The impact of healthy habits on executive functions and academic performance: the role of gender differences
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v72.115281Keywords:
academic achievement; academic performance; executive functions; healthy habits; healthy nutrition; mediterranean diet; physical activity; sleepAbstract
Introduction and Objective. This study examines the relationship between healthy habits—physical activity, sleep, and nutrition—and their impact on executive functions (EF) and academic performance in children aged 11 to 12 years, explicitly considering gender differences.
Methodology. The sample consisted of 51 students (24 boys and 27 girls) from two semi-private schools in Barcelona, selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using validated instruments, including the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), the KIDMED questionnaire (nutrition), the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C), and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-2). Academic performance was measured using standardized competency grades from Catalonia. For data analysis, Spearman’s correlation coefficient (Rho) and Kendall Tau-b was used to assess associations between variables.
Results. Physical activity showed a significant improvement in cognitive flexibility, while sleep was positively correlated with multiple domains of EF. Gender-specific analyses revealed notably more correlations between physical activity, sleep, and executive functions in boys than in girls, despite the smaller sample size of boys. Nutrition (ALIM) did not show any correlations with EF in either group.
Conclusions. However, a larger sample is needed for a more comprehensive understanding. Longitudinal studies and targeted intervention programs focused on sleep, nutrition, and physical activity could potentially enhance both cognitive and academic performance in children by addressing these critical developmental factors systematically.
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