hildebrand et al., wrist-based cutoff points for counts metric by Chandler et al., and hip-based cutoff points for counts metric for Romanzini et al. and Evenson et al. Magnetic resonance imaging of white matter microstructure, fractional anisotropy (FA), and mean diffusivity (MD) were derived from diffusion tensor imaging. Linear regression models were used to examine the associations of objectively measured and self-reported PA and sedentary behavior with global and tract-specific FA and MD. Results: Self-reported total PA was positively associated with global FA (β = 0.236, P = 0.038), whereas watching television was negatively associated with global FA (β = −0.270, P = 0.014). In regard to the objective measures, using single regression models, light PA (β = 0.273, P = 0.016), moderate-to-vigorous PA (β = 0.257, P = 0.035), and total PA (β = 0.294, P = 0.013) were positively associated with global FA only when Hildebrand–Euclidean Norm Minus One hip cut points were used for analyses. Lastly, no association was found between PA and sedentary behavior and FA and MD within individual tracts. Conclusions: Our results suggest that PA and watching television are related to white matter microstructure in children with overweight or obesity. However, longitudinal large-scale studies are needed to confirm and expand these findings.

ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of exercise on intelligence, executive functions, academic performance and brain outcomes in children with overweight/obesity. In secondary analyses, we explored potential mediators and moderators of the exercise effects.MethodsA total of 109 children (8-11.9y) with overweight/obesity were randomized (intention-to-treat) and 90 (82.6%) completed the post-exercise evaluation and attended ≥70% of the exercise sessions (per-protocol). Participants in the control group continued with their usual routines and received lifestyle recommendations, whereas the exercise group attended 3 sessions/week of aerobic plus resistance training during 20 weeks. Intelligence, executive functions (cognitive flexibility, inhibition, working memory) and academic performance were assessed with standardized tests; and hippocampal volume with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).ResultsIn per-protocol analyses, the exercise intervention improved intelligence and cognitive flexibility (medium-large effect sizes observed, 0.4-0.7 SDs). These main effects were consistent in intention-to-treat analyses and after multiple-testing correction. Moreover, we found a positive, small-magnitude (i.e., 0.2-0.3 SDs) effect of exercise on academic performance (total, mathematics and problem solving), which was partially mediated by cognitive flexibility. Inhibition, working memory, hippocampal volume, and other brain MRI outcomes studied were not affected by our exercise program. Our intervention increased cardiorespiratory fitness performance (0.4 SDs) and these changes in fitness mediated some of the effects. Effects were mostly consistent across the studied moderators, except for larger improvements for intelligence in boys compared to girls.ConclusionExercise positively impacts intelligence and cognitive flexibility during development in children with overweight/obesity, without changes in the structural and functional brain outcomes studied.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02295072SUMMARY BOXWhat is already known on this topic-Pediatric obesity is associated not only with poorer physical health but also with poorer cognitive and brain development.-Previous exercise interventions have mostly focused on executive functions and other dimensions of cognition, yet is largely unknown the extent to which exercise can improve intelligence during childhood, and actually, at any period of life.-Studies integrating effects of exercise on behavioral and brain magnetic resonance outcomes in a single article are scarce.-A in-depth study of the exercise characteristics (mode) and intensity, potential compensatory/contamination effects and role of potential mediators and moderators of the exercise effects is warranted.What this study adds-A 20-week randomized controlled trial of exercise improved intelligence and cognitive flexibility in preadolescent children with overweight/obesity.-Moreover, we found a positive, small-magnitude effect of exercise on academic performance, which was partially mediated by cognitive flexibility.-Cardiorespiratory peak performance mediated some yet not all the exercise effects observed.-The structural and functional brain outcomes studied were not affected by participation in the exercise program.How this study might affect research, practice or policyOur investigation suggests that exercise can positively impact intelligence and cognitive flexibility during a sensitive period of brain development in childhood. This stimulus can positively affect academic performance, as shown in our study, indicating that an active lifestyle during preadolescent development may lead to more successful life trajectories. This is particularly important in children with overweight/obesity who are known to be at higher risk of poorer physical and brain health.

IntroductionPersistent psychiatric symptomatology during childhood and adolescence predicts vulnerability to experience mental illness in adulthood. Physical activity is well-known to provide mental health benefits across the lifespan. However, the underlying mechanisms linking physical activity and psychiatric symptoms remain underexplored. In this context, we aim to systematically synthesize evidence focused on the mechanisms through which physical activity might reduce psychiatric symptoms across all ages.Methods and analysisWith the aid of a biomedical information specialist, we will develop a systematic search strategy based on the predetermined research question in the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, and PsycINFO. Two independent reviewers will screen and select studies, extract data, and assess the risk of bias. In case of inability to reach a consensus, a third person will be consulted. We will not apply any language restriction, and we will perform a qualitative synthesis of our findings as we anticipate that studies are scarce and heterogeneous.Ethics and disseminationOnly data that has already been published will be included. Then, ethical approval is not required. Findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences. Additionally, we will communicate our findings to healthcare providers and other sections of society (e.g., through regular channels, including social media).PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021239440Strengths and limitations of this studyThis protocol has been designed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses for Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines and guidelines of the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care.This protocol presents a cautiously designed search strategy, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and timespan and age-range coverage.A possible limitation is that included studies might be heterogeneous in the study design, data collection methods, and data analysis which might limit the ability to synthesize the results using a meta-analysis.The value of this systematic review depends on the quality and availability of the evidence on the topic.

We explored the association of self-reported physical fitness with depressive symptoms and anxiety levels during pregnancy. One hundred fifty-five pregnant women (32.9 ± 4.7 years old) participated in the study. Self-reported physical fitness was assessed with the

