Acute exercise enhances preschoolers' ability to sustain attention

J Sport Exerc Psychol. 2013 Aug;35(4):433-7. doi: 10.1123/jsep.35.4.433.

Abstract

A growing body of research has illuminated beneficial effects of a single bout of physical activity (i.e., acute exercise) on cognitive function in school-age children. However, the influence of acute exercise on preschoolers' cognitive function has not been reported. To address this shortcoming, the current study examined the effects of a 30-min bout of exercise on preschoolers' cognitive function. Preschoolers' cognitive function was assessed following a single bout of exercise and a single sedentary period. Results revealed that, after engaging in a bout of exercise, preschoolers exhibited markedly better ability to sustain attention, relative to after being sedentary (p = .006, partial eta square = .400). Based on these findings, providing exercise opportunities appears to enhance preschoolers' cognitive function.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Attention*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cognition
  • Exercise / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests