Background:Previous research has demonstrated that high self-control is associated with cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity in young people. However, the associations of self-control with objective health measures (blood pressure, blood glucose, and plasma insulin), different components of physical fitness (motor and musculoskeletal fitness), motor competence and well-being remain largely unexplored. Methods:Utilizing a cross-sectional design, 149 young people (aged 9-13 years) from the East Midlands, England completed measures of self-control, physical fitness, adiposity, well-being, motor competence, and cardiometabolic health. Univariate Pearson correlations, best-subset regression and simple linear regression analyses were conducted. Results:High self-control was associated with better well-being (r = 0.43, p < 0.001) and higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (r = 0.21, p = 0.012), musculoskeletal fitness (r = 0.19, p = 0.020), and motor fitness (r = 0.23, p = 0.004). Best subset regression modeling identified the combination of predictors that best explained the variance in self-control, which included well-being, physical fitness (time on 4 x 10 m shuttle run), and HOMA-IR, with these effects independent of each other. Each individual component of well-being (physical well-being; p < 0.001, psychological well-being; p < 0.001, autonomy and parents; p < 0.001, and school environment; p < 0.001) was positively associated with self-control. Conclusions:The present study's findings support the notion that self-control could be a significant and attractive target for future interventions focused at encouraging healthy behaviors in young people, and ultimately enhancing well being.

Background: Physical activity requiring self-control may yield greater post-activity cognitive improvements. Implementing such tasks within The Daily Mile could enhance cognition further while adding variety to the initiative. This study examined whether the inclusion of self-control tasks within The Daily Mile influences subsequent cognition and enjoyment. Methods: Participants, numbering 99 (10.2 ± 1.1 y), completed three trials (Daily Mile Normal, Daily Mile Self-Control, and resting), using a within-subject, order-balanced, crossover design. The Daily Mile Self-Control involved students completing tasks requiring self-control for 30 s every 2 min within The Daily Mile. Cognitive tests (Stroop test, Sternberg Paradigm, Visual Search test) were administered prior to, immediately following and 45 min following The Daily Mile and resting trials. During the trials, distance covered (m), average heart rate (beats·min-1) and physical activity enjoyment (PACES) were measured. Focus groups explored factors affecting enjoyment during The Daily Mile trials. The effects of physical activity vs. rest on cognitive function were examined first, followed by the effect of adding self-control tasks to The Daily Mile. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the Daily Mile trials on distance covered or physical activity enjoyment. However, average heart rate was significantly higher in The Daily Mile Self-Control compared to The Daily Mile Normal. Compared to rest, The Daily Mile had a positive effect on inhibitory control. Working-memory accuracy maintained following activity, but perceptual accuracy was briefly impaired. Following the addition of self-control tasks, working memory response times improved. However, accuracy on inhibitory control and perception declined immediately after activity, compared to The Daily Mile Normal. Thematic analysis indicated varied perceptions among participants, with some valuing the simplicity and control of The Daily Mile Normal, and others favoring The Daily Mile Self-Control due to the variety and cognitive challenge. Conclusions: Incorporating self-control tasks into The Daily Mile produced mixed cognitive and qualitative responses, compared to The Daily Mile Normal. This suggests that tailoring physical activity to individual preferences may optimize engagement and cognitive outcomes.

Executive function is typically considered from a chronological age perspective, despite the influence of biological maturity on executive function development. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of chronological age and biological maturity on inhibitory control and working memory, separately in boys and girls (due to sex differences in biological maturation). The study employed a cross-sectional design and, following familiarization, 736 (400 female) young people (12.3 ± 1.3 years) completed tests of cognitive function on two separate occasions. Participants completed the Stroop test to measure inhibitory control and the Sternberg paradigm to measure working memory. Chronological age and biological maturity were calculated for each participant. Linear regression models were performed separately for boys and girls. Two models were fit for each test and level of executive function: a chronological age model (executive function x chronological age) and a biological maturity model (executive function x biological maturity). Higher chronological age and biological maturity were associated with superior performance on inhibitory control and working memory tests. In boys, the biological maturity models were a significantly better fit (vs. chronological age), whilst in girls, the chronological age models were a better fit (vs. biological maturity). This study provides novel evidence that biological maturity is associated with inhibitory control and working memory. Emphasizing that future investigations into inhibitory control and working memory in young people should consider biological maturity, especially in boys.

