Mental Health and Physical Activity最新文献

{"title":"Physical activity and mental health: Comparing between-person and within-person associations in longitudinal analysis","authors":"Chloe Sher ,&nbsp;Cary Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.mhpa.2023.100546","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mhpa.2023.100546","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Extensive research has consistently highlighted the strong association between physical activity and mental health. But few have examined how this association may differ at the between-person and the within-person level. This longitudinal study compares how within-person and between-person changes in physical activity are associated mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic among the American population.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>We analyzed data from the Understanding Coronavirus in America (UCA) survey, a probability-based online panel of American adults. An average of more than 6000 panel members repeatedly participated across 33 waves from the start of the pandemic in March 2020 to January 2023. Measures of physical activity include 1) number of days exercised in the past week (0–7), and 2) whether gone outside to walk, hike, and exercise in the past week (0 = no, 1 = yes), capturing both the frequency and the context (e.g., outdoor) of physical activity. Mental health is indicated using the four-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4). We used multilevel Within-Between Random Effects models (REWB) that provide coefficients for both between-individual as well as within-individual associations.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>We reported three main findings. First, both within-person and between-person increases in physical activity are significantly associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression regardless of the measure. Second, between-person changes in physical activity are more strongly associated with mental health than within-person changes. Third, a large share of the between-person association (about 32%) can be attributed to structural inequalities captured by status markers such as gender, race, and SES.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Our findings indicate the value of physical activity as a mental health intervention and highlight that both between-individual inequality in physical activity, as well as within-individual changes in physical activity, should be considered. The finding of a stronger between-person association that is largely related to status markers such as gender, race, and SES can be used to develop targeted intervention and prevention strategies to improve mental health through physical activity among the most vulnerable populations.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":51589,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health and Physical Activity","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"50187486","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Physical activity interventions for young people with increased risk of problematic substance use: A systematic review including different intervention formats","authors":"Lisa Klamert ,&nbsp;Gillinder Bedi ,&nbsp;Melinda Craike ,&nbsp;Susan Kidd ,&nbsp;Michaela C. Pascoe ,&nbsp;Alexandra G. Parker","doi":"10.1016/j.mhpa.2023.100551","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mhpa.2023.100551","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>This systematic review investigates physical activity (PA) interventions for (1) reducing substance use and associated outcomes, (2) increasing physical activity, and (3) improving mental health in young people aged 12–25 years at increased risk for problematic substance use.</p></div><div><h3>Method</h3><p>Four databases (PsycINFO, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Medline) and grey literature, including hand searches, were searched (2021–2022). Non-randomized controlled or randomized controlled trials of a) multimodal or unimodal, short or long-term physical activity interventions in young people at increased risk of problematic substance use that b) investigated substance use outcomes were included. PA and mental health outcomes were explored where possible.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Sixty-one percent of the studies (k = 17/28) reported a significant improvement in outcomes related to tobacco (e.g., abstinence, cravings, withdrawal symptoms, smoking pattern), alcohol (e.g., quantity, frequency), or other substance use (e.g., frequency, quantity, recent use). Eight studies reported an increase in PA participation; two reported a beneficial effect on depression symptoms. The certainty of the evidence, i.e., the confidence in the reported effect estimates, was downgraded based on the risk of bias assessment. Findings should therefore be interpreted cautiously.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>A range of physical activity intervention formats and modalities may decrease substance use and associated outcomes and increase physical activity participation among people at risk for problematic substance use. Future research is warranted to better establish efficacy and investigate the effectiveness of implementing physical activity as part of treatment for substance use in young people.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":51589,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health and Physical Activity","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"50187526","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Interventions to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour in severe mental ill health: How effective are they?’- A systematic review","authors":"Emily Peckham ,&nbsp;Garry Tew ,&nbsp;Ben Lorimer ,&nbsp;Laura Bailey ,&nbsp;Rebecca Beeken ,&nbsp;Cindy Cooper ,&nbsp;Samantha Gascoyne ,&nbsp;Simon Gilbody ,&nbsp;Gareth Jones ,&nbsp;Katarzyna Machaczek ,&nbsp;Katie Pickering ,&nbsp;Gemma Traviss-Turner ,&nbsp;Brendon Stubbs","doi":"10.1016/j.mhpa.2023.100547","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mhpa.2023.100547","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>People with severe mental ill health experience a mortality gap of 15–20 years and one of the main reasons for this is due to preventable physical health conditions. Physical activity can reduce the risk of developing physical health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease yet people with severe mental ill health are less physically active and more sedentary than the general population.