Increasing cadence with a metronome and running barefoot changes the sagittal kinematics of the lower limbs and trunk.

The purpose was to compare two non-laboratory based running retraining programs on lower limb and trunk kinematics in recreational runners. Seventy recreational runners (30 ± 7.3 years old, 40% female) were randomised to a barefoot running group (BAR), a group wearing a digital metronome with their basal cadence increased by 10% (CAD), and a control group (CON). BAR and CAD groups included intervals from 15 to 40 min over 10 weeks and 3 days/week. 3D sagittal kinematics of the ankle, knee, hip, pelvis, and trunk were measured before and after the retraining program, at comfortable and high speeds. A 3 × 2 mixed ANOVA revealed that BAR and CAD groups increased knee and hip flexion at footstrike, increased peak hip flexion during stance and flight phase, decreased peak hip extension during flight phase, and increased anterior pelvic tilt at both speeds after retraining. In addition, BAR increased ankle plantar flexion at footstrike and increased anterior trunk tilt. Both retraining programs demonstrated significant moderate to large effect size changes in parameters that could reduce the mechanical risks of injury associated with excessive knee stress, which is of interest to coaches, runners and those prescribing rehabilitation and injury prevention programs.

Protective role of physical activity patterns prior to COVID-19 confinement with the severity/duration of respiratory pathologies consistent with COVID-19 symptoms in Spanish populations.

The main purpose of the present study was to determine the association of physical activity (PA) patterns prior to COVID-19 confinement with severe respiratory distress consistent with COVID-19 symptoms. Participants were recruited by sending a survey through various social network channels via the snowball method. A voluntary sample of 420 individuals consisting of 199 men and 221 women from the Spanish national territory participated in this study. Some factors, such as being overweight and obese were related to the presence of a greater number of symptoms associated with COVID-19. Interestingly, it was observed that not performing moderate or vigorous PA increased the risk of COVID-19 symptoms. Consequently, when the effect of the practise of PA was evaluated in terms of the number of practises per week and in minutes per practise per week, a protective effect was observed, where moderate PA >150 min per week reported an inverse association with hospitalization for respiratory symptoms (RR: 95%CI: 0.24, 0.05-1.04, P = 0.05). Likewise, overweight (RR: 16.3, 95%CI: 1.93-137.9, P = 0.01), obesity (RR: 19.1, 95%CI: 1.63-222.5, P = 0.019) and non-performance of moderate PA (RR: 4.12, 95%CI; 0.95-17.76, P = 0.05) reported positive associations with hospitalization for respiratory symptoms. Thus, the practise of moderate PA (>150 min per week) is a protective factor against hospitalization for respiratory symptoms consistent with COVID-19 symptoms.

The effect of two retraining programs, barefoot running vs increasing cadence, on kinematic parameters: A randomized controlled trial.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two 10-week non-laboratory-based running retraining programs on foot kinematics and spatiotemporal parameters in recreational runners. One hundred and three recreational runners (30 ± 7.2 years old, 39% females) were randomly assigned to either: a barefoot retraining group (BAR) with 3 sessions/week over 10 weeks, a cadence retraining group (CAD) who increased cadence by 10% again with 3 sessions/week over 10 weeks and a control group (CON) who did not perform any retraining. The footstrike pattern, footstrike angle (FSA), and spatial-temporal variables at comfortable and high speeds were measured using 2D/3D photogrammetry and a floor-based photocell system. A 3 × 2 ANOVA was used to compare between the groups and 2 time points. The FSA significantly reduced at the comfortable speed by 5.81° for BAR (p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 0.749) and 4.81° for CAD (p = 0.002; Cohen's d = 0.638), and at high speed by 6.54° for BAR (p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 0.753) and by 4.71° for CAD (p = 0.001; Cohen's d = 0.623). The cadence significantly increased by 2% in the CAD group (p = 0.015; Cohen's d = 0.344) at comfortable speed and the BAR group showed a 1.7% increase at high speed. BAR and CAD retraining programs showed a moderate effect for reducing FSA and rearfoot prevalence, and a small effect for increasing cadence. Both offer low-cost and feasible tools for gait modification within recreational runners in clinical scenarios.

