A single bout of aerobic exercise does not alter inhibitory control preparatory set cerebral hemodynamics: Evidence from the antisaccade task.

A single bout of exercise improves executive function (EF) and is a benefit - in part -attributed to an exercise-mediated increase in cerebral blood flow enhancing neural efficiency. Limited work has used an event-related protocol to examine postexercise changes in preparatory phase cerebral hemodynamics for an EF task. This is salient given the neural efficiency hypothesis' assertion that improved EF is related to decreased brain activity. Here, event-related transcranial Doppler ultrasound was used to measure pro- (saccade to target) and antisaccades (saccade mirror-symmetrical target) preparatory phase middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAv) prior to and immediately after 15-min of aerobic exercise. Antisaccades produced longer reaction times (RT) and an increased preparatory phase MCAv than prosaccades - a result attributed to greater EF neural activity for antisaccades. Antisaccades selectively produced a postexercise RT reduction (ps < 0.01); however, antisaccade preparatory phase MCAv did not vary from pre- to postexercise (p=0.53) and did not correlate with the antisaccade RT benefit (p = 0.31). Accordingly, results provide no evidence that improved neural efficiency indexed via functional hyperemia is linked to a postexercise EF behavioural benefit. Instead, results support an evolving view that an EF benefit represents the additive interplay between interdependent exercise-mediated neurophysiological changes.

Increased Cortical Activity in Novices Compared to Experts During Table Tennis: A Whole-Brain fNIRS Study Using Threshold-Free Cluster Enhancement Analysis.

There is a growing interest to understand the neural underpinnings of high-level sports performance including expertise-related differences in sport-specific skills. Here, we aimed to investigate whether expertise level and task complexity modulate the cortical hemodynamics of table tennis players. 35 right-handed table tennis players (17 experts/18 novices) were recruited and performed two table tennis strokes (forehand and backhand) and a randomized combination of them. Cortical hemodynamics, as a proxy for cortical activity, were recorded using functional near-infrared spectroscopy, and the behavioral performance (i.e., target accuracy) was assessed via video recordings. Expertise- and task-related differences in cortical hemodynamics were analyzed using nonparametric threshold-free cluster enhancement. In all conditions, table tennis experts showed a higher target accuracy than novices. Furthermore, we observed expertise-related differences in widespread clusters compromising brain areas being associated with sensorimotor and multisensory integration. Novices exhibited, in general, higher activation in those areas as compared to experts. We also identified task-related differences in cortical activity including frontal, sensorimotor, and multisensory brain areas. The present findings provide empirical support for the neural efficiency hypothesis since table tennis experts as compared to novices utilized a lower amount of cortical resources to achieve superior behavioral performance. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the task complexity of different table tennis strokes is mirrored in distinct cortical activation patterns. Whether the latter findings can be useful to monitor or tailor sport-specific training interventions necessitates further investigations.

[Motoric cognitive risk syndrome-Setting the course for dementia prevention?] / Motor-kognitives Risikosyndrom ­ Weichenstellung für die Demenzprävention?

BACKGROUND: The predicted increase in adults with dementia will pose a major challenge for the German healthcare system. To mitigate this challenge, the early detection of adults with an increased risk of dementia is crucial. In this context, the concept of motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome has been introduced into the English literature but is currently relatively unknown in German-speaking countries. OBJECTIVE: What are the characteristics and diagnostic criteria of MCR? What is the impact of MCR on health-related parameters? What is the current state of evidence regarding the risk factors and prevention of the MCR? MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed the English language literature concerning MCR, the associated risk factors, and protective factors, similarities or differences with the concept of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and its influence on the central nervous system. RESULTS: The MCR syndrome is characterized by subjective cognitive impairment and a slower gait speed. Compared to healthy adults, adults with the MCR have a higher risk of dementia, falls, and mortality. Modifiable risk factors provide a starting point for specific multimodal lifestyle-related preventive interventions. CONCLUSION: As MCR can be easily diagnosed in practical settings, it could become an important concept for the early detection of adults with an increased risk of dementia in German-speaking countries, although further research is necessary to empirically confirm this assumption.