Low-intensity resistance training (LI-RT) combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) is an alternative to traditional moderate–high-intensity resistance training to increase strength and muscle mass. However, the evidence about the efficacy of this novel training method to increase strength and muscle mass in healthy and older adults with pathologies is limited. Furthermore, the possible risk and adverse effects with BFR training methodology in older adults should be considered. (1) To summarize the current evidence on training with BFR strategies in older adults aiming to improve strength and to increase muscle mass; and (2) to provide recommendations for resistance and aerobic training with BFR in older adults based on the studies reviewed. Studies that investigated the chronic responses to resistance training or aerobic training with BFR related to strength and muscle mass changes in older adults were identified. Two independent researchers conducted the search in PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases from their inception up to November 1, 2018. Seventeen out of 35 studies, which performed resistance or aerobic training with BFR in older adults focused on strength and muscle mass outcomes, were included in this review. Studies performing resistance and aerobic training with BFR found better improvements in strength and higher increase in muscle mass compared to non-BFR groups that performed the same training protocol. High-intensity resistance training (HI-RT) without BFR provided greater improvements in strength and a similar increase in muscle mass compared to light-intensity resistance training (LI-RT) with BFR. Current evidence suggests that LI-RT and/or aerobic training with BFR improves strength and increases muscle mass in older people. Light-intensity training without BFR would normally not obtain such benefits. Therefore, LI-RT and aerobic training with BFR is an alternative to traditional methods to improve strength and by way of an increase in muscle mass, which are important in the elderly who have progressive muscle atrophy and are at higher risk of falls.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic inflammation plays an important role on the pathogenesis of several cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, as well as on brain function and behaviour. The aim of the present study was to examine the associations between inflammatory biomarkers and a wide range of brain health indicators (i.e., academic performance, executive function, behavioural and emotional functioning, and brain volume) in children with overweight/obesity. METHODS: A total of 107 children (10.0 ± 1.1 years, 41% girls) from the ActiveBrains project were included in the analysis. Five inflammatory biomarkers were analysed in plasma: white blood cell (WBC) count, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Academic performance was assessed by Woodcock-Munoz Tests of Achievement. Executive function was assessed through the Design Fluency Test for cognitive flexibility, the Stroop test for cognitive inhibition, and the Delayed Non-Match-to-Sample task for working memory. Behavioural and emotional functioning was evaluated through the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC) questionnaire. Total and regional brain volume was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: IL-6 was inversely associated with adaptive skills (beta = -0.228; p = 0.030), while TNF-alpha was related to mathematics (beta = -0.198; p = 0.034). In addition, CRP was positively associated with externalizing (beta = 0.246; p = 0.046) and internalizing problems (beta = 0.234; p = 0.039), as well as the behavioural symptoms index (beta = 0.236; p = 0.047). However, these significant associations disappeared after multiple comparisons correction. Inflammatory biomarkers were not associated with executive function and total brain volumes. Regarding regional brain analyses, WBC was positively associated with gray matter volume in the left middle temporal gyrus (beta = 0.387; p

The present study was developed within the GESTAFIT project framework, which is part of a Virginia A. Aparicio fellowship approved by the Andalucia Talent-Hub Program and co-funded by the European Union's Seventh Framework Program, Marie Sk >> odowska-Curie actions (COFUND - Grant Agreement No.291780). This study was also partially funded by the Ministry of Health of the Junta de Andalucia (PI-03952016) and the University of Granada, Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES). Maria Rodriguez-Ayllon was supported by the Research Initiation Grants for Master's Degree Students. Irene Coll-Risco and Milkana Borges-Cosic were supported by the Spanish Ministry of Education (Grant No. FPU14/02518 and Grant No. FPU13/01993, respectively). Fernando Estevez-Lopez was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Grant No. BES-2014067612). We are grateful to Ms. Carmen Sainz Quinn for English-language assistance., Purpose: This study was aimed to analyze the associations of objectively measured physical activity (PA), sedentary time, and physical fitness with mental health in the early second trimester (16 +/- 2 gestational weeks) of pregnancy. Methods: From 229 women initially contacted, 124 pregnant women participated in the present cross-sectional study. Data were collected between November 2015 and March 2017. The participants wore Actigraph GT3X+ Triaxial accelerometers for 9 consecutive days to objectively measure their PA levels and sedentary time. A performance-based test battery was used to measure physical fitness. Self-report questionnaires assessed psychological ill-being (i.e., negative affect, anxiety, and depression), and psychological well-being (i.e., emotional intelligence, resilience, and positive affect). Linear regression analyses were adjusted for age, educational level, accelerometer wear time, miscarriages, and low back pain. Results: Moderate-to-vigorous PA was negatively associated with depression (beta = -0.222, adjusted R-2 = 0.050, p = 0.041). Higher levels of sedentary time were negatively associated with positive affect (beta = -0.260, adjusted R-2 = 0.085, p = 0.017). Greater upper-body flexibility was positively associated with better emotional regulation (beta = 0.195, adjusted R-2 = 0.030, p = 0.047). The remaining associations were not significant (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: An active lifestyle characterized by higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous PA and lower levels of sedentary time during pregnancy might modestly improve the mental health of pregnant women. Although previous research has focused on the benefits of cardiorespiratory exercise, the present study shows that only upper-body flexibility is related to emotional regulation in early pregnant women. If the present findings are corroborated in further experimental research, physical exercise programs should focus on enhancing flexibility to promote improvements in emotional regulation during early second-trimester of pregnancy., European Commission 291780, Ministry of Health of the Junta de Andalucia PI-03952016, University of Granada, Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES), Spanish Government FPU14/02518 FPU13/01993, Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness BES-2014067612, Research Initiation Grants for Master's Degree Students

It is known that obesity is associated with biomechanical alterations during locomotor tasks, which is considered a potential risk factor for the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSKD). However, the association of obesity with biomechanical alterations of walking in the early stages of life have not yet been systematically reviewed. Thus, this review aims to summarize the biomechanical characteristics of walking in children and adolescents with overweight/obesity (OW/OB) versus their normal-weight (NW) counterparts. PubMed and Web of Science were systematically searched until November 2018. We found strong and moderate evidence supporting biomechanical differences in the gait pattern of OW/OB with respect to NW. Based on strong evidence, the gait patterns of OW/OB present greater pelvis transversal plane motion, higher hip internal rotation, higher hip flexion, extension and abduction moments and power generation/absorption, greater knee abduction/adduction motion, and higher knee abduction/adduction moments and power generation/absorption. Based on moderate evidence, OW/OB walk with greater step width, longer stance phase, higher tibiofemoral contact forces, higher ankle plantarflexion moments and power generation, and greater gastrocnemius and soleus activation/forces. These biomechanical alterations during walking in OW/OB could play a major role in the onset and progression of MSKD. ispartof: OBESITY REVIEWS vol:20 issue:7 pages:1033-1044 ispartof: location:England status: published

ObjectiveTo analyze 1) the independent association of physical fitness, positive affect, and negative affect with the different dimensions of fatigue (general fatigue, physical fatigue, reduced activity, reduced motivation, and mental fatigue) and 2) whether the interactions of physical fitness, positive affect, and negative affect were associated with fatigue over and above the independent association.DesignCross-sectional study in 420 women with fibromyalgia.SettingFibromyalgia associations from southern Spain.MethodsPhysical fitness was measured by performance-based tests, and questionnaires were used to measure positive affect, negative affect, and different dimensions of fatigue (general fatigue, physical fatigue, reduced activity, reduced motivation, and mental fatigue). Age, body mass index, and current pain level were included as potential confounders in all analyses.ResultsPhysical fitness was independently associated with general fatigue, physical fatigue, and reduced activity (all P ≤ 0.02). Positive affect was independently associated with all fatigue dimensions (all P ConclusionsIn women with fibromyalgia, positive affect was independently and consistently associated with all dimensions of fatigue. The combination of higher levels of overall physical fitness and positive affect might serve as a buffer against general and physical fatigue in women with fibromyalgia.