Small-sided games in amateur players: rule modification with mini-goals to induce lower external load responses.

The aim of this study was to compare the acute physiological (i.e., heart rate-related variables) and neuromuscular responses (i.e., sprint and jump) and time-motion characteristics (i.e., external load variables) when modifying the game design (possession play vs. mini-goals without a goalkeeper) during 4-a-side in amateur senior football players. Male senior football players (n = 16) performed two formats of small-sided games (SSGs) in two different testing sessions (4-a-side with possession play and mini-goals rule). Differences in time-motion characteristics and physiological parameters of players were measured with the Global Positioning System (GPS), and tested before and after (pre- and post-SSG) for neuromuscular assessment. A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), with Bonferroni post-hoc test, showed that both SSG formats induced changes in sprint performance (before-after comparison) (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, the results showed that the variables muscle oxygen saturation, rate of perceived exertion, 85-89% heart rate peak, total distance, total distances at low speed, total distances at high speed, m/min, accelerations at low speed, accelerations of ≥ 2.5 m.s-2, maximal speed, and average speed were statistically significantly different among game conditions. The players' performances are affected by the inclusion of mini-goals during 4 vs. 4 SSGs. The results provide useful information for training and task design that replicate specific physical demands (i.e., accelerations of ≥ 2.5 m.s-2, total distances at high speed or total distances at low speed).

Complex Gait Is Related to Cognitive Functioning in Older People: A Cross-Sectional Study Providing an Innovative Test.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have demonstrated an inverse relationship between gait performance and cognitive impairment. The main purposes of this study were: (1) to design and validate a complex gait test (CGT) in older people, (2) to analyze the effects of age and sex on CGT, and (3) to analyze the association between CGT performance and physical functioning and cognitive measures. METHODS: A total of 279 older people (60-97 years) were analyzed in 2019. Fitness tests, gait performance, and several cognitive measures such asthe Trail-Walking Test and Montreal Cognitive Assessment were used. RESULTS: The CGT reported adequate reliability and validity parameters. In the test-retest analysis, the intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.868 (p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between the CGT and Trail-Walking Test (r = 0.592; p < 0.001). The linear regression analysis showed that the CGT was associated with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (R2 = 0.357; p =0.001). The binary logistic regression analysis revealed that a high CGT score was a risk factor for mild cognitive impairment (odds ratio 1.201, 95% CI 1.081-1.334; p = 0.001). The ROC curve of the mild cognitive impairment was predicted by the CGT performance (area under the curve = 0.768, 95% CI 0.647-0.889; p < 0.001), reaching the cut-off point at 20.25 s. CONCLUSIONS: The CGT showed good reliability and validity and may serve as a potential biomarker in mild cognitive impairment prediction in older adults aged 60-97 years.

A systematic review on small-sided games in football players: Acute and chronic adaptations.

Small-sided games (SSG) are played on a small pitch, often using modified rules and involving a smaller number of players. This article aimed to critically analyse the literature to determine how small-sided games affect the performance of football players in the short- and long term. Electronic databases were searched for literature dating from January 2000 to July 2018. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using the modified Downs and Black Quality Index (cross-sectional studies) and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale (intervention studies). Fifty-three studies, 44 cross-sectional and 9 intervention studies, met the inclusionary criteria for review. Most of the cross-sectional studies focused on describing the differences between SSG protocols, whereas 4 studies focused on making a comparison between "interval" and "continuous" SSG training regimes. On the other hand, intervention studies focused on making a comparison between SSG-based protocols and high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT)-based running protocols, in addition to determine the effect of a SSG-based training programme alone. SSG-based football plans (2 to 4 SSG sessions per week) show athletic performance improvements in football players by improving sprint, repeated sprint ability (RSA) and change of direction (COD) along with muscular and physiological adaptation.

Analysis of foot strike pattern, rearfoot dynamic and foot rotation over childhood. A cross-sectional study.