Cortical hemodynamics as a function of handgrip strength and cognitive performance: a cross-sectional fNIRS study in younger adults.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence for a positive correlation between measures of muscular strength and cognitive abilities. However, the neurophysiological correlates of this relationship are not well understood so far. The aim of this study was to investigate cortical hemodynamics [i.e., changes in concentrations of oxygenated (oxyHb) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (deoxyHb)] as a possible link between measures of muscular strength and cognitive performance. METHODS: In a cohort of younger adults (n = 39, 18-30 years), we assessed (i) handgrip strength by a handhold dynamometer, (ii) short-term working memory performance by using error rates and reaction times in the Sternberg task, and (iii) cortical hemodynamics of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) via functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). RESULTS: We observed low to moderate negative correlations (rp = ~ - 0.38 to - 0.51; p < 0.05) between reaction time and levels of oxyHb in specific parts of the PFC. Furthermore, we noticed low to moderate positive correlations (rp = ~ 0.34 to 0.45; p < 0.05) between reaction times and levels of deoxyHb in distinct parts of the PFC. Additionally, higher levels of oxyHb (rp (35) = 0.401; p = 0.014) and lower levels of deoxyHb (rp (34) = - 0.338; p = 0.043) in specific parts of the PFC were linked to higher percentage of correct answers. We also found low to moderate correlations (p < 0.05) between measures of handgrip strength and levels of oxyHb (rp = ~ 0.35; p < 0.05) and levels of deoxyHb (rp = ~ - 0.25 to - 0.49; p < 0.05) in specific parts of the PFC. However, there was neither a correlation between cognitive performance and handgrip strength nor did cortical hemodynamics in the PFC mediate the relationship between handgrip strength and cognitive performance (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study provides evidence for a positive neurobehavioral relationship between cortical hemodynamics and cognitive performance. Our findings further imply that in younger adults higher levels of handgrip strength positively influence cortical hemodynamics although the latter did not necessarily culminate in better cognitive performance. Future research should examine whether the present findings can be generalized to other cohorts (e.g., older adults).

Towards the Neuromotor Control Processes of Steady-State and Speed-Matched Treadmill and Overground Walking.

The neuromotor control of walking relies on a network of subcortical and cortical structures. While kinematic differences between treadmill and overground walking are extensively studied, the neuromotor control processes are still relatively unknown. Hence, this study aims to investigate cortical activation during steady-state treadmill and overground walking using functional near-infrared spectroscopy, inertial measurement units and a heart rate monitor. We observed a higher concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin in prefrontal cortices, premotor cortices and supplementary motor areas during treadmill walking. Therefore, our results suggest that treadmill walking requires higher demands on cortical neuromotor control.

Effect of dual tasks on gait variability in walking to auditory cues in older and young individuals.

Rhythmic auditory cues aim to modulate step times while walking. Their effect on the variability of minimum foot clearance, which is "normally" the most controlled gait parameter in normal overground walking, has not been studied, yet. We aim to analyse the effects of auditory cues on the variability of foot clearance versus the variability of other gait parameters. We further ask how the control of minimum foot clearance behaves in walking with rhythmic cuing while cognitive gait control mechanisms of higher centres is reduced through a cognitive load. Twenty young and twenty older individuals performed 4 walking conditions: normal unconstrained walking with preferred walking speed, walking with constrained step times, walking with a cognitive dual task and walking with constrained step time and a cognitive dual task. To collect kinematic gait data, we used inertial sensors which were attached to each of the subjects' feet. Gait variability was quantified using the coefficient of variation of stride time, stride length and minimum foot clearance. We did not find any differences between old and young in the variability of minimum foot clearance across all conditions, whereas in the other gait parameters, we found differences. Further, between normal walking and walking to auditory cues, we found interaction effects in the coefficient of variation of stride time and stride length, indicating a higher variability in walking on metronome beats in older people. Interaction effects were reverted when additionally to the auditory cuing a cognitive dual task had to be solved. Our findings show that contrary to findings in patients with neurological disorders, synchronizing stepping to rhythmic auditory cues increase stride time variability but not the variability of minimum foot clearance in healthy older adults. This effect might be due to an imposed intrinsic focus which negatively influences motor performance. Shifting this focus towards a cognitive task seems to normalize the variability of gait parameters in older individuals.