Background: To prevent and reduce age-related brain changes, it is crucial to identify modifiable factors that might contribute to preserving brain health during aging. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the bidirectional associations of physical activity with brain structure in middle-aged and elderly individuals. Methods: Overall, 4,365 participants (64.01±10.82 years; 56% females) from the Rotterdam Study had physical activity and brain structure assessed on at least one of two timepoints (‘baseline’: 2006-2012 or ‘follow-up’: 2012-2017, median duration between visits: 5 years). Physical activity was assessed through the LASA Physical Activity Questionnaire. T1-weighted MRI and diffusion tensor imaging were used to quantify brain volumes and white matter microstructure, respectively. Cross-lagged panel models were performed to estimate bidirectional associations, and linear mixed-effects models to investigate the consistency of findings. False discovery rate (FDR) was used to correct for multiple testing. Findings: Larger total brain volume (β = 0.067, 95%CI 0.035;0.099, pFDR=0.001), gray matter volume (β= 0.063, 0.031;0.096, pFDR=0.002), and white matter volume (β= 0.051, 0.020;0.083, pFDR=0.013) were associated with an increase in sport participation over time. Lower global mean diffusivity was associated with an increase in walking levels over time (β= -0.074, -0.111;-0.037, pFDR=0.001). No associations were found between physical activity and changes in brain metrics over time. Interpretation: Physical activity was not associated with a healthier brain structure over time in elderly individuals. In contrast, brain structure was associated with individuals remaining physically active over time. Funding: Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, and Netherlands Organization for the Health Research and Development. Declaration of Interests: We declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: The Rotterdam Study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Erasmus MC (registration number MEC 02.1015) and by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (Population Screening Act WBO, license number 1071272-159521-PG). The Rotterdam Study Personal Registration Data collection is filed with the Erasmus MC Data Protection Officer under registration number EMC1712001. Trial Registration: The Rotterdam Study has been registered at the Netherlands National Trial Register (NTR; www.trialregister.nl) and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP; www.who.int/ictrp/network/primary/en/) under shared catalogue number NTR6831.

IntroductionPersistent psychiatric symptomatology during childhood and adolescence predicts vulnerability to experience mental illness in adulthood. Physical activity is well-known to provide mental health benefits across the lifespan. However, the underlying mechanisms linking physical activity and psychiatric symptoms remain underexplored. In this context, we aim to systematically synthesise evidence focused on the mechanisms through which physical activity might reduce psychiatric symptoms across all ages.Methods and analysisWith the aid of a biomedical information specialist, we will develop a systematic search strategy based on the predetermined research question in the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane and PsycINFO. Two independent reviewers will screen and select studies, extract data and assess the risk of bias. In case of inability to reach a consensus, a third person will be consulted. We will not apply any language restriction, and we will perform a qualitative synthesis of our findings as we anticipate that studies are scarce and heterogeneous.Ethics and disseminationOnly data that have already been published will be included. Then, ethical approval is not required. Findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences. Additionally, we will communicate our findings to healthcare providers and other sections of society (eg, through regular channels, including social media).PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021239440.

Molina-Garcia, P, Mora-Gonzalez, J, Migueles, JH, Rodriguez-Ayllon, M, Esteban-Cornejo, I, Cadenas-Sanchez, C, Plaza-Florido, A, Gil-Cosano, JJ, Pelaez-Perez, MA, Garcia-Delgado, G, Vanrenterghem, J, and Ortega, FB. Effects of exercise on body posture, functional movement, and physical fitness in children with overweight/obesity. J Strength Cond Res 34(8): 2146-2155, 2020-This study aims to analyze whether a 13-week exercise program based on "movement quality" and "multi-games" can lead to simultaneous benefits to body posture, fundamental movements, and physical fitness of children with overweight/obesity. A total of 64 children (10.9 ± 1.3 years, 25.9 ± 3.8 kg·m, 38 girls and 26 boys) with overweight/obesity were assigned either to a 13-week exercise-based intervention group (IG) (n = 33) or to a control group (CG) (n = 31). Subjects underwent assessments of basic anthropometry (body mass and height), body posture (2-dimensional photogrammetry), fundamental movements (Functional Movement Screen), and physical fitness (1 repetition maximum [1RM] arm and leg press, and ALPHA test battery). After the exercise program, the IG reduced lower limb angle (high effect size: -0.82 SDs; p = 0.001) and plumb-tragus distance (low effect: -0.43 SDs; p = 0.002) in the sagittal plane and increased lower limb angle in the frontal plane (high effect: 0.82 SDs; p = 0.003) compared with the CG. The IG improved their performance in deep squat (p = 0.004), active straight leg raise (p < 0.001), 1RM arm (low effect: 0.46 SDs; p = 0.002), handgrip strength (medium effect: 0.53 SDs; p < 0.001), and standing long jump (medium effect: 0.59 SDs; p = 0.003), all compared with the CG. In conclusion, children with overweight/obesity who participated in our 13-week exercise program developed a better alignment of the head and lower limb, improved their performance in fundamental movements, and experienced global muscular strength gains compared with the peers who continued with their usual lives. Among other potential implications, these improvements could contribute to the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders associated with childhood obesity and could increase adherence by positioning these children in a better physical status to keep practicing exercise. ispartof: JOURNAL OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH vol:34 issue:8 pages:2146-2155 ispartof: location:United States status: published

