A network analysis involving mental difficulties, cognition, physical fitness, 24-hour movement components, fatness, and sociodemographic factors in children

Fochesatto, Camila Felin; Cristi-Montero, Carlos; Bandeira, Paulo Felipe; Brand, Caroline; Dias, Arieli Fernandes; Bandeira, Denise R.; Mota, Jorge; Araujo Gaya, Adroaldo Cezar; Gaya, Adroaldo C. A.; Gaya, Anelise Reis

Abstract

Background: Evidence supports the beneficial linear influence of diverse lifestyle behaviors on brain health since childhood; however, multiple behaviors -and not only one-simultaneously affect such outcomes. Therefore, the aim was to explore the multivariate relationship through a network analysis among mental difficulty and cognitive function with physical fitness (PF), 24-h movement components, fatness, and sociodemographic factors in children. Methods: Cross-sectional study involved 226 children (52.2 % boys) aged between six and 11 years. Mental difficulties were evaluated through the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and cognitive function by the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices Test. The body mass index and PF were assessed according to the procedures suggested by the Proesp-Br, while moderate-to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) using accelerometry. The socioeconomic level, sleep, and screen time were evaluated by questionnaires. A network analysis was carried out to evaluate the associations among variables and establish centrality measures. Results: Age and PF moderated the negative relationship between cognitive function and MVPA. Furthermore, the direct and inverse relationship between cognitive function and mental difficulties appears to be affected by the 24-h movement components. Finally, age, PF, and screen time are the nodes with higher values of expected influence, indicating more sensitivity to interventions for decreasing mental difficulty and improving cognitive function. Conclusion: Mental health and cognitive function were moderated by the multivariate interaction among age, PF, and the three 24-h movement components. Nonetheless, centrality measures from the network analysis suggest that PF, MVPA, and screen time are crucial nodes in order to implement future interventions.

Más información

Título según WOS: ID WOS:001106284700001 Not found in local WOS DB
Título según SCOPUS: ID SCOPUS_ID:85175574497 Not found in local SCOPUS DB
Título de la Revista: Journal of Exercise Science & Fitness
Volumen: 21
Fecha de publicación: 2023
Página de inicio: 416
Página final: 423
DOI:

10.1016/J.JESF.2023.10.001

Notas: ISI, SCOPUS