Aerobic physical exercise and selective attention in primary school children

Abstract

Abstract. Physical exercise can have beneficial effects on cognitive functions and academic performance. Among cognitive functions, the study of attention in schoolchildren has acquired special interest due to its possible influence on specific aspects such as academic performance or social integration. The objective was analyze the acute effect of an aerobic physical exercise session on selective attention in a sample of 48 boys and 40 girls (Age, M ± DT = 9.48 ± .505 years). A quasi-experimental study design with a control group and an experimental group was used. Physical exercise involves walking a mile as quickly as possible. Selective attention was measured with the Face Test. The experimental group was divided into two subgroups (minor v. major) according to the time spent in the mile. The results of the differences affected in correct answers (p = .012), inhibitory control (p = .020) and omissions (p = .007) after the intervention. An inverse correlation was detected between the time spent on physical exercise and correct answers (p = .022). The analysis of variance detected higher records in correct answers (p = .047) in the group with less time spent. The results suggest that performing a short duration aerobic exercise session could have positive acute effects on selective attention. Performing physical exercise like the mile in less time is related to better selective attention. A better aerobic capacity could be related to more selective attention.