Physical Activity for Psychological and Cognitive Development

Dear Colleagues,

Physical activity has multiple benefits for people’s cognitive functions, psychological variables, social skills and health, among others. The latest research and scientific studies reflect the evolution and growing interest in this area. Even so, we must keep researching this topic. The aim of this Special Issue is to disseminate high-quality research related to cognitive and psychological development through physical activity. Authors are invited to submit original research (empirical, quantitative, or qualitative) manuscripts, as well as systematic reviews or meta-analyses. All of them will be welcome, as long as they deepen and expand our understanding of the role of physical activity in relation to cognitive performance, psychological variables, physical, mental and psychosocial health, academic achievement, well-being, inclusive practices and equal opportunities, physical activity level and good habits, social skills, group cohesion, or emotions.

Dr. Josune Rodríguez-Negro
Prof. Dr. Víctor Arufe-Giráldez
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Behavioral Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• physical activity
• cognitive functions
• physical education
• psychology
• creativity
• attention
• emotions
• academic performance
• psychosocial health
• stress

Title: Multicomponent exercise program effect on self-perceived quality of life in overweight or obese people aged 60 years or older.
Authors: Yazmina Pleticosic-Ramirez,; Victor Arufe-Giraldez; Josune Rodriguez-Negro; Marcos Mecías-Calvo; Rubén Navarro-Patón
Affiliation: Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Abstract: The ageing of society is considered a problem of sociodemographic change that has been increasing in recent decades. Ageing brings with it physical limitations or chronic diseases that cause a lack of full well-being in this sector of the population. This lack of well-being can be reduced and diminished through the practice of physical exercise (PE), which, consequently, causes an increase in the self-perceived quality of life in older adults. Multicomponent exercise is a form of PE, in which various physical qualities (strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility and balance) are developed with an equal distribution of volume in the same session (approximately 60 minutes). Thus, the objective of this research was to verify the effect of multicomponent training on self-perceived quality of life in older Chilean people with overweight or obesity. To this end, a quasi-experimental study with a control group was designed to assess self-perceived Quality of Life using the World Health Organization Quality of Life, brief version [Global Quality of Life (GCL); Global Health (GH); Physical Health (PH); Psychological Health (PsH); Environment (E); Social Relations (SR)]. 70 older people with overweight or obesity between the ages of 60-86 participated (M= 73.15; SD = 5.94) who were randomized into a control group (CG, n= 35) and an experimental group (EG, n= 35). The results in the EG (pre vs post-intervention) indicated that there were statistically significant differences in the GCL (p = 0.005); GH (p = 0.014); PH (p < 0.001); PsH (p < 0.001); E (p = 0.015); SR (p < 0.001). However, no statistically significant differences were found in any of the CG variables (p > 0.050) except in RS (p < 0.001). Based on the results obtained, we can say that a multicomponent physical exercise program, applied for 6 months, in overweight or obese older people, produces improvements in self-perceived quality of life.

Title: Problematic use of video games in schooled adolescents: The Role of Passion
Authors: José M. Faílde Garrido; María Dolores Dapía; Manuel Isorna Folgar; Fátima Braña Rey
Affiliation: Psychosocioeducational analysis and intervention, University of Vigo, Ourense, Spain
Abstract: The present study aims to determine the predictive value of sociodemographic, academic, educational, clinical psychological variables -diagnosis ADHD, emotional self-regulation, passion and emotional and behaviour symptoms- and modality of use of video games in adolescents who either make a potentially problematic use of video games or with severe problems. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study in which 2.533 Galician students (region located in the northwest of Spain) aged between 11 and 20 years participated, who were selected through a multistage random sampling. The mean age was 14.78 years (SD=1.76). The analysis of the data seems to indicate that in the prediction of the problematic use of video games, different variables are combined, among which passion plays a capital role. In addition, the problematic use of video games is related to poor parental control, poor academic performance, use of addictive substances or to an earlier onset, as well as with the diagnosis of ADHD and with greater negative emotional and behaviour symptoms. The results of this study may be of interest for the design and implementation of preventive and corrective actions aimed at reducing the problematic or addictive use of video games.

Title: Playing for a Healthy Life: Exergames to Transform Students' Physical Fitness
Authors: Pablo Sotoca; Marta Arevalo; José Antonio Navia
Affiliation: Universidad de Alcalá, Alcala de Henares, Spain
Abstract: The main objective of this study was to promote a coherent pedagogical approach to the use of exergames in Physical Education (PE) in order to combat sedentary behavior. This intervention was framed within the Game-Based Learning methodology and evaluated the impact of an exergame on the physical and mental health of future Physical Education (PE) teachers. Perceived exertion was measured using the validated Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale to examine motor engagement and perceived intensity during the different minigames. The sample consisted of 130 students enrolled in the Technology and Physical Activity course within the Bachelor's Degree in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences at the University of Alcalá. Additionally, the pedagogical and motivational aspects of the ActiveArcade v3.11 video game were analyzed, supporting its implementation in future PE classes in secondary education. The findings demonstrated the potential of this active video game, which is based on a freegaming mode and utilizes augmented reality (AR) through a mobile device.