The present study aims (i) to examine the association of physical fitness components (i.e., cardiorespiratory fitness, speed-agility, and muscular fitness) with brain current source density during working memory; and (ii) to examine whether fitness-related current density was associated to working memory performance and academic achievement. Eighty-five children with overweight/obesity aged 8-11 years participated in this cross-sectional study. Physical fitness components were assessed using the ALPHA test battery. Electroencephalography recordings were performed during a Delayed Non-Match-to-Sample task that assessed working memory. Brain source analysis was carried out using sLORETA to estimate regional current source density differences between high and low (H-L) working memory loads. Academic achievement was measured by the Spanish version of the Woodcock-Johnson III test battery. The main results showed that higher cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with higher H-L current density differences in frontal, limbic, and occipital regions during encoding and maintenance task's phases (β≥0.412, p ≤ 0.019). A limbic area was further related to better working memory performance (β=0.267, p = 0.005). During retrieval, higher cardiorespiratory fitness was also associated with higher current density in temporal regions (β=0.265, p = 0.013), whereas lower muscular fitness was associated with higher current density in frontal regions (β=-0.261, p = 0.016). Our results suggest that cardiorespiratory fitness, but not speed-agility nor muscular fitness, is positively associated with brain current source density during working memory processes in children with overweight/obesity. Fitness-related current density differences in limbic regions were associated with better working memory.

Resistance training (RT) is a powerful first-line intervention for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Nonetheless, the effects of the most frequent RT (hypertrophy training [HT] and muscular endurance training [MERT]) employed for the management of T2DM, and which type of RT might exert superior effects, remain elusive. Thus, this review aims to assess the effects of HT and MERT on glycaemic control, physical fitness, body composition, lipid profile, blood pressure, C-reactive protein, and quality of life in patients with T2DM; to analyse which particular RT is more effective; to assess the effects of general RT; and to identify RT components, characteristics of patients, and medications that could mediate the effects of RT. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) and non-RCT (RT≥ 4 weeks) in adults with T2DM were selected. Both HT and MERT improved HbA1c, insulin levels and sensitivity, muscle strength, body mass index, waist circumference, and fat mass. Additionally, HT improved glucose, cardiorespiratory fitness, fat percentage, lean body mass, lipid profile, systolic blood pressure, and C-reactive protein, and MERT improved weight. Overall, HT and MERT exert beneficial effects well comparable with aerobic training. Both types of RT can be used as potent therapeutic interventions for the management of T2DM depending on patients' limitations/preferences.

Physical fitness is a modifiable factor associated with enhanced brain health during childhood. To our knowledge, the present study is the first to examine: (i) whether physical fitness components (i.e., cardiorespiratory, motor and muscular fitness) are associated with resting state functional connectivity of hippocampal seeds to different cortical regions in children with overweight/obesity, and (ii) whether resting state hippocampal functional connectivity is coupled with better academic performance.In this cross-sectional study, a total of 99 children with overweight/obesity aged 8-11 years were recruited from Granada, Spain (November 2014 to February 2016). The physical fitness components were assessed following the ALPHA health-related fitness test battery. T1-weighted and resting-state fMRI images were acquired with a 3.0 Tesla Siemens Magnetom Tim Trio system. Academic performance was assessed by the Woodcock-Muñoz standardized test. Hippocampal seed-based procedures with post-hoc regression analyses were performed.In the fully adjusted models, cardiorespiratory fitness was independently associated with greater hippocampal connectivity between anterior hippocampus and frontal regions (β ranging from 0.423 to 0.424, p 0.001). Motor fitness was independently associated with diminished hippocampal connectivity between posterior hippocampus and frontal regions (β ranging from -0.583 to -0.694, p 0.001). However, muscular fitness was not independently associated with hippocampal functional connectivity. Positive resting state hippocampal functional connectivity was related to better written expression (β ranging from 0.209 to 0.245; p 0.05).Physical fitness components may associate with functional connectivity between hippocampal subregions and frontal regions, independent of hippocampal volume, in children with overweight/obesity. Particularly, cardiorespiratory fitness may enhance anterior hippocampal functional connectivity and motor fitness may diminish posterior hippocampal functional connectivity. In addition, resting state hippocampal functional connectivity may relate to better written expression.

Whereas numerous studies have investigated the relationship of cardiorespiratory fitness with inhibition and neuroelectric activity, the role of other physical fitness components and physical activity (PA) intensities in this relationship remain unclear, especially in children with obesity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the association of physical fitness, PA, and sedentary time with inhibitory control and neuroelectric activity in children. Eighty-four children (8-11 years) with overweight or obesity performed the ALPHA battery to assess their physical fitness components (i.e., muscular strength, speed-agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness). PA and sedentary time were assessed from hip and nondominant wrist-worn accelerometers. Inhibitory control was evaluated using a flanker task, and expressed as reaction time (RT) and response accuracy. P3 amplitude and latency were recorded using electroencephalography. Higher speed-agility and cardiorespiratory fitness were associated with shorter RT and larger P3 amplitude on incongruent trials. Higher speed-agility was associated with shorter RT on congruent trials. Hip-assessed moderate and moderate-to-vigorous PA were associated with longer P3 latency across trials, and vigorous PA with larger P3 amplitude on incongruent trials. Our results provide initial evidence suggesting that not only cardiorespiratory fitness, but also speed-agility, are associated with inhibitory control and P3 amplitude, whereas no significant associations were observed for muscular strength. The associations between PA (moderate, vigorous and moderate to-vigorous) and neuroelectric activity were accelerometer location-dependent. Promoting PA programs that enhance the cardiorespiratory fitness and speed-agility will contribute to better understanding whether such health improvements benefit inhibitory control in youth with overweight or obesity.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of a 13-wk exercise program, based on "movement quality" and "multigames" work, on plantar pressure during walking in children with overweight/obesity (OW/OB). METHOD: Seventy children (10.8 ± 1.2 yr, 58.5% girls) with OW/OB, as defined by the World Obesity Federation, were assigned to either a 13-wk exercise program (intervention group [EG]; n = 39), or to a usual lifestyle control group (CG) (n = 31). Children underwent assessments of basic anthropometry (weight and height) and plantar pressure during walking before and after the intervention period, recording plantar surface area (cm), maximum force (N), and force-time integrals (N·s). RESULTS: After the 13-wk intervention period, the EG participants showed no significant change in total plantar surface area, while the CG participants experienced an increase in this variable (small effect size, -2.5 SD; P = 0.015). Compared with the GC participants, the EG participants showed a greater increase in the maximum force supported beneath the forefoot during walking at the end of the intervention period (small effect size, 0.33 SD; P = 0.012), specifically under the lateral and medial forefoot (both P < 0.05). Force-time changed similarly in both groups by the end of the intervention period (all regions P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest the exercise program led to positive structural and functional changes in plantar pressure during walking. The increase in maximum force supported by the forefoot in the EG children might indicate a change toward a more normal foot rollover pattern and a more adult gait. ispartof: MEDICINE AND SCIENCE IN SPORTS AND EXERCISE vol:52 issue:3 pages:654-662 ispartof: location:United States status: published