Components of effective exergame-based training to improve cognitive functioning in middle-aged to older adults - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Exergame-based training is currently considered a more promising training approach than conventional physical and/or cognitive training. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to provide quantitative evidence on dose-response relationships of specific exercise and training variables (training components) of exergame-based training on cognitive functioning in middle-aged to older adults (MOA). METHODS: We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis including randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of exergame-based training to inactive control interventions on cognitive performance in MOA. RESULTS: The systematic literature search identified 22,928 records of which 31 studies were included. The effectiveness of exergame-based training was significantly moderated by the following training components: body position for global cognitive functioning, the type of motor-cognitive training, training location, and training administration for complex attention, and exercise intensity for executive functions. CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of exergame-based training was moderated by several training components that have in common that they enhance the ecological validity of the training (e.g., stepping movements in a standing position). Therefore, it seems paramount that future research focuses on developing innovative novel exergame-based training concepts that incorporate these (and other) training components to enhance their ecological validity and transferability to clinical practice. We provide specific evidence-based recommendations for the application of our research findings in research and practical settings and identified and discussed several areas of interest for future research. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023418593; prospectively registered, date of registration: 1 May 2023.

Cortical hemodynamics and inhibitory processing in preadolescent children with low and high physical activity.

Background: Preadolescent children undergo developmental changes in inhibitory control. Maintenance of high levels of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) has been suggested to promote its maturation. We compared inhibitory control between children with low and high MVPA as well as their inhibitory processing stream and changes in cortical hemodynamics. Method: 109 participants aged 10 to 13 years wore accelerometers over 7 days. Those with MVPA levels of 30 min/d or less and 60 min/d or more further performed a computerized Stroop Color-Word task. Electroencephalography and functional near-infrared spectroscopy were used to record changes in inhibitory processing and cortical hemodynamics, respectively. Results: An interaction of MVPA group and sex indicated better interference in highly-active boys, but the opposite pattern in girls. Independent from sex, the high compared to low MVPA group showed greater P300 and PSW amplitudes, whereas no group differences were found for N200, N450, and changes in cortical hemodynamics. Conclusion: Children with high MVPA differ from their less-active peers by a distinct inhibitory processing profile, which is characterized by altered allocation of attentional resources and conflict resolution. However, these alterations do not necessarily translate into better performance, especially since MVPA is linked with higher inhibitory control in boys only.

Alexa, let's train now! - A systematic review and classification approach to digital and home-based physical training interventions aiming to support healthy cognitive aging.

BACKGROUND: There is mounting evidence that regular physical activity is an important prerequisite for healthy cognitive aging. Consequently, the finding that almost one-third of the adult population does not reach the recommended level of regular physical activity calls for further public health actions. In this context, digital and home-based physical training interventions might be a promising alternative to center-based intervention programs. Thus, this systematic review aimed to summarize the current state of the literature on the effects of digital and home-based physical training interventions on adult cognitive performance. METHODS: In this pre-registered systematic review (PROSPERO; ID: CRD42022320031), 5 electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Library) were searched by 2 independent researchers (FH and PT) to identify eligible studies investigating the effects of digital and home-based physical training interventions on cognitive performance in adults. The systematic literature search yielded 8258 records (extra 17 records from other sources), of which 27 controlled trials were considered relevant. Two reviewers (FH and PT) independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias using a modified version of the Tool for the assEssment of Study qualiTy and reporting in EXercise (TESTEX scale). RESULTS: Of the 27 reviewed studies, 15 reported positive effects on cognitive and motor-cognitive outcomes (i.e., performance improvements in measures of executive functions, working memory, and choice stepping reaction test), and a considerable heterogeneity concerning study-related, population-related, and intervention-related characteristics was noticed. A more detailed analysis suggests that, in particular, interventions using online classes and technology-based exercise devices (i.e., step-based exergames) can improve cognitive performance in healthy older adults. Approximately one-half of the reviewed studies were rated as having a high risk of bias with respect to completion adherence (≤85%) and monitoring of the level of regular physical activity in the control group. CONCLUSION: The current state of evidence concerning the effectiveness of digital and home-based physical training interventions is mixed overall, though there is limited evidence that specific types of digital and home-based physical training interventions (e.g., online classes and step-based exergames) can be an effective strategy for improving cognitive performance in older adults. However, due to the limited number of available studies, future high-quality studies are needed to buttress this assumption empirically and to allow for more solid and nuanced conclusions.