Background/Objectives: Physical inactivity is associated with increased cardiometabolic disease risk and poor cognition in children and their parents. Family-based physical activity offers an opportunity for children and their parents to engage in physical activity concurrently. The present study examined the effect of an acute bout of family-based tag rugby on risk factors for cardiometabolic disease and cognition in families. Additionally, this study qualitatively explored families' perceptions of enjoyment and factors affecting implementation with considerations for socioeconomic status. Methods: Sixteen families (27 children, 20 parents) participated in an exercise (45 min family-based tag rugby) and resting control trial (45 min seated rest), separated by seven days. Postprandial gylcaemia, insulinaemia, lipaemia and cognitive function were measured following exercise/rest. Families also participated in whole-family focus groups and separate parent and child interviews. Results: In parents, postprandial plasma insulin concentrations were lower on the exercise trial than the rested control trial at 30 min (p = 0.004) and 120 min following the consumption of a standardised lunch (p = 0.011). In children, a significant trial*time interaction for inverse efficiency scores on the Sternberg paradigm (three-item) was exhibited (p = 0.016). In parents, a significant trial*time interaction for inverse efficiency score on the Stroop congruent test was exhibited (trial*time interaction; p = 0.012), whereby inverse efficiency scores improved immediately post-exercise, compared with the rested control trial (p = 0.016). Qualitatively, families from all socioeconomic backgrounds agreed that tag rugby is an inclusive, enjoyable mode of physical activity that families want to participate in together, which can be adapted to overcome the barriers associated with the cost of and access to local facilities. Conclusions: An acute bout of tag rugby improved postprandial insulin concentrations in parents and cognitive function in children and their parents. Tag rugby was deemed an appropriate exercise modality for families from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds.

The facilitators and barriers to family-based physical activity, child and parent perceptions of the factors influencing their perceived feasibility of family-based physical activity, and the impact of socioeconomic status on these, are relatively unexplored. This study aimed to determine the barriers and facilitators to, and factors influencing the perceived feasibility of, family-based physical activity, with consideration of the impact of socioeconomic status. Focus groups and separate parent and child interviews were conducted with 24 families (n = 79; 37 parents, 42 children) in the East Midlands, UK, who were categorised into low (deciles 1–3; 5 families), middle (deciles 4–7; 8 families), or high (deciles 8–10; 11 families) socioeconomic status using the UK index of multiple deprivation score, 2019. Regardless of socioeconomic status, parental role modelling was a key facilitator, whilst high cost and lack of free time were barriers for all families. In addition, low socioeconomic status families discussed child role modelling as a facilitator, and the access to and provision of local facilities as a barrier to physical activity, whilst this was a facilitator for middle-high socioeconomic status families. Regardless of socioeconomic status, when discussing factors influencing the perceived feasibility of family-based physical activity, differing levels of fitness between children and parents was a factor mentioned across generations. All parents thought family-based physical activity would allow for quality family-time, whilst younger children (8–12 years old) expressed that family-based physical activity sessions would feel safe. Thus, family-based physical activity may offer a promising opportunity to increase physical activity in children and parents concurrently, allowing for quality family-time, while providing a safe environment for younger children to exercise whilst utilising parent and child role modelling. Multi-level family physical activity programmes embedded within the community, which incorporate low-cost activities, work- and school-life balance strategies and support for parents’ fitness are crucial to support families (from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds) in increasing their physical activity levels. The design and development of future physical activity programmes should consider establishing family-based physical activity with younger children (8–12 years old) with the integration of team sports.

Background: Substantial evidence demonstrates the beneficial acute effect of physical activity and the outdoor environment independently on cognitive function. However, evidence for their potential synergistic effects remain unknown. Methods: Following familiarisation, forty-five children (aged 11-13 years) took part in an identical physical activity session outdoors and indoors; and completed a battery of cognitive tests (Stroop test, Sternberg paradigm, and Flanker task) before, immediately post-, and 45 min post-physical activity. Results: Following outdoor, compared to indoor, physical activity response time was improved more immediately post-physical activity on the 3-item level of the Sternberg Paradigm (-34 ms vs +14 ms; P = 0.001), at 45 min post-physical activity on the complex level of the Stroop test (-94 ms vs -20 ms; P = 0.002), the 1-item (-9 ms vs +71 ms; P = 0.026) and 3-item level of the Sternberg paradigm (-37 ms vs +69 ms; P < 0.001), and the congruent level of the Flanker test (-44 ms vs -14 ms; P = 0.001). Accuracy was also improved more outdoors (compared to indoors) immediately post-physical activity (+2.0 % vs +0.4 %; P = 0.036) and 45 min post-physical activity (+2.0 % vs +0.1 %; P = 0.043) on the complex level of the Stroop test and on the incongruent level of the Flanker test (no change vs -3 %; P = 0.008). Discussion: This is the first study to demonstrate superior cognitive benefits of outdoor, compared to indoor, physical activity. The overarching finding of this investigation is that physical activity performed outdoors significantly improves cognitive function more than when performed indoors, suggesting a synergistic effect between physical activity and the outdoor environment.