BACKGROUND Children with overweight/obesity have poorer sleep and smaller gray matter volume (GMV) than normal-weight children. No studies have investigated the associations of objectively-assessed sleep and GMV in children with overweight/obesity, or their implications for academic and cognitive outcomes. OBJECTIVES To explore the associations of sleep behaviors with GMV in the whole brain and particularly the hippocampus as a region of interest independent of sedentary time (SED) and physical activity; and to assess whether GMV in the associated regions was related to academic achievement, executive function and intelligence quotient (IQ). METHODS Ninety-six children with overweight/obesity (10 ± 1 year) were included. Sleep behaviors were assessed with accelerometers. GMV was acquired by magnetic resonance imaging. Academic achievement, executive function and IQ were assessed with separate tests. Analyses were adjusted for sex, peak height velocity and parent education as well as SED and physical activity. RESULTS Earlier wake time, less time in bed, wakening after sleep onset (WASO) and WASO occurrences were associated with higher GMV in eight cortical brain regions (k:56-448, P's

Supported by the Health and Social Care Public Health Agency, Northern Ireland (STL/5268/16 to C.H. and J.G.M.). F.E.-L. received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant (agreement no. 707404). The funders of the present study did not have any role in the study design, data collection and analyses, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. F.E.-L. is the guarantor of the review., Objectives: To determine the effects of exercise on fatigue and sleep quality in fibromyalgia (primary aim) and to identify which type of exercise is the most effective in achieving these outcomes (secondary aim). Data Sources: PubMed and Web of Science were searched from inception until October 18, 2018. Study Selection: Eligible studies contained information on population (fibromyalgia), intervention (exercise), and outcomes (fatigue or sleep). Randomized controlled trials (RCT) testing the effectiveness of exercise compared with usual care and randomized trials (RT) comparing the effectiveness of 2 different exercise interventions were included for the primary and secondary aims of the present review, respectively. Two independent researchers performed the search, screening, and final eligibility of the articles. Of 696 studies identified, 17 RCTs (n=1003) were included for fatigue and 12 RCTs (n=731) for sleep. Furthermore, 21 RTs compared the effectiveness of different exercise interventions (n=1254). Data Extraction: Two independent researchers extracted the key information from each eligible study. Data Synthesis: Separate random-effect meta-analyses were performed to examine the effects from RCTs and from RTs (primary and secondary aims). Standardized mean differences (SMD) effect sizes were calculated using Hedges' adjusted g. Effect sizes of 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 were considered small, moderate, and large. Compared with usual care, exercise had moderate effects on fatigue and a small effect on sleep quality (SMD, -0.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.67 to -0.27; P, Health and Social Care Public Health Agency, Northern Ireland STL/5268/16, European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant 707404

Recent studies investigated the association of cardiorespiratory ftness with white matter microstructure in children, yet little work has explored to what extent other components of physical ftness (i.e., muscular or motor ftness) are associated with white matter microstructure. Indeed, this association has not been previously explored in children with overweight/obesity who present a diferent white matter development. Therefore, we aimed to examine associations between physical ftness components and white matter microstructure in children with overweight/obesity. In total, 104 (10.04 ± 1.15 years old; 43 girls) children were included in this cross-sectional study. Physical ftness was assessed using the ALPHA-ftness test battery. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean difusivity were derived from difusion tensor imaging (DTI). No association was found between physical ftness and global DTI metrics (all P> 0.082). Within individual tracts, all associations became non-signifcant when analyses were adjusted for multiple comparisons. Using the voxel-wise approach, we identifed a small cluster in the left lateral frontal lobe where children with greater upper-body muscular ftness showed higher FA (PFWE-corrected = 0.042). Although our results cannot conclude physical ftness is related to white matter microstructure in children with overweight/obesity; those fndings indicate that the association of muscular ftness with white matter microstructure might be more focal on frontal areas of the brain, as opposed to global diferences., Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness DEP2013-47540 DEP2016-79512-R DEP2017-91544-EXP RTI2018-095284-J-100, European Union (EU), European Commission Joint Research Centre 667302, Alicia Koplowitz Foundation, University of Granada, Research and Knowledge Transfer Fund (PPIT) 2016, Excellence Actions Programme: Units of Excellence, Scientific Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES), Andalusian Regional Government, Regional Ministry of Economy, Knowledge, Entreprises and University, European Union (EU) SOMM17/6107/UGR, SAMID III network, RETICS - PN I+D+I 2017-2021 (Spain), Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport FPU14/06837 FPU 16/02760, Government of Andalusian, Integrated Territorial Initiative 2014-2020 for the province of Cadiz PI-0002-2017, Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities FJCI-2017-33396

The authors would like to thank all the participants who volunteered for this investigation. This work is the part of a Ph.D. Thesis conducted in the Biomedicine Doctoral Studies of the University of Granada, Spain., The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2019.00895/full#supplementary-material, Background: Heart rate variability (HRV) is negatively associated with body mass index and adiposity in several populations. However, less information is available about this association in children with overweight and obesity, especially severe/morbid obesity, taking into consideration the dependence of HRV on heart rate (HR). Objectives: (1) to examine associations between body composition measures and HRV, (2) to study differences in HRV between children with overweight and severe/morbid obesity; and (3) to test whether relationships and differences tested in objectives 1 and 2, respectively are explained by the dependency of HRV on HR. Methods: A total of 107 children with overweight/obesity (58% boys, 10.03 ± 1.13 years) participated in this study. Body composition measures were evaluated by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). HRV parameters were measured with Polar RS800CX®. Results: Body composition measures were negatively associated with HRV indicators of parasympathetic activity (β values ranging from −0.207 to −0.307, all p < 0.05). Children with severe/morbid obesity presented lower HRV values with respect to children with overweight/mild obesity in HRV parameters indicators of parasympathetic activity (p = 0.035). All associations disappeared after further adjustment for HR (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: All associations between adiposity/obesity and HRV could be explained by HR, suggesting a key confounding role of HR in HRV studies in children with weight disturbances., This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Reference DEP2013-47540 and DEP2016-79512-R). CC-S was supported by a grant from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (BES-2014-068829). AP-F, JM, and JM-G were supported by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport (FPU 16/02760, FPU15/02645, and FPU14/06837, respectively). IE-C was supported by a grant from the Alicia Koplowitz Foundation and for the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (IJCI-2017-33642). MR-A was supported by the National Operational Programme on Youth Employment. Additional support was obtained from the Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES) and EXERNET Research Network on Exercise and Health in Special Populations (DEP2005-00046/ACTI). This work was partially funded by the University of Granada, Plan Propio de Investigación 2016, Excellence actions: Units of Excellence; Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES), and by the Junta de Andalucía, Consejería de Conocimiento, Investigación y Universidades and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), ref. SOMM17/6107/UGR.

