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The relationship between sustained attention and aerobic fitness in a group of young adults.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:A growing set of studies has shown a positive relationship between aerobic fitness and a broad array of cognitive functions. However, few studies have focused on sustained attention, which has been considered a fundamental cognitive process that underlies most everyday activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of aerobic fitness as a key factor in sustained attention capacities in young adults. METHODS:Forty-four young adults (18-23 years) were divided into two groups as a function of the level of aerobic fitness (high-fit and low-fit). Participants completed the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) and an oddball task where they had to detect infrequent targets presented among frequent non-targets. RESULTS:The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed faster responses for the high-fit group than for the low-fit group in the PVT, replicating previous accounts. In the oddball task, the high-fit group maintained their accuracy (ACC) rate of target detection over time, while the low-fit group suffered a significant decline of response ACC throughout the task. DISCUSSION:Importantly, the results show that the greater sustained attention capacity of high-fit young adults is not specific to a reaction time (RT) sustained attention task like the PVT, but it is also evident in an ACC oddball task. In sum, the present findings point to the important role of aerobic fitness on sustained attention capacities in young adults.

SUBMITTER: Ciria LF

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5624291 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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The relationship between sustained attention and aerobic fitness in a group of young adults.

Ciria Luis F LF Perakakis Pandelis P Luque-Casado Antonio A Morato Cristina C Sanabria Daniel D

PeerJ 20170929

<h4>Background</h4>A growing set of studies has shown a positive relationship between aerobic fitness and a broad array of cognitive functions. However, few studies have focused on sustained attention, which has been considered a fundamental cognitive process that underlies most everyday activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of aerobic fitness as a key factor in sustained attention capacities in young adults.<h4>Methods</h4>Forty-four young adults (18-23 years) were d ...[more]

PMID: 28975054

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Project description:BackgroundAlthough aerobic fitness is regarded as an overall prognostic measure of morbidity and mortality, its evaluation in the chronic progressive sinopulmonary disease primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) has been infrequently and inconsistently reported. Here we assessed peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) in a large well-characterized cohort of PCD patients, and explored whether VO2peak was associated with parameters of pulmonary function, self-reported physical limitations, and physical activity level.MethodsVO2peak, spirometry, diffusing capacity, whole-body plethysmography, and nitrogen multiple breath inert gas washout (N2 MBW) were assessed in a cross-sectional, single-occasion study of clinically stable children and young adults with PCD. We used a questionnaire including self-reported physical limitations in everyday life or in vigorous activities, and estimation of weekly hours of strenuous physical activity. VO2peak in PCD patients was compared with that in matched, healthy control subjects and a national reference.ResultsForty-four PCD patients aged 6-29 years exhibited reduced VO2peak compared to healthy controls (P<0.001) and the national reference. VO2peak was abnormal (z-score <-1.96) in 34% of PCD patients. Spirometric values, RV/TLC, and indices of N2 MBW were significantly abnormal, but VO2peak only correlated with FEV1 and DLCO/VA. VO2peak correlated with complaints of moderate or significant limitations in vigorous activities (P = 0.0001), exhibited by 39% of PCD patients.ConclusionOne-third of PCD patients exhibited substantially lower aerobic fitness than healthy subjects. Aerobic fitness correlated with FEV1, DLCO/VA and self-reported complaints of limitations in vigorous physical activity. These findings are most likely explained by PCD pulmonary disease and its impact on pulmonary function and physical ability. Considering fitness as an important outcome and including regular strenuous physical activity in PCD treatment would probably altogether increase pulmonary clearance, lung function, aerobic fitness, and quality of life, and prevent lifestyle-related diseases.

Project description:ObjectiveAerobic fitness may be beneficial for neuroanatomical structure. However, few have investigated this in emerging adults while also accounting for potential sex differences. Here we examine aerobic fitness level, sex, and their interaction in relation to cortical thickness, surface area, and volume.MethodSixty-three young adults between the ages of 16-26 were balanced for sex and demonstrated a wide range of aerobic fitness levels. Exclusion criteria included left-handedness, past-year independent Axis-I disorders, major medical/neurologic disorders, prenatal medical issues, prenatal alcohol/illicit drug exposure, or excessive substance use. Participants completed an MRI scan and a graded exercise test to volitional fatigue (VO2 max). Data analyses were run in Freesurfer and data was corrected for multiple comparisons with Monte Carlo simulations at .05.ResultsMales demonstrated higher VO2 values. Higher VO2 values were statistically independently related to thinner lateral occipital, superior parietal, cuneus, precuneus, and inferior parietal regions, smaller lateral occipital volume, and larger inferior parietal surface area. Compared to females, males had larger volume in rostral anterior cingulate, lateral occipital, and superior frontal regions, and greater surface area in fusiform, inferior parietal, rostral and caudal anterior cingulate, and superior parietal regions. VO2*Sex interactions revealed higher-fit females had higher inferior parietal, paracentral, and supramarginal surface area, while lower-fit males showed larger surface area in these same regions.ConclusionsIndividuals with higher aerobic fitness performance had thinner cortices, lower volume, and larger surface area in sensorimotor regions than lower fit individuals, perhaps suggesting earlier neuromaturation in higher fit individuals. Larger surface area was associated with higher-fit females and lower-fit males. Thus both sex and aerobic fitness are important in shaping brain health in emerging adults.

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The relationship between sustained attention and aerobic fitness in a group of young adults.

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The relationship between sustained attention and aerobic fitness in a group of young adults.

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