Background and aims The present study aimed to examine the effect of an acute bout of circuit-base exercise on executive function, visual perception and sleep parameters in neurodiverse children. Methods After familiarisation, 34 children (4 female) with ADHD and/or ASD completed two trials (30-min circuit-based exercise (E) or a rested control (C) trial) in a randomised, counterbalanced, crossover design. Participants completed cognitive function tests (Stroop test, Sternberg Paradigm and Visual Search Test) at baseline, immediately post-exercise, and the morning after exercise. Participants were provided with a wrist actigraph to wear overnight to determine sleep duration, wake after sleep onset, sleep efficiency, and sleep latency. Statistical analyses were conducted via ANCOVA, with diagnosis included as a covariate. Results Accuracy on the Stroop test (complex level) was better maintained following circuit-based exercise when compared with rest immediately post-exercise (E: 1.88% decreased accuracy; C: 4.73% decreased accuracy, p = 0.009), and on day two (E: 1.22% increased accuracy; C: 6.37% decreased accuracy; p < 0.001). Accuracy on the Sternberg Paradigm (5-item level) was improved immediately post-exercise on the exercise trial when compared with rest (E: 0.37% decreased accuracy; C: 7.29% decreased accuracy; p = 0.011). Improvements in accuracy across both tests were at the expense of response time, which was slower on the exercise trial (all p < 0.05). Sleep parameters did not differ across trials (all p > 0.05). Conclusion Moderate intensity circuit-based exercise is an ecologically valid exercise modality that, acutely, improves executive function (compared to rest), which may alleviate the impaired executive function in children with ADHD and ASD.

The aim of the present study was to investigate if physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness influence cognition, self-control, and resilience in young people with ADHD. Fifty-four children with ADHD (12.8 ± 1.4 y) completed questionnaires to assess self-control and resilience, wore an accelerometer for 7 d to assess free-living physical activity, and completed a battery of cognitive function tasks and a multi-stage fitness test (cardiorespiratory fitness). Positive associations were found between cardiorespiratory fitness and attention, measured via performance on the simple Stroop task (r(52) = −0.386, p = 0.004) and the congruent Flanker task (r(52) = −0.302, p = 0.026), and inhibitory control, measured via performance on the incongruent level of the Flanker task (r(52) = −0.348, p = 0.010). Furthermore, a higher proportion of active time spent in high-intensity activities (r(37) = 0.370, p = 0.021) were associated with higher self-control. No associations were found between physical activity or cardiorespiratory fitness and resilience (all p > 0.05). These findings demonstrate the importance of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness for cognition and self-control in young people with ADHD.

The associations between self-control and objective measures of physical activity, physical fitness, and adiposity are yet to be explored in young people; this is a gap in the literature that the present study aimed to address. The study employed a cross-sectional design. A total of 101 young people participated in the study. Participants completed the Brief Self-Control Scale as a measure of trait self-control. Free-living physical activity was assessed using an ActiGraph GT3X + triaxial accelerometer, which was worn for 7 days. Participants also completed the 15-meter version of the multistage fitness test as a measure of physical fitness. For the assessment of adiposity, three criterion measures were used: body mass index (BMI), sum of skinfolds, and waist circumference. Data were analyzed using the glm function in the open access software R. Higher levels of trait self-control were associated with higher levels of physical fitness (measured by distance run on the multistage fitness test) and lower adiposity (BMI, waist circumference, and sum of skinfolds) in adolescents. There was a tendency for a positive association between self-control and time spent in vigorous physical activity, although this did not reach statistical significance. In a combined model, self-control was also associated with both physical fitness and waist circumference, with these effects independent of each other. These findings suggest that self-control is associated with healthy behaviors and characteristics in adolescents and is thus potentially an attractive target for future interventions aimed at increasing physical activity and physical fitness and reducing adiposity in this population.