The purpose of this study was to determine the foot strike patterns (FSP), rearfoot position at initial contact (RPic, i.e., No INV/EVE) and foot rotation in children in relation to age. A total of 932 children aged 3 to 16 years participated in this study. A sagittal and frontal-plane video was recorded using a high-speed camcorder to analyse these variables. There is a significant increase (p < 0.001) of rearfoot strike patterns (RFS) prevalence in relation to age; e.g. preschool children (3-6 years old) displayed an RFS prevalence 46.65% and the adolescent population(15-16 years old) an RFS prevalence 92.20%. The total RFS prevalence in all samples was 69.25%. There was a significant reduction (p < 0.001) of prevalence of RPic in relation to age groups; preschool children displayed a prevalence of RPic 60.37% and the adolescent population 10%. There was a significant reduction (p < 0.001) of prevalence of no foot rotation in relation to age groups; preschool children displayed a prevalence of no foot rotation 48.95% and the adolescent population 13.55%. In conclusion, FSP in children are influenced by age. It is noteworthy that the RFS prevalence of children is lower in comparison to the adult population.

Effects of a contrast training programme on jumping, sprinting and agility performance of prepubertal basketball players.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 10 week contrast training (CT) programme (isometric + plyometric) on jumping, sprinting abilities and agility performance in prepubertal basketball players. Fifty-eight children from a basketball academy (age: 8.72 ± 0.97 years; body mass index: 17.22 ± 2.48 kg/m2) successfully completed the study. Participants were randomly assigned to experimental groups (EG, n = 30) and control groups (CG, n = 28). The CT programme was included in the experimental group's training sessions - twice a week - as part of their usual weekly training regime. This programme included 3 exercises: 1 isometric and 2 plyometric. Jumping, sprinting and agility performance were assessed before and after the training programme. Significant differences were found in posttest between EG and CG in sprint and T-test: EG showed better results than CG. Furthermore, there were significant differences in posttest-pretest between EG and CG in squat jump, countermovement jump, drop jump, sprint and T-test with the EG showing better results than CG. The CT programme led to increases in vertical jump, sprint and agility levels, so that the authors suggest that prepubertal children exhibit high muscular strength trainability.

Effects of a 10-week functional training programme on pain, mood state, depression, and sleep in healthy older adults.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of a 10-week functional training (FT) programme on pain, mood state, sleep, and depression in healthy older adults. METHOD: A group of 38 older adults (32 women, 6 men) voluntarily participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 20; age: 75.44 ± 5.31 years) or the control group (n = 18: age: 76.35 ± 6.45 years). Pain, depression, mood state, and sleep were tested before and after FT. RESULTS: After the treatment, the experimental group experienced significant improvements in geriatric depression (P < 0.001), vigour (P = 0.044), fatigue (P = 0.002), depression (P = 0.005), and hypersomnia (P = 0.014), whereas the control group experienced significant deterioration in geriatric depression (P = 0.003), pain (P < 0.001), vigour (P = 0.011), depression (P = 0.009), and hypersomnia (P = 0.018). In addition, the experimental group showed an iceberg profile of mood; the control group did not show this profile. CONCLUSION: Ten-week FT improved mood state, depression, and sleep in healthy older adults. Therefore, FT exercises may be recommended for the prevention and treatment of insomnia, depression, and alterations in mood state.

Creativity and physical fitness in primary school-aged children.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between creativity and physical fitness in elementary school children. METHOD: Data were collected from 308 primary school students in southern Spain, ranging in age from 8 to 12 years (mean, 9.72 ± 1.25 years). They completed a fitness test battery, and the Prueba de Imaginación Creativa para Niños (PIC-N; Creative Imagination Test for Children) to analyze creativity. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between the sexes. Boys had better physical fitness but there were no sex differences in creativity. On clusters analysis, the highly creative groups had better physical fitness. Creativity was correlated with physical fitness. Aerobic capacity was a predictor of creativity. CONCLUSION: There is an association between creativity and physical fitness in primary school children that may have important implications for academic achievement.

Reduction in Pain After Use of Bioceramic Undershirt for Patients With Fibromyalgia.

Context • The treatment of pain in fibromyalgia (FM) has centered on pharmacotherapy and nonpharmacological treatment. The nondrug treatments for FM include the effects of far infrared radiation (FIR). Currently, FIR-emitting heat lamps and garments made of filaments (fibers) impregnated with FIR-emitting nanoparticles are being used to deliver thermal radiation effects. Objective • The study intended to determine the benefits of a fabric coated with bioceramics for reducing pain in women with FM. Design • The research team designed a randomized, controlled pilot study. Setting • The study was conducted in the laboratory of the Department of Corporal Expression, University of Jaén (Jaén, Spain). Participants • Thirty-nine female participants diagnosed with FM took part in the study. Intervention • Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental (intervention) group (EG), n = 20, or a placebo group (PG), n = 19. The EG wore a shirt impregnated with bioceramics, and the PG dressed in a shirt without bioceramics. Both groups wore the shirts for 8 h/d for 60 d. Outcome Measures • Participants were evaluated twice, at baseline and postintervention. The tests used were (1) a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, (2) the FM Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), and (3) the Short Form-12 health survey. The research team measured each participant's weight, height, and body mass index and evaluated their tender points. The research team also tracked participants' daily use of pain medications as a daily tablet intake. Results • Postintervention, the women in the EG showed a significant reduction in pain: (1) on the VAS (P < .001), (2) on the measurement of tender points (P < .001), and (3) on the algometer score (P < .001), as well as (4) a significant reduction in FM symptoms on the FIQ (P = .005) and (5) a reduction in daily tablet intake (P < .001). No significant changes in the PG group were found. Significant differences existed between the groups for the VAS, the FIQ, tender points, and the algometer score in posttest evaluation (P < .05). Conclusions • Regular use of garments impregnated with a bioceramic solution (1%) can be beneficial in reducing pain and the impact of FM for patients. The low cost and comfort of the clothing make the therapy easy to be applied as a complementary tool in the treatment of FM.

Reference Values of Standing Long Jump in Preschool Children: A Population-Based Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine age and sex differences in standing long jump (SLJ) and to determine norm-referenced values for Spanish preschool children. METHOD: A total of 3555 children, aged 3-6 years, participated in this study (1746 girls and 1809 boys). To measure explosive leg power, the SLJ was used. RESULTS: In the analysis of reliability using test-retest with 86 children (48% boys, age = 56.22 ± 10.34 months), the following descriptive results were obtained (mean, SD): at pretest = 76.53 ± 20.20 cm, at retest = 74.56 ± 21.12 cm (p = .124), and an intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.913 (95% confidence interval = 0.866-0.943). Boys exhibited a greater performance than girls at 3- to 5-years old, but no significant differences were found at 6 years old. In whole group, the SLJ performance was higher with increased age. However, no significant differences were found between boys aged 5 and 6 years. CONCLUSION: This study provides references values for muscle strength assessment through SLJ test carried out on a large sample of Spanish preschoolers.

Ageing influence in the evolution of strength and muscle mass in women with fibromyalgia: the al-Ándalus project.

Fibromyalgia is associated with physical disabilities in daily activities. Moreover, patients with fibromyalgia present similar levels of functional capacity and physical condition than elderly people. The aim of this study was to analyse the evolution of strength and muscle mass in women with fibromyalgia along ageing. A total sample of 492 fibromyalgia patients and 279 healthy control women were included in the study. Participants in each group were further divided into four age subgroups: subgroup 1: 30-39 years old, subgroup 2: 40-49 years old, subgroup 3: 50-59 years old and subgroup 4: 60-69 years old. Standardized field-based fitness tests were used to assess muscle strength (30-s chair stand, handgrip strength and arm curl tests). Fibromyalgia patients did not show impairment on muscle mass along ageing, without values of skeletal muscle mass index below 6.76 kg/m(2) in any group. However, in all variables of muscle strength, the fibromyalgia group showed less strength than the healthy group (p < 0.05) for all age groups. As expected, handgrip strength test showed differences along ageing only in the fibromyalgia group (p < 0.001). Age was inversely associated with skeletal muscle mass (r = -0.155, p < 0.01) and handgrip strength (r = -0.230, p < 0.001) in the FM group. Women with fibromyalgia showed a reduction in muscle strength along ageing process, with significantly lower scores than healthy women for each age group, representing a risk of dynapenia.

Effects of functional training on pain, leg strength, and balance in women with fibromyalgia.

AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of 18-week functional training (FT) program consisting in two sessions a week of in-water exercise and one of on-land exercise on pain, strength, and balance in women with fibromyalgia. METHODS: A sample consisting of 36 fibromyalgia patients was included in the study. The patients were allocated randomly into the experimental group (EG, n = 20), and control group (CG, n = 16). Standardized field-based fitness tests were used to assess muscle strength (30-s chair stand and handgrip strength) and agility/dynamic balance and static balance. Fibromyalgia impact and pain were analyzed by Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), tender points (TPs), visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: We observed a significant reduction in the FIQ (p = 0.042), the algometer scale of TP (p = 0.008), TP (p < 0.001), and VAS (p < 0.001) in the EG. The EG shows better results in leg strength (p < 0.001), handgrip strength (p = 0.025), agility/dynamic balance (p = 0.032) and balance (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: An 18-week intervention consisting in two sessions of in-water exercise and one session of on-land exercise of FT reduces pain and improves functional capacity in FM patients. These results suggested that FT could play an important role in maintaining an independent lifestyle in patients with FM.

Effect of a 12-day balneotherapy programme on pain, mood, sleep, and depression in healthy elderly people.

BACKGROUND: The main purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of a 12-day balneotherapy programme on pain, mood state, sleep, and depression in older adults. METHODS: In this study, 52 elderly adults from different areas of Spain participated in a social hydrotherapy programme created by the government's Institute for Elderly and Social Services, known as IMSERSO; participants included 23 men (age, 69.74 ± 5.19 years) and 29 women (age, 70.31 ± 6.76 years). Pain was analyzed using the visual analogue scale. Mood was assessed using the Profile of Mood Status. Sleep was assessed using the Oviedo Sleep Questionnaire. Depression was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale. The balneotherapy programme was undertaken at Balneario San Andrés (Jaén, Spain). The water at Balneario San Andrés, according to the Handbook of Spanish Mineral Water, is a hypothermic (≥20°C) hard water of medium mineralization, with bicarbonate, sulfate, sodium, and magnesium as the dominant ions. RESULTS: Balneotherapy produced significant improvements (P < 0.05) for all variables (pain, mood state, sleep, and depression) in the total sample. A differential effect was found between the sexes regarding pain improvement, with men, but not women, having significantly improvement (P < 0.01) after treatment. With regard to improving mood, sex differences were also shown, with women, but not men, significantly improved (P < 0.05) in both depression and fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, a 12-day balneotherapy programme has a positive effect on pain, mood, sleep quality, and depression in healthy older people.

[Alcohol, and tobacco consumption and sports practice in Mexican and Spanish university students and the association between quality of life and health and sensation seeking]. / Consumo de tabaco y alcohol y práctica deportiva en universitarios mexicanos y españoles: asociación con la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud y la búsqueda de sensaciones.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the alcohol, and tobacco consumption and sports practice for Mexican and Spanish and its relation to sensation seeking. Methods: 309 university students participated, 154 Spanish and 155 Mexican. We used the Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS-V), the health survey Short-Form 36 (SF-36) and a lifestyle questionnaire conducted ad hoc. RESULTS: Mexican Students often have lower consumption of tobacco, alcohol and binge drinking and more frequent sport than Spanish students and receive higher scores on the SF-36. Disinhibition is a risk factor for alcohol consumption and physical inactivity and SSS-V for tobacco consumption. CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of alcohol, tobacco and physical inactivity in universities in Spain and Mexico is low. The SSS-V full scale is a predictor of tobacco consumption and dimension DES of alcohol consumption and physical inactivity.

The effectiveness of an indoor intermittent training program for improving lung function, physical capacity, body composition and quality of life in children with asthma.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to analyze the effects of a 12-week indoor intermittent training program on lung function, physical capacity, body composition and quality of life in children with asthma. METHODS: Participants were randomized in an experimental group (EG, 58 children, age = 11.55 ± 1.01 years) and in a control group (CG, 47 children, age = 11.51 ± 1.42 years). The training program was conducted indoors and consisted of alternating high- and low-intensity stimuli, for three sessions of 60 min/week, for 12 weeks. Physical exercise and sports activities were organized to follow the criteria of the American College of Sports Medicine (1999) and previous interventions' studies. RESULTS: In EG, there was a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in FEV1, FEV6, 6MWT, handgrip strength, CMJ and flexibility. Reductions in BMI and fat mass as well as an increase in quality of life were all shown. The dyspnea index decreased significantly and there were no episodes of EIA. There is a significant positive correlation (p < 0.01) between the ΔFEV1 with Δhandgrip strength and Δ6MWT and a negative correlation with Δfat mass. CONCLUSIONS: An indoor intermittent training program with these characteristics has improved lung function, physical capacity, body composition and quality of life in children with asthma. These training adaptations are particularly relevant for those patients suffering from asthma as a regular physical exercise routine will greatly improve their quality of life.

