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Physical Activity and Cognition: Inseparable in the Education and Participation

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Exercise and Health-Related Quality of Life".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2024) | Viewed by 22901

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Katarzyna Walicka-Cupryś

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Guest Editor

1. Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College, University of Rzeszów, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland
2. Natural and Medical Center for Innovative Research, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland
Interests: rehabilitation; body posture; body balance; thoracic kyphosis; lumbar lordosis; spine; flat foot; urinary and fecal incontinence rehabilitation; pelvic floor problems; perinatal risk factors, body posture and pelvic floor method test; physical activity; body composition; obesity; health behaviors; maternal and child health

Dr. Agnieszka Ćwirlej Sozańska

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Guest Editor

1. Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College, University of Rzeszów, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland
2. Natural and Medical Center for Innovative Research, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland
Interests: physical activity; public health; health behaviors; rehabilitation; exercise performance; exercise science; geriatrics and gerontoprophylaxis; icf; activity and participation; disability; environmental health; mental health

Dr. Agnieszka Brzozowska-Magoń

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Guest Editor

Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College, University of Rzeszów, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland
Interests: rehabilitation; neurological rehabilitation; balance and gait rehabilitation; body posture; physical activity; Sensory Integration

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Physical activity, as a person's ability to act, enables the fulfillment of biopsychosocial needs and is a condition of health. Taking care of health is connected, on the one hand, with maintaining physical fitness, and on the other, with mental and intellectual fitness. Scientific evidence shows that a lack of exercise negatively affects physical health and mental and cognitive functions. Physical activity is a key factor contributing to the proper functioning of the mind.

There is growing evidence of the benefits of exercise for the development and maintenance of cognitive functions that are related to receiving, interpreting, and accumulating information, attention, perception and memory, cognitive control and executive functions, thinking, and language. The influence of physical activity on the processing of sensory stimuli and healthy brain function takes place at the structural, neurofunctional, and volitional levels.

The positive effect of physical activity on cognitive parameters is found in people of all ages. It is necessary to educate children, adolescents, young adults, and the elderly about the positive impact of exercise on cognition, everyday functioning, and participation.

Therefore, this research topic aims to demonstrate the role of physical activity in people of all ages on the integration and processing of sensory stimuli, the development and maintenance of cognitive functions, and everyday functioning and participation in society as well as the important role of education in promoting mental health and maintaining cognitive functions at the level that is optimal for a human being.

We invite you to submit scientific articles, research protocols, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and practical research. Reviews, case reports and conference papers are welcome to this issue. Other manuscript types accepted include methodological papers, position papers, brief reports, and commentaries.

Dr. Katarzyna Walicka-Cupryś
Dr. Agnieszka Ćwirlej Sozańska
Dr. Agnieszka Brzozowska-Magoń
Guest Editors

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Keywords

physical activity
inactivity
fitness
cognitive function
perception
education
sensory integration
participation
schoolchildren
students
senior
patient
ADL

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise’s Impact on Cognitive Functions in Eighth Grade Students

by Heather Erwin and Sarah Schreiber

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(7), 833; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070833 - 26 Jun 2024

Viewed by 903

Abstract

The present study examined the impact of aerobic and anaerobic exercise on cognitive abilities in eighth grade students at one middle school in southeastern US. It is known that youth do not meet recommended physical activity levels, yet there is research demonstrating a clear connection between aerobic exercise and academic performance. There is a gap in evidence regarding anaerobic exercise and cognitive capabilities. If professionals know which type of exercise is most beneficial for enhancing cognition in youth, it will behoove them to incorporate these practices in physical education and other areas throughout the school day for students. Thus, this research aimed to answer the following question: what is the effect of both aerobic and anaerobic exercise on the cognitive functions of eighth grade students, specifically measuring working memory, attention, and impulsivity? Fifty research participants (N = 31 males, 18 females, 1 other), aged 13–14, consented/assented to the complete study protocols. Participants engaged in an experiment containing three different cognitive tasks after partaking in three separate exercise conditions. The cognitive measures were the Stroop color–word task, the Flanker test, and the Go/No Go task, which all measured reaction time and the number of correct responses. The exercise conditions were baseline (after no exercise), aerobic (after a continuous running activity in PE), and anaerobic (after completing an interval dumbbell workout in PE). Each condition took place on a separate day to decrease the effect of confounding variables. The data were analyzed using the Scheffe modification of the MANOVA to determine whether multiple levels of the independent variable influenced the dependent variables (the reaction time and number of correct responses) or if a combination of variables influenced the outcomes. Each cognitive test was analyzed separately. The results showed that the exercise condition did significantly impact the reaction time and the number of correct responses for the Stroop color–word task [F(4, 254) = 8.59, p < 0.001; Pillai’s Trace = 0.24]. Specifically, aerobic exercise improved both reaction time (p < 0.001) and the number of correct responses (p = 0.001) compared to baseline, while anaerobic exercise improved just reaction time compared to baseline. To find out more detailed information about the specific dependent variable affected by the exercise program, individual ANOVA tests were conducted, resulting in statistical significance for both the number of correct responses and reaction time regarding the program. The partial Eta² of 0.07 for the number of correct responses and 0.24 for reaction time indicated that 7% of the variance in correct responses and 24% of the variance in reaction time could be explained by the exercise program. While both are significant, reaction time is more impacted by exercise program than correct responses are. Given these findings, it is recommended that aerobic physical activity be offered in school prior to assigning cognitively challenging tasks, while quick anaerobic activity breaks should be used to refocus students’ attention. More research should be conducted to examine other cognitive abilities, as well as in other populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Cognition: Inseparable in the Education and Participation)