Associations of meeting 24-hour movement behavior guidelines with prescribed eyeglasses/contact lenses among children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Vision health is crucial for many aspects of life especially in developing populations such as children and adolescents. However, there is a high proportion of children and adolescents who suffer from visual impairments. Notably, accumulating evidence indicates that meeting the 24-hour movement behaviors (24-HMB) guidelines is associated with positive physical and mental health outcomes in children and adolescents. However, the relationship between being prescribed eyeglasses/contact lenses and meeting the 24-HMB guidelines has yet to be investigated. Thus, this study aimed to address this gap in the existing literature by using the 2021 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) dataset. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, data was retrieved from the 2021 NSCH. A total of 14,193 U.S. children and adolescents aged between 6 and 17 years were included for data analyses. We used items of the NSCH concerning the 24-HMB guidelines (i.e., physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration) and prescription of eyeglasses/contact lenses that were answered by the legal guardian of the children. Binary logistic regression was performed to investigate whether meeting the 24-HMB guidelines is associated with prescription eyeglasses/contact lenses and whether wearing eyeglasses/contact lenses predicts adherence to the 24-HMB guidelines among children and adolescents. RESULTS: More than half of the participants (59.53%) wore eyeglasses/contact lenses and only 8.40% of them met all three of the 24-HMB guidelines. Compared to meeting none of the 24-HMB guidelines, meeting one (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.62-0.93, p = 0.008), two (OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.43-0.67, p < 0.001), and all three 24-HMB guidelines (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.34-0.64, p < 0.001) were associated with a lower risk of being prescribed eyeglasses/contact lenses among children and adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the current study provided evidence that the prevalence of U.S. children and adolescents aged between 6 and 17 years who wore eyeglasses/contact lenses was relatively high. Furthermore, meeting the 24-HMB guidelines was associated with a lower risk of being prescribed eyeglasses/contact lenses. Future studies focusing on the effects of 24-HMB interventions on vision health among children and adolescents are needed to better inform public health actions.

Associations of 24-hour movement behaviors with externalizing and internalizing problems among children and adolescents prescribed with eyeglasses/contact lenses.

Background: Emerging evidence points towards the psychological benefits of meeting 24-hour movement behavior (24-HMB) guidelines, but such associations have not yet been investigated among children and adolescents of prescribed eyeglasses/contact lenses. To this end, we examined associations of meeting 24-HMB guidelines with internalizing and externalizing challenges in this population. Methods: We used data from the 2021 National Survey of Children's Health, a cross-sectional survey including a representative sample of US children and adolescents. Data on movement behaviors (physical activity [PA], sedentary behavior operationalized via screen time [ST], and sleep duration [SL]) and internalizing and externalizing problems were collected through caregiver proxy reports. Caregivers completed questionnaires for 6030 (2799 girls) US children and adolescents of prescribed eyeglasses/contact lenses. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the above-presented associations. Results: Only 7.1 % of those prescribed eyeglasses/contact lenses met all three 24-HMB guidelines, while they were more likely to meet SL guideline alone (32.1 %) in relation to other independent guidelines including PA (2.5 %) and ST (10.9 %). Compared to not meeting any of the three 24-HMB guidelines, meeting at least two guidelines (25.22 %) was significantly linked to lower odds of internalizing problems and externalizing problems. Conclusion: Meeting at least two components of the 24-HMB guidelines was beneficially linked to internalizing and externalizing problems. Thus, strategies or intervention programs that focus on meeting 24-HMB guidelines should be implemented among children and adolescents of those prescribed eyeglasses/contact lenses to foster coping with psychological issues.