The present study examined the agreement and equivalence between two physical activity processing methods. Data were obtained from 161 Hong-Kong adolescents (74 girls, age: 12.6 ± 1.7y). Participants wore an Actigraph GT3XBT on their non-dominant wrist for 7d. Time spent sedentary, and in light-(LPA), moderate-(MPA), vigorous-(VPA), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were calculated using different processing methods (proprietary counts and Euclidean Norm Minus One (ENMO)). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to examine absolute agreement (ICC2) and consistency (ICC3), and equivalence was assessed using pairwise equivalence tests. Using ENMO, sedentary time and VPA were higher, whereas all other behaviours were lower (compared to counts processing). Agreement ranged from poor (ICC2:0.42(Sedentary)) to moderate (ICC2:0.86(LPA)) and consistency ranged from moderate (ICC3:0.71(sedentary)) to good (ICC3:0.91(LPA)). Methods were not considered equivalent (all p > 0.05). Due to differences in the wear-time validation of processing methods, a sensitivity analyses (sub-sample with the same valid wear time for both methods (n = 56)), resulted in minimal change. Lack of agreement and equivalence between ENMO and counts processing methods suggests that the processing method significantly affects youth physical activity estimates.

Despite the importance of physical education (PE) lessons for physical activity in adolescents, the acute cognitive responses to PE lessons have not been explored; a gap in the literature that this study addresses. Following familiarisation, 76 (39 female) adolescents (12.2 +/- 0.4 y) completed two trials (60 min games-based PE lesson and 60 min academic lesson) separated by 7-d in a counterbalanced, crossover design. Attention, executive function, working memory, and perception were assessed 30 min before, immediately post, and 45 min post-lesson in both trials. Participants were split into high-and low-fit groups based on a gender-specific median split of distance run on the multi-stage fitness test. Furthermore, participants were split into high and low MVPA groups based on a gender-specific median split of MVPA time (time spent >64% HR max) during the PE lesson. Overall, a 60 min games-based PE lesson had no effect on perception, working memory, attention, or executive function in adolescents (all p > 0.05) unless MVPA time is high. The physical activity-cognition relationship was moderated by MVPA, as working memory improved post-PE lesson in adolescents who completed more MVPA during their PE lesson (time*trial*MVPA interaction, p < 0.05, partial eta(2) = 0.119). Furthermore, high-fit adolescents displayed superior cognitive function than their low-fit counterparts, across all domains of cognitive function (main effect of fitness, all p < 0.05, partial eta(2) 0.014-0.121). This study provides novel evidence that MVPA time moderates the cognitive response to a games-based PE lesson; and emphasises that higher levels of fitness are beneficial for cognitive function in adolescents.

Although risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases begin to present in young people, the association between physical fitness and adiposity with traditional and novel risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases across adolescence remains relatively unknown. Following ethical approval, fifty-two adolescents (age 11.6 ± 0.6 years; 32 girls) were recruited for a 2-years longitudinal study. Adiposity was assessed based on sum of skinfolds, waist circumference and body mass index, and physical fitness as distance run on the multi-stage fitness test (MSFT). Risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases (pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, plasma insulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance - HOMA-IR, blood pressure) were measured following an overnight fast. Relationships between independent and response variables were analysed using multi-level modelling (final combined models were created using the stepwise backward elimination method). Plasma insulin concentration and HOMA-IR were positively associated with adiposity and inversely associated with distance run on the MSFT (all p < 0.05). The final combined models for plasma insulin concentration and HOMA-IR contained main effects for age, skinfolds and distance run on the MSFT. Levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were inversely related to the sum of skinfolds (p = 0.046), whereas there was a trend for levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α to be positively related to the sum of skinfolds (p = 0.056). Adiposity and physical fitness are important, independent, determinants of metabolic health in adolescents. Furthermore, adiposity influences levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in adolescence, with greater adiposity associated with a poorer inflammatory profile. The present study demonstrates an independent effect of physical fitness on metabolic health longitudinally across adolescence. It is therefore recommended that future work develops therapeutic interventions that reduce adiposity and enhance physical fitness in adolescents, to promote lifelong health.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of 5-weeks participation in The Daily Mile on cognitive function, physical fitness, and adiposity in primary school children. In a quasi-experimental study, one class from each school completed The Daily Mile (n = 44) or acted as a control group (n = 35). Baseline measures included cognitive function tests (Stroop test, Sternberg paradigm, Flanker task), physical fitness (multi-stage fitness test) and body composition (BMI percentile, waist:hip circumference, sum of skinfolds). The intervention group completed 5-weeks of The Daily Mile. Follow-up measurements were completed within 48-h of the last training session. Data were analysed via ANCOVA, examining between group differences at follow-up, controlling for baseline values. Response times on the complex Stroop test were faster at follow-up in the intervention group (Intervention: 1357 ms [1280–1400 ms]; Control: 1463 ms, [1410–1523 ms], d = 0.31 , p = 0.048). There was no effect of The Daily Mile on the Sternberg paradigm or Flanker test. Physical fitness was greater at follow-up in the intervention group (Intervention: 880 m, [820–940 m]; Control: 740 m, [680–800 m], d = 0.39, p = 0.002). There was no effect of the intervention on adiposity. In conclusion, five-weeks of The Daily Mile enhanced inhibitory control and physical fitness in children, but did not affect working memory, attention, or adiposity.