Validity and reliability of Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale questionnaire (PACES) in children with asthma.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to test the psychometric properties of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) in children with asthma. METHOD: Participants included 185 children (age = 11.38 ± 1.12 years; body mass index = 20.66 ± 4.13 kg/m(2)): 107 children with asthma and 78 healthy children. To test the enjoyment of physical activity, PACES of Motl et al. was used in its Spanish version. In addition, the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C), Paediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ) and Physical Self-Concept Questionnaire (CAF) have been used. RESULTS: The results have shown a two-factor structure corresponding to the model whose settings have been good. PACES internal consistency was very high (Cronbach's alpha = 0.906). The PACES test-retest reliability indicates a good temporal concordance (Spearman rho = 0.868, p < 0.001). This presents an adequate concurrent validity with the total PAQLQ, the PAQ-C as well as with ability, fitness, attractiveness, strength and general physical self-concept. CONCLUSIONS: The findings confirm that PACES is a valid and reliable measure of physical activity enjoyment in children with asthma.

Association of Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity, Sedentary Time, Fat Percentage, and Physical Fitness with Gait Parameters in Women with Fibromyalgia: The Al-Ándalus Project.

Gait impairments have been found in women with fibromyalgia, reducing the physical activity possibilities in this population and leading to a negative correlation with fibromyalgia impact. The aim of this study was to analyze the individual and independent associations of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sedentary time, fat percentage, and physical fitness with gait parameters in women with fibromyalgia. A total of 84 women with fibromyalgia were included. MVPA and sedentary time were assessed with accelerometry, fat percentage with bioimpedance analysis, and physical fitness with field-based fitness tests. Gait was assessed during a "6 min walk test" and categorized in velocity, cadence, step length, step cycle duration, unipedal stance phase, and bipedal stance phase. Individual relationships were analyzed by partial correlations and independent relationships by linear regressions, adjusting by age and height. MVPA, sedentary time, fat percentage, and physical fitness were correlated with most gait parameters (rpartial between |0.842| and |0.219|; p ≤ 0.05). Physical fitness was independently associated with all gait parameters (ß between |0.346| and |0.761|; p ≤ 0.002). In addition, MVPA was independently associated with velocity and step length (ß = 0.241 and 0.292; both p = 0.004), and fat percentage was associated with bipedal stance phase (ß = 0.242; p = 0.049). Good levels of MVPA, physical fitness, and adequate weight balance are associated with improved gait parameters in women with fibromyalgia.

Can 16 Minutes of HIIT Improve Attentional Resources in Young Students?

Attentional resources are a cornerstone of both cognitive and academic performance. The purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions on selective attention and visuoperceptual ability in young students. A total of 134 students (12.83 ± 1.23 years) joined this study. They were randomly assigned to a control group (CG) (n = 67), which watched a documentary, or an experimental group (EG) (n = 67), which performed 16 min of HIIT. Attention and visuoperceptual ability were assessed through the Perception of Similarities and Differences test (Caras-R test). A repeated-measures two-way ANOVA analysis was conducted. The CG showed an increased number of errors compared to the EG (p < 0.001) and showed a lower Impulsivity Control Index (p < 0.001) after the investigation. The EG, meanwhile, showed an increased number of hits (p < 0.001), Impulsivity Control Index (p < 0.001), and attentional efficacy (p < 0.001). In addition, the EG showed a decreased number of errors (p < 0.001) and omissions (p < 0.01). In conclusion, 16 min of HIIT was time-effective in improving selective attention and visuoperceptual ability in young students. These results show the importance of physical exercise and the promotion of physical activity breaks during the academic day to improve learning processes.