Background Non-pharmacological interventions are the mainstay of treatment for fibromyalgia, however, current evidence-based guidelines report that the only therapy supported by ‘strong for’ evidence is exercise intervention for pain in fibromyalgia [1]. While increased fatigue and poor sleep quality are among the most burdensome symptoms in fibromyalgia, there remains limited evidence for the effectiveness of exercise in the management of these symptoms [2,3] Objectives To determine the effectiveness of exercise in the management of fatigue and sleep quality in fibromyalgia. Methods A systematic search was conducted using PubMed and Web of Science in October 2018 (Prospero Registration No. CRD42018118005). Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials (RCT) including adults with fibromyalgia (population), who received exercise (intervention) compared to usual care (comparator). Outcomes of interest were fatigue and/or sleep quality. No restrictions were applied for language nor for publication date. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted. The Cochrane Collaboration’s tool was used for assessing risk of bias in the included studies. The quality of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. Results Twenty RCTs were included, 17 included measures of fatigue (n=1003) and 12 measures of sleep quality (n=731). In comparison to usual care, exercise had beneficial effects on fatigue (Figure 1, P Conclusion According to the GRADE framework, this review provides low-to-moderate quality evidence that exercise is moderately effective for improving fatigue, and moderate evidence of no/meaningless effects of exercise to improve sleep quality. Further high quality RCTs are required to determine the effectiveness of exercise on fatigue, and in particular, sleep quality in fibromyalgia References [1] Macfarlane GJ, et al. Ann Rheum Dis2017;76:318–28. Doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-209724 [2] Bidonde J, et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017;2017. Jun 21;6:CD012700 doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012700 [3] Busch AJ, et al. Cochrane database Syst Rev 2013;:CD010884. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010884 Analyses were conducted using a random effects model. CI, Confidence Interval; df, degrees of freedom; Std, Standardised; SD, Standard Deviation; IV, Inverse Variance; Co-, Co-intervention (Photo, phototherapy; edu, education); C, Cardiorespiratory exercise; F, flexibility exercise; S, Strength training; TC, Tai Chi; QG, Quigong; Y, Yoga; L- and W-B, land- and water-based exercise, respectively. Acknowledgement This study was funded by the Health and Social Care Public Health Agency, Northern Ireland (STL/5268/16) and the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (BES-2014-067612) Disclosure of Interests None declared

The authors would like to thank all the participants who volunteered for this investigation. This work is part of a Ph.D. thesis conducted in the Biomedicine Doctoral Studies of the University of Granada, Spain., The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2019.00510/full#supplementary-material, Cardiac autonomic function can be quantified through mean heart rate (HR) or heart rate variability (HRV). Numerous studies have supported the utility of different HRV parameters as indicators of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). However, HR has recently shown to be a stronger predictor of CRF than HRV in healthy young adults, yet these findings need to be replicated, in other age groups such as children. Therefore, this study aimed: (1) to study the associations between indicators of cardiac autonomic function (HR, standard and corrected HRV parameters) and CRF in overweight/obese children; and (2) to test which of the two indicators (i.e., HR or HRV) is a stronger predictor of CRF. This study used cross-sectional baseline data of 107 overweight/obese children (10.03 ± 1.13 years, 58% boys) from the ActiveBrains project. Cardiac autonomic indicators were measured with Polar RS800CX®. CRF was assessed using a gas analyzer while performing a maximal incremental treadmill test. Correlations and stepwise linear regressions were performed. Mean HR and standard HRV parameters (i.e., pNN50, RMSSD, and SDNN) were associated with CRF (r coefficients ranging from -0.333 to 0.268; all p ≤ 0.05). The association of HR with CRF persisted after adjusting for sex, peak height velocity (PHV), adiposity moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, energy intake and circadian-related variable intradaily variability of activity patterns whilst for HRV parameters (i.e., pNN50, RMSSD, and SDNN) disappeared. Stepwise linear regression models entering HR and all HRV parameters showed that mean HR was the strongest predictor of CRF (β = -0.333, R2 = 0.111, p < 0.001). Standard and corrected HRV parameters did not provide additional value to the coefficient of determination (all p > 0.05). Our findings suggest that HR is the strongest indicator of CRF. It seems that quantification of HRV parameters in time and frequency domain do not add relevant clinical information about the cardiovascular health status (as measured by CRF) in overweight/obese children beyond the information already provided by the simple measure of HR., The project was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Reference DEP2013-47540 and DEP2016-79512-R). CC-S is supported by a grant from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (BES-2014-068829). AP-F, JM, and JM-G are supported by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport (FPU 16/02760, FPU15/02645 and FPU14/06837; respectively). IE-C is supported by a grant from the Alicia Koplowitz Foundation. MR-A is supported by the National Operational Programme on Youth Employment. PS-U was supported by a grant from CONICYT/BECAS Chile/72180543. Additional support was obtained from Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES) and EXERNET Research Network on Exercise and Health in Special Populations (DEP2005-00046/ACTI). This study has been partially funded by the University of Granada, Plan Propio de Investigación 2016, Excellence actions: Units of Excellence; Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES), and by the Junta de Andalucía, Consejería de Conocimiento, Investigación y Universidades and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), ref. SOMM17/6107/UGR.