Associations of meeting 24-hour movement behavior guidelines with social and emotional function in youth with ASD/ADHD.

BACKGROUND: The 24-hour movement behavior (24-HMB) guidelines recommend that children and adolescents (youth) should limit screen time (ST), get an adequate amount of sleep (SL), and engage in sufficient physical activity (PA) to ensure health and healthy development. Meeting 24-HMB guidelines is associated with positive mental health outcomes (e.g., social and emotional function) in the general population. However, it is unclear whether such findings extend to youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Thus, we examined associations of meeting 24-HMB guidelines with social and emotional function in youth with comorbid ASD/ADHD. METHODS: Data from the 2020-2021 National Survey of Children's Health - a U.S. national, population-based, cross-sectional study - were used. We extracted and analyzed data on youth (aged between 6 and 17 years) diagnosed with comorbidity of ASD/ADHD. Data on movement behaviors (PA, ST, and SL) and specific outcome variables (social function and emotional function) were collected through caregiver-proxy reports. Logistic regressions were performed to examine the associations between meeting 24-HMB guidelines and social and emotional outcomes adjusting for covariates (e.g., age, sex, ethnicity, weight status, birth status, socio-economic status, and receiving medication/behavioral treatment). RESULTS: Among 979 children and adolescents with comorbid ASD/ADHD, only 3.8 % met all three 24-HMB guidelines. In total, 45.0 % of participants met at least one guideline, and 25.5 % of those met at least two guidelines. Compared to those who did not meet any 24-HMB guidelines, meeting SL + ST guidelines was significantly associated with lower odds of poorer social function (being bullied: OR = 0.3, 95%CI [0.1-0.7]; arguing: OR = 0.2, 95%CI[0.1-0.4]). Furthermore, meeting PA + ST + SL guidelines was associated with lower odds of poorer emotional function (depression: OR = 0.5, 95%CI[0.3-0.7]). CONCLUSION: Meeting 24-HMB guidelines was associated with better social and emotional function in U.S. youth with comorbid ASD/ADHD; however, currently very few with comorbid ASD/ADHD meet all 24-HMB guidelines. These results emphasize the importance of promoting adherence to the 24-HMB guidelines among youth facing the challenges of comorbid ASD/ADHD. These cross-sectional findings point to the need for further empirical evidence from longitudinal studies to support our conclusions.

Sedentary behavior and lifespan brain health.

Higher levels of physical activity are known to benefit aspects of brain health across the lifespan. However, the role of sedentary behavior (SB) is less well understood. In this review we summarize and discuss evidence on the role of SB on brain health (including cognitive performance, structural or functional brain measures, and dementia risk) for different age groups, critically compare assessment approaches to capture SB, and offer insights into emerging opportunities to assess SB via digital technologies. Across the lifespan, specific characteristics of SB (particularly whether they are cognitively active or cognitively passive) potentially act as moderators influencing the associations between SB and specific brain health outcomes. We outline challenges and opportunities for future research aiming to provide more robust empirical evidence on these observations.

Human dopaminergic system in the exercise-cognition link.

While the dopaminergic system is important for cognitive processes, it is also sensitive to the influence of physical activity (PA). We summarize current evidence on whether PA-related changes in the human dopaminergic system are associated with alterations in cognitive performance, discuss recent advances, and highlight challenges and opportunities for future research.

