Physical Activity Interventions for Neurocognitive and Academic Performance in Overweight and Obese Youth: A Systematic Review

Eduardo E Bustamante; Celestine F Williams; Catherine L Davis

doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2016.02.004

Physical Activity Interventions for Neurocognitive and Academic Performance in Overweight and Obese Youth: A Systematic Review

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2016 Jun;63(3):459-80. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2016.02.004.

Authors

Eduardo E Bustamante¹, Celestine F Williams², Catherine L Davis³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Kinesiology & Nutrition, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1919 West Taylor Street, Room 626, MC 517, Chicago, IL 60516, USA.
² Georgia Prevention Institute, Augusta University, 1125 15th Street, HS-1755, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
³ Department of Pediatrics, Georgia Prevention Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1125 15th Street, HS-1711, Augusta, GA 30912, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 27261545
DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2016.02.004

Abstract

This article examines cognitive, academic, and brain outcomes of physical activity in overweight or obese youth, with attention to minority youth who experience health disparities. Physically active academic lessons may have greater immediate cognitive and academic benefits among overweight and obese children than normal-weight children. Quasi-experimental studies testing physical activity programs in overweight and obese youth show promise; a few randomized controlled trials including African Americans show efficacy. Thus, making academic lessons physically active may improve inhibition and attentiveness, particularly in overweight youngsters. Regular physical activity may be efficacious for improving neurologic, cognitive, and achievement outcomes in overweight or obese youth.

Keywords: Academic performance; Brain; Childhood obesity; Cognition; Executive function; Exercise; Health disparities; Physical activity.

Publication types

Review
Systematic Review

MeSH terms

Achievement*
Adolescent
Behavior Therapy / organization & administration*
Body Mass Index
Child
Child Welfare / trends
Cognition / physiology*
Executive Function*
Female
Humans
Male
Motor Activity / physiology*
Patient Education as Topic / organization & administration
Pediatric Obesity / prevention & control*
United States