To examine the effect of a physical activity intervention on executive functioning, mental health and academic achievement in healthy adolescents. The secundaire objective is to examine the effect of a physical activity intervention on physical…
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Anxiety disorders and symptoms
Synonym
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
The primary outcome measures of the present are: executive functioning (e.g.
inhibition and working memory), mental health (depression symptoms, anxiety
symptoms, characteristics of ADHD and self-concept) and academic achievement
(spelling and mathematics).
Secondary outcome
The secondary outcome measures are implementation measures, physical fitness
and BMI. Finally, school absence and switching of educational level will be
measured.
Background summary
Adolescence represents a crucial stage in the maturation of executive
functioning (e.g. working memory and inhibition) and mental health (i.e.
behavioral and emotional functioning, and self-concept), which are important
predictors of academic achievement. In this study we examine whether intensive
and cognitively demanding physical education (PE) lessons can improve these
aspects of cognition and indirect academic achievement. The findings of this
study might be relevant for PE teachers and school boards, because more
intensive and cognitively demanding PE lessons might be more beneficial for
adolescents* cognitive functioning than regular PE lessons. Cognitive
functioning (executive functions, mental health and academic achievement) will
be examined using different questionnaires and two computer based tasks.
Study objective
To examine the effect of a physical activity intervention on executive
functioning, mental health and academic achievement in healthy adolescents. The
secundaire objective is to examine the effect of a physical activity
intervention on physical fitness and BMI.
Study design
We will use a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT), with a control and an
experimental group.
Intervention
The control group will receive the regular PE lessons. For the intervention
group an increase of moderate to intensive activities take place in the
adjusted PE lessons, the students also have to perform more cognitive demanding
tasks. Both groups will receive two one-hour sessions of PE as part of their
school curriculum per week, during 14 weeks.
Study burden and risks
Adolescents receive adjusted PE lessons during their regular PE lessons twice a
week for 14 weeks. During this period an increase of moderate to intensive
activities take place in the adjusted PE lessons, the students also have to
perform more cognitive demanding tasks. During two PE lessons intensity will be
measured by an accelerometer (external load), heart rate monitor (internal
load) and Pictorial Children*s Effort Rating Table (PCERT; experienced load),
furthermore, intrinsic motivation will be measured with a questionnaire. Before
and after the intervention cognitive functioning and physical fitness will be
measured. All measures will take place in five hours, the aim is to measure
academic achievement during a mathematics and a Dutch lesson. Mental health and
executive functioning will be measured in a mentor class, it could be that the
measurements also take place in other school hours this depends on the school
timetable. Of all tests is known that they are experienced as not stressful in
this study population. Finally, physical fitness will be measured during two PE
lessons. There are no greater risks than normal associated with the
intervention or tests during this study. There are no direct benefits for the
participants.
Antonius Deusinglaan 1
Groningen 9713AV
NL
Antonius Deusinglaan 1
Groningen 9713AV
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
age 13-15 years old, written informed consent (both from individual as parent/caregiver)
Exclusion criteria
Participant who cannot participate in regular PE lessons due to limitations
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL64543.042.17 |