Meeting 24-h movement behavior guidelines is linked to academic engagement, psychological functioning, and cognitive difficulties in youth with internalizing problems.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate associations of meeting 24-h movement behavior (24-HMB: physical activity [PA], screen time [ST] in the school-aged youth, and sleep) guidelines with indicators of academic engagement, psychological functioning, and cognitive function in a national representative sample of U.S. youth. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 1794 participants aged 6 to 17 years old were included for multivariable logistic regression to determine the above-mentioned associations, while adjusting for sociodemographic and health covariates. RESULTS: The proportion of participants who met 24-HMB guideline(s) varied greatly (PA+ ST+ sleep = 34 [weighted 1.17 %], PA + ST = 23 [weighted 1.72 %], PA + sleep = 52 [weighted 2.15 %], PA = 34 [weighted 2.88 %], ST = 142 [weighted 7.5 %], ST+ sleep = 209 [weighted 11.86 %], sleep = 725 [weighted 35.5 %], none = 575 [weighted 37.22 %]). Participants who met ST guideline alone and integrated (ST + Sleep and ST + sleep + PA) guidelines demonstrated the consistently beneficial associations with learning interest/curiosity, caring for school performance, completing required homework, resilience, cognitive difficulties, self-regulation (ps < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Meeting 24-HMB guidelines in an isolated or integrative manner was associated with improved academic engagement, psychological functioning, and reduced cognitive difficulties. These findings highlight the importance of the promotion of 24-HMB guidelines in youth with internalizing problems. Future longitudinal studies are needed to investigate whether changes or modifications of meeting specific 24-HMB guidelines (especially ST) is beneficial for youth with internalizing problems.

Heart Rate Variability-Derived Thresholds for Exercise Intensity Prescription in Endurance Sports: A Systematic Review of Interrelations and Agreement with Different Ventilatory and Blood Lactate Thresholds.

BACKGROUND: Exercise intensities are prescribed using specific intensity zones (moderate, heavy, and severe) determined by a 'lower' and a 'higher' threshold. Typically, ventilatory (VT) or blood lactate thresholds (LT), and critical power/speed concepts (CP/CS) are used. Various heart rate variability-derived thresholds (HRVTs) using different HRV indices may constitute applicable alternatives, but a systematic review of the proximity of HRVTs to established threshold concepts is lacking. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to provide an overview of studies that determined HRVTs during endurance exercise in healthy adults in comparison with a reference VT and/or LT concept. METHODS: A systematic literature search for studies determining HRVTs in healthy individuals during endurance exercise and comparing them with VTs or LTs was conducted in Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science (until January 2022). Studies claiming to describe similar physiological boundaries to delineate moderate from heavy (HRVTlow vs. VTlow and/or LTlow), and heavy from severe intensity zone (HRVThigh vs. VThigh and/or LThigh) were grouped and their results synthesized. RESULTS: Twenty-seven included studies (461 participants) showed a mean difference in relative HR between HRVTlow and VTlow of - 0.6%bpm in weighted means and 0.02%bpm between HRVTlow and LTlow. Bias between HR at HRVTlow and VTlow was 1 bpm (limits of agreement (LoA): - 10.9 to 12.8 bpm) and 2.7 bpm (LoA: - 20.4 to 25.8 bpm) between HRVTlow and LTlow. Mean difference in HR between HRVThigh and VThigh was 0.3%bpm in weighted means and 2.9%bpm between HRVThigh and LThigh while bias between HR at HRVThigh and VThigh was - 4 bpm (LoA: - 17.9 to 9.9 bpm) and 2.5 bpm (LoA: - 12.1 to 17.1 bpm) between HRVThigh and LThigh. CONCLUSION: HRVTlow seems to be a promising approach for the determination of a 'lower' threshold comparable to VTlow and potentially for HRVThigh compared to VThigh, although the latter needs further empirical evaluation. LoA for both intensity zone boundaries indicates bias of HRVTs on an individual level. Taken together, HRVTs can be a promising alternative for prescribing exercise intensity in healthy, male athletes undertaking endurance activities but due to the heterogeneity of study design, threshold concepts, standardization, and lack of female participants, further research is necessary to draw more robust and nuanced conclusions.

