Resting state networks mediate the association between both cardiovascular fitness and gross motor skills with neurocognitive functioning

Anna Meijer, Marsh Königs, Petra J. W. Pouwels, Joanne Smith, Chris Visscher, Roel J. Bosker, Esther Hartman, Jaap Oosterlaan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Recent evidence suggests that cardiovascular fitness and gross motor skill performance are related to neurocognitive functioning by influencing brain structure and functioning. This study investigates the role of resting-state networks (RSNs) in the relation of cardiovascular fitness and gross motor skills with neurocognitive functioning in healthy 8- to 11-year-old children (n = 90, 45 girls, 10% migration background). Cardiovascular fitness and gross motor skills were related to brain activity in RSNs. Furthermore, brain activity in RSNs mediated the relation of both cardiovascular fitness (Frontoparietal network and Somatomotor network) and gross motor skills (Somatomotor network) with neurocognitive functioning. The results indicate that brain functioning may contribute to the relation between both cardiovascular fitness and gross motor skills with neurocognitive functioning.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)e412-e426
JournalChild development
Volume93
Issue number4
Early online date2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2022

Keywords

  • brain functioning
  • cognition, Children
  • physical fitness
  • resting-state fMRI

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