06.12.2023

New 2024 publication!

Free-living physical activity and executive function: A multi-study analysis of age groups and times of day.

Eppinger-Ruiz de Zarate, A. , Powell, D., Kühnhausen, J., Allan, J. L., Johnstone, A., Crabtree, D. R., Buosi, W., Fyfe, C. L., McMinn, D., McCavour, B, Gawrilow, C., Stadler, G. (2024). Free-living physical activity and executive function: A multi-study analysis of age groups and times of day. International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology 24 (2024) 100425. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijchp.2023.100425

Abstract
Background
Executive Function (EF) is a potential mechanism linking physical activity (PA) and mental health. However, evidence regarding the association between free-living PA and EF is limited with mixed results. Across two studies, we examined associations between accelerometer-assessed moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and facets of EF in different age groups (Study 1) and at different times of day (Study 2).

Method
In Study 1, we tested the association between MVPA and verbal fluency across seven days in 285 participants (children, adults, older adults). In Study 2, we tested between- and within-person associations between MVPA and working memory (afternoon, evening, next morning) across three 18-day bursts in 64 preadolescents.

Results
Study 1 showed no association between MVPA and verbal fluency overall, but there was an interaction by age group: a positive association was evident in older adults only. In Study 2, we observed a positive between-person association between MVPA and subsequent afternoon and next morning working memory, but not within-person. In the evening, MVPA was not related to working memory.

Conclusions
The association between free-living PA and EF differs between age groups and times of day. Future research should consider these factors when examining the association and its role for mental health.