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>A systematic review was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour in people with severe mental ill health. The protocol was published with PROSPERO (CRD42021277579). Randomised controlled trials conducted in any country in any setting and published in English with an aim of increasing physical activity or reducing sedentary behaviour were included.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Eleven unique studies were identified for inclusion. Due to the variability between interventions, outcome measures, and time points, it was not possible to conduct a meta-analysis. Effect estimates suggested that three of the interventions were effective at increasing physical activity. However, the certainty of the evidence was rated as low using the GRADE approach.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The evidence on interventions to increase activity shows promise but is insufficiently robust for an intervention to be recommended in clinical guidelines. More high-quality and statistically powered trials are needed to guide best practice and policy.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":51589,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health and Physical Activity","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"50187481","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of different exercise patterns on drug craving in female methamphetamine-dependent patients: Evidence from behavior and fNIRS","authors":"Yifan Chen ,&nbsp;Xuru Wang ,&nbsp;Chenglin Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.mhpa.2023.100534","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mhpa.2023.100534","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>To explore the effects of short-term moderate-intensity cycle ergometer and aerobic calisthenics training on drug craving and brain activity.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Forty female methamphetamine (MA)-dependent patients were randomly assigned to receive 30 min of either moderate-intensity cycle ergometer or aerobic calisthenics training. Before and after exercise, drug-cue exposure task was used to assess changes in subjective drug craving, and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to assess activation of prefrontal cortex.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>After the intervention, drug craving was significantly decreased in both groups, and activation of frontal polar area (FPA) was significantly decreased in the cycle ergometer group. Functional connectivity between right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and FPA in the aerobic calisthenics group was significantly reduced. Pre-exercise levels of drug craving correlated positively with FPA activation.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Both short-term moderate-intensity cycle ergometer and aerobic calisthenics training effectively reduced subjective drug craving in female MA-dependent patients. Cycle ergometer training mainly decreased neural activity in FPA, and likely suppressed drug craving by reducing the episodic memory and pleasure experience of drug-related cues. Aerobic calisthenics training reduced functional connectivity between FPA and right DLPFC, and likely helped subjects reduce the motivation for drug-related behavior and inhibit drug craving.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":51589,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health and Physical Activity","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"50187489","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Adding web-based support to exercise referral schemes improves symptoms of depression in people with elevated depressive symptoms: A secondary analysis of the e-coachER randomised controlled trial","authors":"Jeffrey Lambert ,&nbsp;Adrian Taylor ,&nbsp;Adam Streeter ,&nbsp;Colin Greaves ,&nbsp;Wendy M. Ingram ,&nbsp;Sarah Dean ,&nbsp;Kate Jolly ,&nbsp;Nanette Mutrie ,&nbsp;Lisa Price ,&nbsp;John Campbell","doi":"10.1016/j.mhpa.2023.100535","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mhpa.2023.100535","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Exercise referral schemes (ERS) reduce depression but the additional effect on mental health from web-based behavioural support is unknown. The e-coachER trial reported no effect of augmenting usual ERS with theory-driven web-based behavioural support on moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at 12 months for patients with chronic physical and mental health conditions. The present study reports the effects of the e-coachER intervention on depression, anxiety and MVPA only among participants with elevated depressive symptoms and investigates whether these were mediated by changes in MVPA and hypothesised cognitive and behavioural processes.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Of the original 450 adults recruited into the e-coachER trial, 205 had at least mild depression, based on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and were included in the present analysis. Data collected included the HADS, accelerometer measured and self-reported MVPA and survey process measures on physical activity action planning, self-monitoring and goal reviewing, and perceived importance, confidence, competence, autonomy and support. Linear mixed models were used to compare groups for change in depression and anxiety at 4 and 12 months using intention-to-treat complete case analysis, controlling for baseline. We also examined whether changes in physical activity and process variables at 4 months mediated changes in depression and anxiety at 12 months.