Evidence suggests that participation in physical activity may support young people’s current and future mental health. Although previous reviews have examined the relationship between physical activity and a range of mental health outcomes in children and adolescents, due to the large increase in published studies there is a need for an update and quantitative synthesis of effects. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of physical activity interventions on mental health outcomes by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis, and to systematically synthesize the observational evidence (both longitudinal and cross-sectional studies) regarding the associations between physical activity and sedentary behavior and mental health in preschoolers (2–5 years of age), children (6–11 years of age) and adolescents (12–18 years of age). A systematic search of the PubMed and Web of Science electronic databases was performed from January 2013 to April 2018, by two independent researchers. Meta-analyses were performed to examine the effect of physical activity on mental health outcomes in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs (i.e. quasi-experimental studies). A narrative synthesis of observational studies was conducted. Studies were included if they included physical activity or sedentary behavior data and at least one psychological ill-being (i.e. depression, anxiety, stress or negative affect) or psychological well-being (i.e. self-esteem, self-concept, self-efficacy, self-image, positive affect, optimism, happiness and satisfaction with life) outcome in preschoolers, children or adolescents. A total of 114 original articles met all the eligibility criteria and were included in the review (4 RCTs, 14 non-RCTs, 28 prospective longitudinal studies and 68 cross-sectional studies). Of the 18 intervention studies, 12 (3 RCTs and 9 non-RCTs) were included in the meta-analysis. There was a small but significant overall effect of physical activity on mental health in children and adolescents aged 6–18 years (effect size 0.173, 95% confidence interval 0.106–0.239, p

This study aimed to investigate the independent and combined associations between several fatness indicators and fitness components with functional movement quality in overweight/obese children. A total of 56 children (33 girls, aged 8-12) classified as overweight/obese according to the World Obesity Federation standard cut points, participated in this study. Participants underwent assessments of fatness [body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and bioelectrical impedance measures], fitness [1 repetition maximum bench and leg press, and ALPHA test battery], and functional movement quality [4 tests from Functional Movement Screen TM (FMS)]. All fatness outcomes, except waist circumference, were negatively associated with total FMS score, after controlling for cardiorespiratory fitness. Cardiorespiratory fitness, lower limbs muscle strength, and speed-agility were positively associated with the total FMS score, regardless of BMI. Our results suggest that children with greater fatness indicators demonstrate lower functional movement quality independently of their fitness level, whereas children with better fitness level (i.e. cardiorespiratory fitness, lower limbs muscular strength, and speed-agility) demonstrate greater functional movement quality independently of their fatness level. However, children´s weight status seems to be more determinant than their fitness level in terms of functional movement quality, whereas being fit seems to moderately attenuate the negative influence of fatness. ispartof: JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCES vol:37 issue:8 pages:878-885 ispartof: location:England status: published

Childhood and adolescence are particularly sensitive periods during which environmental factors may influence individuals’ present and future mental health. A large and increasing number of studies have demonstrated that engaging in physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour may enhance young people’s mental health. However, updating and quantifying the current evidence is needed. Thereby, this chapter systematically reviews the available literature in order to (1) provide an updated synthesis of the literature in physical activity, sedentary behaviour and mental health in young people, (2) identify gaps in knowledge and (3) suggest directions for future research. From our review, a small but significant positive effect of physical activity on mental health among youths emerged. Furthermore, increased levels of sedentary behaviour, particularly excessive screen time (i.e. beyond 2 h/day in recreational time), were associated with poor mental health among young people. However, more studies are needed to better understand the specific mechanisms responsible for the effect of physical activity and sedentary behaviour on mental health in young people. The output from this chapter may assist in the development of evidence-based physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines for children and adolescents to enhance health and well-being.

We investigated the associations of different sedentary behaviors (SB) with gray matter volume and we tested whether SB related to gray matter volume is associated with intelligence. Methods: 99 children with overweight or obesity aged 8&ndash, 11 years participated in this cross-sectional study. SB was measured using the Youth Activity Profile-Spain questionnaire. T1-weighted images were acquired with a 3.0 T Magnetom Tim Trio system. Intelligence was assessed with the Kaufman Brief Test. Whole-brain voxel-wise multiple regression models were used to test the associations of each SB with gray matter volume. Results: Watching TV was associated with lower gray matter volume in six brain regions (&beta, ranging &minus, 0.314 to &minus, 0.489 and cluster size 106 to 323 voxels, p &lt, 0.001), playing video games in three brain regions (&beta, 0.391 to &minus, 0.359, and cluster size 96 to 461 voxels, 0.001) and total sedentary time in two brain regions (&beta, 0.341 to &minus, 0.352, and cluster size 897 to 2455 voxels, 0.001). No brain regions showed a significant positive association (all p &gt, 0.05). Two brain regions were related, or borderline related, to intelligence. Conclusions: SB could have the potential to negatively influence brain structure and, in turn, intelligence in children with overweight/obesity.

The aim of the present study was to examine the associations of physical fitness, sedentary time, and physical activity (PA) with working memory and neuroelectric activity in children with overweight/obesity. Seventy-nine children with overweight/obesity (10.2 ± 1.1 years old) participated in this cross-sectional study. We assessed physical fitness components (ie, muscular strength, speed agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness) using the ALPHA battery. Sedentary time and PA were assessed by GT3X+accelerometers (ActiGraph). Working memory was assessed using the delayed non-matched-to-sample task; mean reaction time (RT) and response accuracy were registered. Neuroelectric activity (ie, P3 amplitude and latency) was registered using the ActiveTwo System of BioSemi electroencephalogram. Higher upper-limb absolute strength was associated with lower response accuracy (P = 0.023), while higher lower-limb relative-to-weight strength was associated with larger P3 amplitude (P < 0.05). Higher speed agility and cardiorespiratory fitness levels were associated with shorter mean RT and larger P3 amplitude, and speed agility was also associated with shorter P3 latency (all P < 0.05). Vigorous PA was associated with larger P3 amplitude (P < 0.05). No associations were found for sedentary time or the rest of PA intensities (P ≥ 0.05). In addition to cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and speed agility are also associated with working memory and neuroelectric activity in children with overweight/obesity. The association between PA and working memory is intensity-dependent, as significant findings were only observed for vigorous PA. Randomized controlled trials in this population would help to better understand whether improvements in different components of fitness and PA lead to better working memory and underlying brain function.

To examine the associations of physical fitness and physical activity with executive function in children with overweight and obesity.A cross-sectional study involving 100 children with overweight and obesity (10.1 ± 1.1 years old; 58.0% boys). We assessed physical fitness components (ie, muscular strength, speed-agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness) using the ALPHA battery, and physical activity and sedentary time by accelerometry. Cognitive flexibility was measured by the Design Fluency Test and Trail Making Test, inhibition by the Stroop test, and planning ability by the Zoo Map Test.Handgrip strength was positively associated with planning ability (P = .025). Speed-agility was positively related to cognitive flexibility and inhibition (P .05). Cardiorespiratory fitness and an overall fitness Z-score were positively associated with indicators of cognitive flexibility (P .05). No associations were found for physical activity and sedentary time with executive function (P ≥ .05).Muscular strength, speed agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with executive function in children with overweight and obesity. Cognitive flexibility seems to be more robustly associated with all fitness components, whereas planning ability and inhibition might depend on the component analyzed. The positive associations found in the present study in children with overweight and obesity call for more exercise-based randomized controlled trials in this population.

