Do executive function performance, gaze behavior, and pupil size change during incremental acute physical exercise?

Several studies have investigated the interaction between acute physical exercise and cognitive performance. However, few studies have investigated this issue during acute high-intensity exercise. In the present study, we evaluated executive functions (EFs) during incremental exercise in three different intensities [below lactate threshold (LT), at LT, and above LT], measuring EFs performance, gaze behavior, and pupil diameter. Twenty subjects were familiarized with the EFs test and participated in a graded maximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer on the first visit. On the second visit, they performed the EFs task at rest and while exercising at three different intensities using mobile eye-tracking glasses. Our results showed that the psychophysiological measures differed between the conditions. Regarding EFs performance, during exercise above LT, the subjects showed worse accuracy when compared with rest (p < .001) and below LT (p < .001). In addition, the response time (RT) at LT and above LT was shorter than in the rest condition (p < .050). Further, RT was faster (p = .002) in the above LT than in the below LT condition. In addition, the gaze behavior measures indicated that exercise, independently of the intensity, improves the number of fixations with shorter fixation durations compared to the rest condition (p < .050). Additionally, we found no significant differences in average and peak pupil diameter between conditions. In conclusion, exercise at LT improves the EFs performance while exercising above LT worsens EFs performance. However, there were no significant differences in average and peak pupil diameter between conditions.

Development and reliability of a test for assessing executive functions during exercise.

Previous research suggests that performance on executive functions tests may be different at rest, versus when one is engaged in physical exercise. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop an integrated system that evaluates executive functions during exercise. We conducted two test-retest studies, with ten healthy male volunteers participating in each study. Participants visited the laboratory three (Study 1) or four (Study 2) times. During the first visit in both studies, questionnaires were administered, and a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPT) was performed. In Study 1, during the second and third visits, participants exercised on a cycle ergometer at a moderate intensity for 30 minutes before starting the Flanker/Reverse Flanker test while they were still cycling. In Study 2, during the second visit, participants performed three sets of the executive functions test while sitting on the bike, with a 5 min interval between each set. On visits 3 and 4, participants performed the same exercise protocol as the one described in Study 1. In summary, our results indicated that the Flanker/Reverse Flanker test that we developed and conducted in exercising individuals has similar elements to previous versions and can be considered a reliable test for executive functions assessment during exercise.

Discentes de educação física de universidades públicas conceituadas sabem parcialmente o conceito de bullying / Students of physical education from concepted public universities partially know the bullying concept

RESUMO Bullying pode ser conceituado como todas as atitudes agressivas, intencionais e repetidas que causam dor e angústia, sendo executadas dentro de uma relação desigual de poder. Deste modo, parece que três elementos são cruciais (agressão; repetição; dor e desconforto) na conceituação do fenômeno, no qual precisam aparecer de modo articulado, tornando o conceito complexo. O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar o conhecimento de acadêmicos de licenciatura em Educação Física sobre o conceito de bullying. Participaram do estudo 191 estudantes. Utilizou-se de entrevista estruturada, sendo a mesma gravada e posteriormente transcrita. As estatísticas utilizadas foram o teste de Qui-quadrado, o cálculo da Razão de Possibilidades (OR) e o Intervalo de Confiança (CI). Os resultados apontaram que os alunos de Educação Física, sabem parcialmente, em sua maioria, o conceito de bullying [χ²(2) = 237,25; p < 0,001]. Os sujeitos não apresentaram ou apresentaram de modo incompleto as unidades que caracterizam o fenômeno. Em conclusão, sugere-se que os cursos de Educação Física devam ampliar as discussões e estudos a cerca do bullying.

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to verify the knowledge of undergraduate students in physical education about the concept of bullying. The sample consisted of 191 students. We used a structured interview, which was recorded and later transcribed. The statistics used were the chi-square test, the odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI). The results showed that the physical education undergraduate students who participated in this study, partially know the concept of bullying [χ² (2) = 237,25; p <0.001]. The subjects did not present or incompletely presented the units that characterize the phenomenon. Thus, it is suggested that undergraduate physical education courses should broaden discussions and studies about bullying.