The Influence of Acute Sprint Interval Training on the Cognitive Performance of Male Basketball Players: An Investigation of Expertise-Related Differences.

Highly developed cognitive abilities are an important prerequisite for reaching elite athletic levels. This study aimed to investigate the effect of an acute sprint interval training (SIT) session on the cognitive performance of amateur and elite players. Eighteen amateur and ten elite male basketball players were included in this study. They were asked to perform an acute SIT consisting of the Wingate Test (i.e., four bouts of 30 s all-out sprints) on a cycle ergometer, interspersed with 4 min of active recovery. Before and after the acute SIT, three cognitive tests (i.e., Change Detection Test, Timewall Test, Mackworth Clock Test) were performed. Exercise-induced changes in cognitive performance and between-group differences were analyzed. We did not observe significant between-group differences in the performance of any cognitive test at the pretest, but elite basketball players outperformed the amateur players in specific measures of the Change Detection Test and Timewall Test after the acute SIT (p < 0.05). In addition, for the Clock Test, only the elite basketball players' performance improved from pre- to posttest. The current study's findings suggest that male elite basketball players, compared to amateur basketball players, can preserve their cognitive performance after an acute bout of SIT.

Validity and reliability of the physical activity and social support scale among Chinese established adults.

Social support is a crucial factor that can facilitate regular engagement in physical activity. To assess the influence of social factors on the level of regular physical activity, the Physical Activity and Social Support Scale (PASSS) has been developed. However, the PASSS has yet to be validated in a Chinese sample of established adults. To address this gap in the literature, this study describes the development and psychometric evaluation of a Chinese version of the PASSS (PASSS-C) for established adults. PASSS-C was validated for a Chinese sample of adults aged between 30 and 45 years old (N = 1799). Structural validity was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with Maximum Likelihood Method (MLM). Spearman's correlations between the PASSS-C and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ-SF), the Social Support Rating Scale - Chinses Version (SSRS-C), and the Affective Exercise Experience Scale - Chinese Version (AFFEXX-C) were determined to examine the criterion validity. Cronbach's alpha coefficients and McDonald's omega coefficients were used to assess the internal consistency of the total scale and sub-scales of the PASSS-C. The results of the CFA suggest that the five-factor model had an acceptable fit (CFI = 0.99, GFI = 0.99, SRMR = 0.01, RMSEA = 0.02). Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega for the PASSS-C and its sub-scales ranged from 0.81 to 0.96. The results indicate that the PASSS-C has acceptable psychometric properties. Thus, the scale can be used to assess the levels of social support for physical activity in Chinese established adults.

Mindfulness group intervention improved self-compassion and resilience of children from single-parent families in Tibetan areas.

OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to examine the effects of a mindfulness group intervention on self-compassion, psychological resilience, and mental health of children from single-parent families in Tibetan areas. METHODS: A total of 64 children from single-parent families in Tibetan areas were randomly allocated to a control group (n = 32) and an intervention group (n = 32). Participants in the control group received conventional education, while participants in the intervention group received 6-week mindfulness intervention in addition to the conventional education. Both groups completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Self-compassion Scale (SCS), Resilience Scale for Chinese Adolescent (RSCA), and the Mental Health Test (MHT) before and after the intervention. RESULTS: After the intervention, the levels of mindfulness and self-compassion in the intervention group were significantly improved in relative to the control group. The positive cognition in the RSCA was significantly increased in the intervention group, whereas no significant change was observed in the control group. There was a trend towards lower self-blame in the MHT, but no significant impact of the intervention on the overall level of mental health was found. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that a 6-week mindfulness training effectively improve self-compassion and resilience of single-parent children. Thus, mindfulness training as a cost-effective approach can be arranged in the curriculum, which helps students develop high level of self-compassion and resilience. In addition, there may be a need to improve emotional control in order to improve mental health.