Background The cross-sectional associations between physical activity, physical fitness and adiposity with risk factors for cardiometabolic disease (particularly novel ones such as inflammatory cytokines) and cognitive function across the period of adolescence are not well understood. Additionally, novel physical activity metrics that summarise activity volume and intensity in a continuous manner have not been investigated in this context. Therefore, this study investigated the cross-sectional associations between physical activity, physical fitness and adiposity with risk factors for cardiometabolic disease and cognitive function. These associations were compared between younger and older adolescents. Methods Seventy younger (11-12y, 35 girls) and 43 older (14-15y, 27 girls) adolescents volunteered to take part in the study. Physical fitness (multi-stage fitness test, MSFT) and adiposity (waist circumference) were determined, followed 7d later by resting blood pressure, a fasted blood sample (glucose, plasma insulin, IL6, IL10, IL15 and IL-1β concentrations) and a cognitive function test battery. Habitual physical activity was monitored via hip-worn accelerometers over this 7-d period and the average acceleration (activity volume), and intensity gradient (intensity distribution of activity) were determined. Results Average acceleration and intensity gradient were negatively associated with mean arterial blood pressure (β = -0.75 mmHg, p = 0.021; β = -10 mmHg, p = 0.006, respectively), and waist circumference was positively associated with IL-6 concentration (β = 0.03%, p = 0.026), with stronger associations observed in older adolescents. Higher physical fitness (MSFT distance) was positively associated with anti-inflammatory IL-15 concentration (β = 0.03%, p = 0.038) and faster response times on the incongruent Stroop task (β = -1.43 ms, p = 0.025), the one-item level of the Sternberg paradigm (β = -0.66 ms, p = 0.026) and the simple (β = 0.43 ms, p = 0.032) and complex (β = -2.43 ms, p = 0.020) levels of the visual search test, but these were not moderated by age group. Conclusions The present study highlights the important role of physical activity (both the volume and intensity distribution) and physical fitness for cardio-metabolic health. Furthermore, the present study highlights the importance of physical fitness for a variety of cognitive function domains in adolescents, irrespective of age.

Acute bouts of physical activity have a small positive effect on subsequent cognition in adolescents, although the beneficial effects may be more pronounced in high-fit young people. However, no studies have examined how exercise duration affects these responses. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of exercise duration on cognition in adolescents; and to examine whether fitness moderates this relationship. METHODS: Thirty-nine adolescents (23 girls) completed three trials separated by 7-d: 30-min exercise, 60-min exercise and rested control; in a randomised crossover design. The exercise was a modified version of the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST). Cognitive function tests (Stroop test, Sternberg paradigm, Flanker task) were completed 30-min pre-, immediately post- and 45-min post-exercise. Fitness groups were determined by the median split of distance run on the multi-stage fitness test. RESULTS: Response-times on the simple Stroop test were enhanced immediately following 30-min LIST, and immediately and 45-min following 60-min LIST, but only in high-fit participants (trial*time*fitness, p = 0.018). Response-times on the complex Stroop test were enhanced 45-min post-exercise on the 60-min LIST trial only (trial*time, p = 0.002). For the Sternberg paradigm (all levels), response-times were enhanced immediately and 45-min post-exercise following 30-min, but not 60-min, LIST (trial*time; 1-item, p < 0.001; 3-item, p = 0.010; 5-item, p = 0.007); whilst on the 3-item level 60-min LIST enhanced response-times in high-fit adolescents only (trial*time*fitness, p = 0.006). Both 30- and 60-min LIST led to improved response-times on the congruent Flanker task (trial*time, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Acute exercise enhanced subsequent cognition in adolescents, but there were domain-specific effects for exercise duration. Furthermore, the acute benefits of exercise were greater in high-fit adolescents.