This study aimed to compare estimations of sedentary time (SED) and time spent in physical activity (PA) intensities in children with overweight/obesity across different age-appropriate cut-points based on different body-worn attachment sites and acceleration metrics. A total of 104 overweight/obese children (10.1 ± 1.1 years old, 43 girls) concurrently wore ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers on their right hip and non-dominant wrist for 7 days (24 hours). Euclidean norm -1 g (ENMO) and activity counts from both vertical axis (VACounts) and vector magnitude (VMCounts) were derived. We calculated estimates of SED and light, moderate, vigorous, and moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA) intensity PA using different published cut-points for children. The prevalence of children meeting the recommended 60 min/d of MVPA was calculated. The time spent in SED and the different PA intensities largely differed across cut-points based on different attachment sites and acceleration metrics (ie, SED = 11-252 min/d; light PA = 10-217 min/d; moderate PA = 1-48 min/d; vigorous PA = 1-35 min/d; MVPA = 4-66 min/d). Consequently, the prevalence of children meeting the recommended 60 min/d of MVPA varied from 8% to 96% of the study sample. The present study provides a comprehensive comparison between available cut-points for different attachment and acceleration metrics in children. Furthermore, our data clearly show that it is not possible (and probably will never be) to know the prevalence of meeting the PA guidelines based on accelerometer data since apparent differences range from almost zero to nearly everyone meeting the guidelines.

Cortical thickness and surface area are thought to be genetically unrelated and shaped by independent neurobiological events suggesting that they should be considered separately in morphometric analyses. Although the developmental trajectories of cortical thickness and surface area may differ across brain regions and ages, there is no consensus regarding the relationships of physical fitness with cortical thickness and surface area as well as for its subsequent influence on intelligence. Thus, this study examines: (i) the associations of physical fitness components (i.e., cardiorespiratory fitness, speed-agility and muscular fitness) with overall and regional cortical thickness and surface area; (ii) whether body composition indicators (i.e., body mass index, fat-free mass index and fat mass index) mediate these associations; and (iii) the association of physical fitness and cortical thickness with intelligence in overweight/obese children. A total of 101 overweight/obese children aged 8–11 years were recruited in Granada, Spain. The physical fitness components were assessed following the ALPHA health-related fitness test battery. T1-weighted images were acquired with a 3.0 Tesla Siemens Magnetom Tim Trio system. We used FreeSurfer software version 5.3.0 to assess cortical thickness (mm) and surface area (mm2). The main results showed that cardiorespiratory fitness and speed-agility were related to overall cortical thickness (β = 0.321 and β = 0.302, respectively; both P 0.05). The associations of cardiorespiratory fitness and speed-agility with overall cortical thickness were mediated by fat mass index (56.86% & 62.28%, respectively). In conclusion, cardiorespiratory fitness and speed-agility, but not muscular fitness, are associated with overall cortical thickness, and in turn, thicker brain cortex is associated with higher intelligence in overweight/obese children. Yet, none of the three physical fitness components were related to surface area. Importantly, adiposity may hinder the benefits of cardiorespiratory fitness and speed-agility on cortical thickness. Understanding individual differences in brain morphology may have important implications for educators and policy makers who aim to determine policies and interventions to maximize academic learning and occupational success later in life.

Background: In fibromyalgia there is a discordance between performance-based (i.e., objective) and patient-reported (i.e., subjective) physical functioning (1,2). However, it is unknown whether the association of physical functioning with health outcomes is different between objective and subjective measures. Objectives: To analyse the associations of the objective and subjective dimensions of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and physical fitness with subjective well-being in women with fibromyalgia. Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study included 375 women with fibromyalgia from southern Spain. Physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and physical fitness were measured by questionnaires, accelerometers, and performance testing. Participants self-reported their levels of positive affect, negative affect, and satisfaction with life. Conservative multivariate analyses were used to analyse the association between these physical functioning measures and the assessment of affect and life satisfaction. Results: We found independent associations of the objective measures but not the subjective assessments of physical activity with positive affect and satisfaction with life (both, p 0.06) and of sedentary time with positive affect (p 0.03). Moreover, we observed consistent and independent associations of both the objective and subjective dimensions of physical fitness with all the components of subjective well-being (all, p

Early life factors may influence brain and academic outcomes later in life, especially during childhood. Here we investigate the associations of early life factors (i.e., birth weight, birth length, and breastfeeding) with gray matter volume, adjusted for body mass index and cardiorespiratory fitness, and ii) we test whether early-life factor-related differences in gray matter volume are associated with academic performance in overweight/obese children. 96 children with overweight/obesity aged 8-11 years participated. Birth weight, birth length and gestational age were collected from birth records, and breastfeeding practices were asked to parents. T1-weighted images were acquired with a 3.0 T Magnetom Tim Trio system. Academic performance was assessed with the Bateria III Woodcock-Muñoz Tests of Achievement. Whole-brain voxel-wise multiple regressions were used to test the associations of each early life factor with gray matter volume. Higher birth weight and birth length were associated with greater gray matter volume in 9 brain regions including the middle frontal gyrus, rectal gyrus, thalamus, putamen, middle temporal gyrus, lingual gyrus, middle occipital gyrus, calcarine cortex and cerebellum bilaterally (β ranging from 0.361 to 0.539, t ranging from 3.46 to 5.62 and cluster size from 82 to 4478 voxels; p 0.001); and greater duration of any breastfeeding was associated with greater gray matter volume in 3 regions including the bilateral inferior frontal gyrus and rolandic operculum (β ranging from 0.359 to 0.408, t ranging from 4.01 to 4.32 and cluster size from 64 to 171 voxels; p 0.001). No associations were found for duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Additionally, none of the gray matter regions that were associated with the early life factors were associated with academic performance (all p 0.05). Our results demonstrate that birth weight, birth length, and breastfeeding are predictive of gray matter volume of numerous brain structures that are involved in higher order cognition and emotion regulation, but how these results relate to measures of academic achievement remain a matter of speculation.