9 pages, 337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Doping in Sport—Attitudes of Physical Trainers Students Regarding the Use of Prohibited Substances Increasing Performance

by Magdalena Zmuda Palka, Monika Bigosińska, Matylda Siwek, Boryana Angelova-Igova and Dawid Konrad Mucha

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 4574; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20054574 - 4 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2153

Abstract

Background: The popularity of using the advice of a personal trainer is increasing in Poland and currently most gyms offer the possibility of training under the supervision of a professional. Personal trainers present a multifaceted nature into physical activity and become their clients’ guides in achieving sporting goals. Physical trainers also work in sports clubs and supervise the training of people professionally involved in sport. Aim: Given the professional role that they play, this article aimed to analyze the knowledge and attitudes of personal trainers towards using prohibited measures to improve performance in sport, as well as counteraction measures. Methods: The study used a questionnaire created by the authors containing closed, semi-open, and open questions. Results: The results of the presented research indicate that most physical trainers and students educated in this field have a negative attitude towards the use of prohibited measures that increase performance but they noticed that doping was common in sport by 88.51% respondents. In the group of personal trainers, the majority (87.14%) admitted that good results in sport could be achieved without the use of doping. They stated that it was unfair (25%), contrary to the fair play principle—16%, while over 11% indicated this as cheating. Only 6% of people pointed out that it was legally prohibited and 3% that it was harmful. These results show that 10.13% of all respondents believe that the use of doping is a necessity to achieve very good results in sport. Conclusions: The availability of doping substances is statistically correlated with the question of persuading to use doping in both groups of trainers and students and some people justify the use of doping. The research proved that the personal trainers’ level of knowledge on doping is still insufficient. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Cognition: Inseparable in the Education and Participation)

13 pages, 344 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Uplifted by Dancing Community: From Physical Activity to Well-Being

by Agnieszka Zygmont, Wojciech Doliński, Dominika Zawadzka and Krzysztof Pezdek

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 3535; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043535 - 17 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2426

Abstract

The aim of the article is to present the dancing experience of older adult women who increase their well-being through dancing. That aim was realized through conducting qualitative research in accordance with COREQ among the members of a dance group “Gracje” from Wrocław. In the article, we show that senior women dance as a form of physical activity in the pursuit of health, enabling them to maintain the level of physical ability that allows them to fully enjoy different aspects of life. Thus, health is not only attempting to avoid illnesses, but, first of all, experiencing well-being, i.e., satisfaction with life in its physical, mental (cognitive) and social aspects. That satisfaction touches, in particular, such spheres as acceptance of an aging body, a need for personal growth and entering into new social relationships. Increasing that sense of satisfaction and agency (subjectivity) in each of those spheres as a consequence of organized dancing activity should be treated as one of the most important factors responsible for improving the quality of life of older adult women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Cognition: Inseparable in the Education and Participation)

12 pages, 343 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Influence of Family Crisis Coping Strategies on Family Quality of Life in the Assessment of Patients with Idiopathic Scoliosis

by Barbara Cyran-Grzebyk, Lidia Perenc, Justyna Wyszyńska, Gabriela Kołodziej-Lackorzyńska and Joanna Majewska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(2), 1177; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021177 - 9 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2045