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Of the 205 participants, 138 (67%) provided follow-up data at four months and 126 (61%) at 12 months. For those that provided follow-up data, those randomised to e-coachER reported improved levels of depression (−1.36, 95% CI: −2.55 to −0.18) but not anxiety, or MVPA, compared with controls at four months. No differences were observed at 12 months for depression, anxiety or MVPA. Intervention effects on accelerometer-measured or self-reported MVPA did not mediate improvements in depression or anxiety. However, intervention effects on confidence, competence and self-monitoring at four months significantly mediated the reduction in depression scores at four months. Intervention effects on competence and self-monitoring at four months also significantly mediated improvements in anxiety scores at four months.</p></div><div><h3>Interpretation</h3><p>Adding web-based support to usual <span>ERS</span> leads to reductions in depression but not anxiety at four months. Changes in depression and anxiety were influenced by changing people's motivational regulations toward physical activity. The benefit of adding web-based support to usual <span>ERS</span> on mental health appears to be from increasing a sense of confidence, competence and self-monitoring rather than from increasing physical activity in people with elevated depression. ERS should focus more on strengthening motivational regulations than just doing more exercise.</p></div><div><h3>Trial registratio","PeriodicalId":51589,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health and Physical Activity","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"50187491","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigating psychosocial and behavioural mediators of the relationship between physical activity and depressive symptoms in women from socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods","authors":"Thea Baker ,&nbsp;Rhiannon White ,&nbsp;Gavin Abbott ,&nbsp;Eloise Litterbach ,&nbsp;Megan Teychenne","doi":"10.1016/j.mhpa.2023.100560","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mhpa.2023.100560","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":51589,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health and Physical Activity","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1755296623000583/pdfft?md5=38ff9c1c4bf0b1ff7c0c03371cd93aa8&pid=1-s2.0-S1755296623000583-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136198364","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Neurobiological mechanisms for the antidepressant effects of mind-body and physical exercises: A systematic review","authors":"Wen Sun ,&nbsp;Erin Yiqing Lu ,&nbsp;Cong Wang ,&nbsp;Hector Wing Hong Tsang","doi":"10.1016/j.mhpa.2023.100538","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mhpa.2023.100538","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Studies have shown that both mind-body and physical exercises are effective in reducing depressive symptoms. However, the pooled evidence on neurobiological mechanisms underlying the antidepressant effect of exercise has rarely been examined. This article systematically reviewed and evaluated the existing evidence about neurobiological responses to mind-body and physical exercises in individuals with symptoms of depression.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>We followed PRISMA guidelines and searched databases for relevant randomized controlled trials published up to September 12, 2022. Studies that investigated the neurobiological mechanisms of exercise interventions on depressive symptoms were included.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Thirty-two articles were included for review, representing a total sample of 1,820 individuals with depressive symptoms. Our findings demonstrated that cortisol and BDNF were the common potential mediator underlying the antidepressant effects of both mind-body and physical exercises. Additionally, mind-body exercise was shown to decrease IL-6, while physical exercise was found to improve VO₂max/peak, which might also shed light on the linkage between exercise and depressive symptoms. In addition, enhanced EEG frontal alpha asymmetry and increased right hippocampal volume may also explain the antidepressant effects of mind-body exercise and physical exercise, respectively. Other neurobiological mechanisms remain inconclusive due to the limited number of studies and research quality.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Exercises were likely to alleviate depressive symptoms through regulation of HPA axis activity, enhancement of neurogenesis, reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and improvement of cardiorespiratory fitness. More high-quality studies on the neurobiological responses to mind-body or physical exercises are warranted for a more comprehensive understanding of their antidepressant effects.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":51589,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health and Physical Activity","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"50187527","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Using digital platform for physical activity practice attenuated the trajectory of depressive symptoms during the Covid-19 pandemic: Findings of the PAMPA cohort","authors":"Natan Feter ,&nbsp;Juliana Q.S. Rocha ,&nbsp;Jayne S. Leite ,&nbsp;Felipe Mendes Delpino ,&nbsp;Eduardo L. Caputo ,&nbsp;Júlia Cassuriaga ,&nbsp;Isabel de Almeida Paz ,&nbsp;Luísa Silveira da Silva ,&nbsp;Yohana Pereira Vieira ,&nbsp;Natália Schröeder ,&nbsp;Carine Nascimento da Silva ,&nbsp;Júlia Carolina Baptista Gonçalves ,&nbsp;Helena da Costa Pereira ,&nbsp;Talita Antiqueira Barbosa ,&nbsp;Felipe F. Reichert ,&nbsp;Marcelo C. Silva ,&nbsp;Airton J. Rombaldi","doi":"10.1016/j.mhpa.2023.100543","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mhpa.2023.100543","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>Digital platforms (e.g., Facebook®, YouTube®) were a potential alternative for supporting physical activity (PA) practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined the association between the use of digital platforms for PA practice and the trajectory of depressive and anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic in adults.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>We analyzed data from the PAMPA cohort, a longitudinal study in southern Brazil. Participants (n = 663) were asked about the type of platform (social media, streaming, fitness app) they used for PA during the pandemic. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were examined in waves June 2020 (wave one) to June 2022 (wave four).</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Participants were mostly female (79.5%), with a mean age of 37.6 (SD: 13.5) years. Four in ten adults (n = 271) reported use of digital platforms for physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using digital platforms for PA was associated with a faster decline in depressive symptoms over follow-up. Participants who used digital platforms for PA in wave two showed less frequent depressive symptoms in wave three compared to their counterparts. The use of streaming services and WhatsApp for PA practice were associated with a faster decline in depressive symptoms during the pandemic. There was no interaction between the use of digital platforms and anxiety symptoms.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Using digital platforms for PA practice was associated with an attenuated trajectory of depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic in adults.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":51589,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health and Physical Activity","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"50188046","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Physical activity and social cognitive theory variables among persons with multiple sclerosis and elevated anxiety","authors":"Petra Šilić ,&nbsp;Brenda Jeng ,&nbsp;Catherine D. Jones ,&nbsp;Trinh L.T. Huynh ,&nbsp;Jennifer Duffecy ,&nbsp;Robert W. Motl","doi":"10.1016/j.mhpa.2023.100541","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mhpa.2023.100541","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose/objective</h3><p>Anxiety is prevalent and poorly managed among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Physical activity (PA) may reduce anxiety, yet little is known about PA and its theory-based correlates in persons with MS who report elevated anxiety. Such research is important for the design and delivery of behavioral interventions targeting PA for the treatment of anxiety in MS. This study examined PA and social cognitive theory (SCT) variables (i.e., self-efficacy, barriers, outcome expectations, goal-setting/planning, social support, and functional limitations) in persons with MS who report elevated anxiety.</p></div><div><h3>Research method/design</h3><p>324 participants with MS (aged 48.5[9.5] years) completed SCT, anxiety, and PA measures, and wore accelerometers for 7 days as a device-measure of PA. The sample was categorized into subsamples with non-elevated (n = 218) and elevated anxiety (n = 106) based on the cut-off score of 8 for the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale Anxiety subscale. We examined levels of PA and SCT variables between the two subsamples.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>There were no differences in PA levels between the subsamples when controlling for group differences in age, education, and disease duration. Social support was lower and perceived functional limitations were higher in those with elevated anxiety and were significantly associated with PA. Regression analyses identified planning, social support, and perceived functional limitations as correlates of PA in those with elevated anxiety.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions/Implications</h3><p>This study may guide research on SCT-based behavioral interventions for increasing PA as an approach for reduced anxiety among persons with MS and elevated anxiety by targeting exercise planning, social support, and perception of functional limitations.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":51589,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health and Physical Activity","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"50188047","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Influence of physical fitness and retinal microcirculation on the development of cognitive abilities from childhood to preadolescence","authors":"Sebastian Ludyga ,&nbsp;Christoph Hauser ,&nbsp;Sabrina Köchli,&nbsp;Giulia Lona,&nbsp;Lukas Streese,&nbsp;Oliver Faude,&nbsp;Markus Gerber,&nbsp;Henner Hanssen","doi":"10.1016/j.mhpa.2023.100544","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mhpa.2023.100544","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The retinal microcirculation serves a proxy of cerebrovascular function and has been linked with both physical fitness and cognitive function. We investigated the role of physical fitness for the development of executive function in children as well as its mediation by microvascular health. Using a cross-lagged panel design, 365 children aged six to eight years completed a baseline assessment, which was followed up after four years. Retinal vessel analysis was performed on digital retinal images obtained with a fundus camera. Additionally, a computerized Flanker task was administered to assess the inhibitory aspect of executive function. With regard to physical fitness tests, participants completed a shuttle run and 20-m sprints. Path-analyses showed that higher performance on the shuttle run and 20-m sprint at baseline were both associated with lower reaction times on the Flanker task at follow-up, when autoregressive effects were accounted for. Stages achieved on the shuttle run at baseline were further related to narrowing of retinal venular diameters, which in turn predicted performance on the Flanker task. However, the direct relation of physical fitness components to reaction time was higher compared to the indirect relation via retinal venular diameters. High physical fitness contributes to the development of cognitive abilities from childhood to preadolescence. This association is not mediated by retinal vessel diameters, while the microvascular phenotype of narrower retinal venules is independently related to a better development of information processing and inhibitory control.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":51589,"journal":{"name":"Mental Health and Physical Activity","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"50188048","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}