Effect of sixteen weeks of combined exercise on body composition, physical fitness and cognitive function in Korean children

Abstract

This study examined the effects of 16-weekcombined exercise programme on body composition, physical fitness and cognitive function of Korean children. The 20 participants were randomly assigned to the Combined Exercise Training (CET)(resistance exercise and aerobics) group(n=10) or a control group (CG, n=10). The CET group performed 90-min exercise sessions twice per week for 16 weeks, including 40min of resistance exercise, 40min of aerobic exercise and10min warm-up and cool-down. The CG did not participate in any exercise or physical activity. Body composition variables (weight, body mass index, fat-free mass, percent body fat, and basal metabolic rate) were measured using bio-electrical impedance analysis. Subjects underwent a physical fitness test consisting of sit-ups, grip strength, sit-and-reach ,standing long jump, side-steps and isokinetic leg extension strength. The cognitive function test consisted of electro-encephalography (EEG) activation and the Stroop test. Significant interaction effects (time xgroup) on EEG activation (brain activity) in the Fp1 (p=0.034), F3 (p=0.028), and C4 (p=0.013) areas and Stroop test (cognitive function) (p=0.005) were observed in the CET group compared to the CG. There were no interaction effects (timex group) on body composition or physical fitness variables. The CET affected the cognitive function of Korean children positively.

 Key words: Body composition; Cognitive function; Combined exercise; Electro-encephalography activation; Physical fitness; Youth.