Background School-based physical activity interventions are accessible to most adolescents and could enhance adolescent cardiometabolic health and cognition; yet the feasibility and success of school-based physical activity interventions is understudied. Methods Sixteen adolescent girls (age: 11.7 ± 0.3 y; height: 1.58 ± 0.07 m; body mass: 45.5 ± 9.2 kg) were randomized to either an intervention (2-weeks sprint training; n = 8) or control group (continuation of regular physical activity levels; n = 8). Following familiarization, all participants completed baseline measurements including fasted and postprandial capillary blood samples, a battery of cognitive function tests (Stroop Test, Sternberg Paradigm and Flanker Task), and an assessment of physical fitness (20 m sprint and multi-stage fitness test). The intervention group completed 2-weeks progressive sprint training (3 sessions per week: week one 6 × 10 s sprints, week two 8 × 10 s sprints). Follow-up measurements were completed 48 h after the final sprint training session. Data were analyzed via ANCOVA to examine between group differences at follow-up whilst controlling for baseline score. Results Accuracy in the intervention group during the three-item Sternberg paradigm was greater when compared with the control group (Intervention: 99.6 ± 1.1%; Control: 97.7 ± 2.2%, p = 0.046). BDNF concentration was also higher in the intervention group at follow-up than control group (Intervention: 39.12 ± 9.88 ng.ml−1; Control: 22.95 ± 9.13 ng.ml−1, p < 0.001). There were no differences at follow-up between the intervention and control group for measures of cardiometabolic health (fasted cytokine concentrations or postprandial glycaemic and insulinaemic responses) or on the Stroop Test or Flanker Task (all p > 0.05). However, the intervention group reported enjoying the sprint training and that they found the sessions valuable. Conclusion Two-weeks sprint interval training in a school-setting enhanced working memory and increased concentrations of BDNF in adolescent girls. The intervention was deemed enjoyable and worthwhile by the adolescent girls and thus the longer-term implementation of such an intervention should be examined.

Exercise duration may influence the acute effects on cognition. However, only one study to date has explored the dose-response relationship between exercise duration and cognition in adolescents. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of differing durations of high-intensity intermittent running on cognition in adolescents. Thirty-eight adolescents (23 girls) completed three trials separated by 7 d: 30 min exercise, 60 min exercise, and rest; in a randomised crossover design. The exercise was a modified version of the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST), which elicited high-intensity intermittent exercise. Cognitive function tests (Stroop test, Sternberg paradigm, Flanker task) were completed 30 min pre, immediately post, and 45 min post exercise. Response times on the incongruent level of the Flanker task improved to a greater extent 45 min following the 30 min LIST, compared to rest (p = 0.009). Moreover, response times improved to a greater extent on the three-item level of Sternberg paradigm 45 min following the 30 min LIST, compared to the 60 min LIST (p = 0.002) and rest (p = 0.013), as well as on the five-item level 45 min following the 30 min LIST, compared to the 60 min LIST (p = 0.002). In conclusion, acute exercise enhanced subsequent cognition in adolescents, but overall, 30 min of high-intensity intermittent running is more favourable to adolescents' cognition, compared to 60 min.

The present study examined the metabolic responses to an acute bout of football and the overall and moderating role of physical fitness on these responses, in adolescents. Thirty-six adolescents (16 girls, 20 boys; 12.6 +/- 0.5 y) completed two trials (60-min football and 60-min seated rest) separated by 7-d. Capillary blood samples were taken at baseline (60-min prior to exercise/rest), immediately, 30- and 60-min post-exercise and 30-, 60- and 120-min following a standardised lunch (1.5-, 2- and 3-h post-exercise), for the determination of blood glucose and plasma insulin concentrations. The median split of distance covered on the multi-stage fitness test was used to define high- and low-fit groups. Overall plasma insulin tAUC following lunch was lower in high-fit participants compared to low-fit (high-fit: 3784.2 +/- 1653.1 pmol.L(-1)x120min, low-fit: 6457.3 +/- 3290.7 pmol.L(-1)x120min; p.001), although there was no acute effect of the football session (p>0.05). Football reduced blood glucose concentration 1-h post-exercise compared to control (exercise: 3.8 +/- 0.6 mmol.L-1, rest: 4.6 +/- 0.8 mmol.L-1; p<0.001), but this was similar for the high- and low-fit participants (p>0.05). Blood glucose tAUC was not affected by exercise or physical fitness (p>0.05). These data emphasise the importance of physical fitness for metabolic health in adolescents, as well as the utility of football as a popular form of games-based activity for improving glucose regulation.