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the strategies of coping with the family crisis in children and adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis on the level of their family’s quality of life (FQOL). The study group consisted of 100 adolescents (girls 83%, boys 17% of the entire main group) with an average age of 14 (13.83 ± 1.92). The control group consisted of the same number of people as the study group (girls 78%, boys 22% of the entire control group) with an average age of 14 (14.09 ± 2.16). The FQOL scale was used to assess the family’s quality of life, and the F-COPES scale was used to assess the problem-solving strategies used by the family (individual members) in a difficult life situation. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the two compared groups. While dealing with a crisis situation in their families, adolescents treated for idiopathic scoliosis were using the spiritual support strategy (M ± SD 5.12 ± 2.07) significantly more often, while their healthy peers much more willingly and more often benefited from other possible strategies (F-COPES). Additionally, statistically significant differences were observed in the assessment of children and adolescents from both groups that the usage of different strategies available on the F-COPES scale correlated and affected the areas of the FQOL level of their families. Gaining spiritual support had a negative impact on the area of physical and financial well-being of FQOL, as assessed by juveniles with SI (R = −0.254, p = 0.011). However, in the opinion of healthy peers, the strategy of gaining social support (F-COPES) resulted in a higher level of FQOL in the area of disability problems (p = 0.005). A long process of SI treatment can cause crisis situations for patients and their families and affect both the physical and mental health of patients by changing the FQOL level of their families. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Cognition: Inseparable in the Education and Participation)

20 pages, 2129 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cognitive Enhancement through Differential Rope Skipping after Math Lesson

by Johannes Burdack and Wolfgang I. Schöllhorn

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010205 - 23 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2353

Abstract

Numerous studies have shown cognitive enhancement through sport and physical exercise. Despite the variety of studies, the extent to which physical activity before or after a cognitive learning session leads to more effective cognitive enhancement remains largely unresolved. Moreover, little attention has been paid to the dependence of the motor learning approach then applied. In this study, we compare the influence of differential with uniformly rope skipping directly succeeding an acquisition phase in arithmetic mathematics. For three weeks 26 pupils, 14 female, 12 male, and 13.9 ± 0.7 years old, completed nine 15 min exercises in arithmetic math, each followed by 3 min rope skipping with heart rate measurement. Arithmetic performance was tested in a pre-, post- and retention test design. The results showed a statistically significant difference between the differential and the control groups within the development of arithmetic performance, especially in the retention test. There was no statistical difference in heart rate. It is suggested that the results provide evidence for sustainable improvements of cognitive learning performance by means of highly variable rope skipping. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Cognition: Inseparable in the Education and Participation)

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11 pages, 351 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants of Physical Activity in Older Adults in South-Eastern Poland

by Agnieszka Wiśniowska-Szurlej, Agnieszka Ćwirlej-Sozańska, Anna Wilmowska-Pietruszyńska and Bernard Sozański

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(24), 16922; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192416922 - 16 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1420

Abstract

The aim of our study is to assess factors determining the uptake of physical activity (PA) by older people living in south-eastern Poland. This is a cross-sectional study. The study included 858 older people aged 75 and over living in south-eastern Poland. PA was assessed by asking about the time spent on any at least moderate PA per week and about doing planned strengthening exercises to improve muscle strength and muscular endurance. Functional status, disability and quality of life in older people were also assessed. Logistic regression models were used to identify the factors related to PA. In the study group, only 25.64% performed a minimum of 150 min of moderate-intensity exercise, while strengthening exercises were performed by 22.49%. The most important factors influencing the uptake of PA were age, number of chronic diseases, place of residence, education, social activity, housing conditions, quality of life and health status. In summary, the study population represents a low level of PA uptake, with the majority not meeting the World Health Organization recommendations for PA uptake by older people. Our findings suggest individualized efforts to promote public health and increase PA among older people over 75 years of age. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Cognition: Inseparable in the Education and Participation)

18 pages, 2206 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Sitting Callisthenic Balance and Resistance Exercise Programs on Cognitive Function in Older Participants

by Sławomir Kujawski, Agnieszka Kujawska, Mariusz Kozakiewicz, Djordje G. Jakovljevic, Błażej Stankiewicz, Julia L. Newton, Kornelia Kędziora-Kornatowska and Paweł Zalewski

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 14925; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192214925 - 13 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1907

Abstract

Background: Exercise training programs have the potential to improve cognitive function in older subjects. However, the majority of training programs are based on aerobic modality. In the current study, the influence of 3 months programs of sitting callisthenic balance (SCB) and resistance training (RT) on cognitive functioning and the mediating role that a change in the level of neurotrophic factors and strength in older, healthy participants plays were examined. Material and methods: Global cognitive function was examined using MoCA, short-term memory using Digit Span and Delayed Matching to Sample, set shifting using Trial Making Test Part B, speed of processing simple visual stimuli using Simple Reaction Time, decision making using Choice Reaction Time, visual attention with Visual Attention Test (VAT), tests. Strength of lower and upper limbs, neurotrophin level (irisin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin 3 (NT-3), neurotrophin 4/5 (NT 4/5) were examined. Results: Improved scores in RT vs. SCB were noted in MoCA (p = 0.02), reaction time in SRT (p = 0.02), TMT B (p = 0.03), errors committed in CRT (p = 0.04) and VAT (p = 0.02) were observed. No significant changes in the level of neurotrophic factors were observed. Changes in upper limb strength were related to changes in the number of errors committed in the SRT (p = 0.03). Lower limb strength changes explained the dynamics of the number of correct answers (p = 0.002) and errors committed (p = 0.006) in VAT. Conclusions: Both SCB and RT influenced multiple cognitive domains. The RT program improved global cognitive functioning, while no improvement was noticed in the SCB group. Decision making, visual attention and global cognitive function were improved after the RT program. Set-shifting, short-term visual memory processing speed of simple visual stimuli were improved after the SCB program, while a decrease in the processing speed of simple visual stimuli was noted in the RT group. Changes in irisin were related to set-shifting and short-term memory, while in BDNF to an improvement in the processing speed of simple visual stimuli. Resistance exercise training programs could be applied to prevent age related declines of cognitive function in healthy older subjects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Cognition: Inseparable in the Education and Participation)

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19 pages, 573 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anorexic Readiness Syndrome in Elite Female Acrobatic Gymnasts—International Study

by Ewa Polak, Adrianna Gardzińska and Maria Zadarko-Domaradzka

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13181; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013181 - 13 Oct 2022

Viewed by 2013

Abstract

Anorexic Readiness Syndrome (ARS) is a concept used in research for the early detection of disordered eating (DE). It is a set of indicators located primarily within the cognitive and behavioral sphere of an individual’s functioning. The aim of this study was to examine whether among the elite acrobats there are girls showing a high level of anorexic tendency, and if so, what behaviors and attitudes are the most common. In addition, an attempt to determine what sport-related factors or other non-sport variables may increase the risk of ARS was conducted. The study group was made up of 133 acrobatic gymnasts aged 10–19, representing six countries that participated in the Acro World Cup competition held in Poland. The study procedures included surveys (personal questionnaire and the Eating Attitudes Questionnaire), anthropometric measurements such as weight, height, waist circumference (WC) and determination of the Body Mass Index (BMI), fat percentage (Fat%), and waist to height ratio (WHtR). A high level of ARS was found in 9.8% of acrobats. This group most often declared attitudes and behaviors indicative of anorexic tendencies. A strong relationship with the level of ARS was noted in the following: the use of fasting and diets (p ≤ 0.001; V = 0.54), limiting of fats and carbohydrates (p ≤ 0.001; V = 0.60), feeling angry after eating too much (p ≤ 0.001; V = 0.55), knowing the caloric value of many food products (p ≤ 0.001; V = 0.59), and the desire to improve the appearance of one’s body (p ≤ 0.001; V = 0.52). The role played in the acrobatic partnership and the region of residence were considered as the sport-related risk factors. Among non-sport factors, the strongest predictor of ARS was the age of gymnasts (β = 0.516; p ≤ 0.001). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Cognition: Inseparable in the Education and Participation)

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12 pages, 362 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Physical Activity in the Reduction of Generalised Anxiety Disorder in Young Adults in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic

by Ewelina Czenczek-Lewandowska, Justyna Leszczak, Justyna Wyszyńska, Joanna Baran, Aneta Weres and Bogumił Lewandowski

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(17), 11086; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191711086 - 5 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2151

Abstract

Physical activity is critically important not only for physical but also for mental health. Exercise may be a beneficial form of therapy for young adults with anxiety disorders. The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the public, including young adults, in terms of their mental well-being and opportunities for physical activity. The study aimed to identify the influence of physical activity (PA) on generalised anxiety in young adults. It also assessed the changes which occurred in the level of PA and in generalised anxiety in young adults as a result of COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional survey was carried out online with 506 young adults aged 18 to 34 years (=24.67 years ± 4.23 years). Respondents provided two answers to each question, i.e., information relating to the last 7 days during the pandemic (first hard lockdown), and to a period of 7 days before the pandemic (retrospective). The levels of physical activity were measured using 7-item International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ–SF), whereas the level of generalised anxiety was assessed using the Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) questionnaire. During the pandemic there was a significant correlation between the level of generalised anxiety and the level of physical activity reported by the respondents (p = 0.048). A higher level of physical activity corresponded to lower level of generalized anxiety in young adults. During the pandemic, young adults spent significantly less time performing physical activity (8752.5 vs. 6174.6 metabolic equivalents (MET) min/week, p < 0.001), they spent more time engaging in sedentary behaviours (Me = 240 vs. Me = 300 min/day, p < 0.001), and they walked much less (from Me = 6930.0 (MET) min/week vs. 3861.0 (MET) min/week (44.29% decrease). Furthermore, after the outbreak of the pandemic the level of perceived generalised anxiety increased significantly (p < 0.001). Physical activity may play an important role in reducing anxiety disorder in young adults. During the COVID-19 pandemic young adults were significantly less involved in PA, which adversely affected their physical and mental condition. The importance of sufficient PA should be emphasised during this specific period, particularly among young adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Cognition: Inseparable in the Education and Participation)

10 pages, 1018 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acute Effects of High-Intensity Functional Training and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Cognitive Functions in Young Adults

by Manuel de Diego-Moreno, Francisco Álvarez-Salvago, Antonio Martínez-Amat, Carmen Boquete-Pumar, Antonio Orihuela-Espejo, Agustín Aibar-Almazán and José Daniel Jiménez-García

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(17), 10608; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710608 - 25 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2052

Abstract

Background: The purpose of the present study was to compare the influence of an acute bout of high-intensity functional training (HIFT) with an acute bout of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on measures of cognitive function. Methods: Sixty-nine young adults (Mean ± SD: age = 21.01 ± 2.79 yrs; body mass = 69.65 ± 6.62 kg; height = 1.74 ± 0.05 m; Body Mass Index = 22.8 ± 1.41) gave informed consent and were randomly divided into three groups. The HIFT group, with 27 participants, performed a high-intensity (>85% Max. HR) circuit of functional exercises for 30 min. The MICT group, with 28 participants, performed moderate-intensity (70–80% Max. HR) continuous training on a cyclo-ergometer. The control group did not perform any activity. The Stroop Test, Word Recall and N-Back Test were completed to assess during the familiarization period, immediately before and immediately after the training’s bouts. Results: The repeated measures ANOVA did not show significant mean differences for any group. However, the T-Test for the paired samples demonstrated very significant differences in the Stroop Test, in terms of fastest response time (FRT; mean difference (MD) = −1.14, p < 0.01, d = 0.9), mean response time (MRT; MD = −2.16, p < 0.01, d = 0.66) and the number of correct answers (NCA; MD = 1.08, p < 0.05, d = 0.5) in the HIFT group and in the MICT group (FRT; MD = −1.79, p < 0.01, d = 0.9), (MRT; MD = −3.07, p < 0.01, d = 0.9) (NCA; MD = 1.54, p < 0.05, d = 0.5). Conclusions: There were no differences in the control group. HIFT and MICT may elicit specific influences on cognitive function, mainly in executive function and selective attention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Cognition: Inseparable in the Education and Participation)

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12 pages, 483 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Acute Aerobic Exercise on Craving Degree for University Students with Mobile Phone Dependency: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Guan Yang, Rulan Shangguan, Yuanyuan Ke and Songtao Wang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 8983; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19158983 - 23 Jul 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2409

Abstract

These days, mobile phone dependency (MPD) has become one of the most imperative and impressive puzzles in the area of behavioral addictions and public health across the world, especially the individuals with MPD that might frequently crave using mobile phones themselves. The target of the current study was to determine whether moderate-intensity aerobic exercise could reduce the craving degree for mobile phones for university students with MPD by a randomized, controlled trial. Sixty Chinese undergraduates, including 30 male and 30 female students aged from 18 to 22 years (20.08 ± 1.94 years) with MPD were recruited and then randomly assigned to the exercise group (n = 30) or the control group (n = 30) with even numbers by gender and major. Participants in the exercise group were required to perform an acute moderate-intensity treadmill exercise lasting for 30 min at 45–68% heart rate reserve (HRR) with background music, while the control group were only asked to listen to the same music for 40 min without any exercise. Sport watches were employed to monitor their heart rate (HR), and the exercise group was also obliged to report their rating of perceived exertion (RPE). After completing the experimental task, a visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate their craving degree for mobile phones, and an independent samples t-test was computed to reveal the difference in the scores of craving degree for mobile phones between the two groups. The results showed that the VAS score for the exercise group (3.77 ± 1.36) was significantly lower (p < 0.001) than that of the control group (6.11 ± 1.39). The findings suggested that acute moderate-intensity aerobic exercise could be an effective and reliable means to help deal with the issue of mobile phones craving for the undergraduates with MPD, and more longitudinal intervention studies and control trial designs should be conducted in the near future to further test the long-term effects of this exercise. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Cognition: Inseparable in the Education and Participation)

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