Correlations between physical activity, physical fitness, and executive functions in primary schoolchildren from disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Gqeberha, South Africa

Background
Current research shows that physical activity and physical fitness are interrelated and that both factors can have an impact on executive functions. The influence of an active lifestyle and exercise in everyday life positively influence brain functions and can thus improve academic performance. The aim of this thesis is to correlate the above parameters within the KaziAfya study and thus discuss their relationship.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from primary schoolchildren in disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Gqeberha, South Africa. The surveys were conducted from January to March 2019. Physical activity was measured using a wGT3X-BT accelerometer. Physical fitness was assessed measuring maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) during a shuttle run test, and for the executive function survey, a flanker task was performed to determine inhibitory control. The schoolchildren included in the study were between 6 and 12 years old and attended grades 1 to 4.
Results
Pearson correlation and simple linear regression yielded the following results: Data presented a significant positive correlation between physical activity and physical fitness (r=.201, p=<.001). However, no significant correlation was found between physical activity and executive function (r=-.046, p=.106). Furthermore, data showed a significant positive correlation between physical fitness and executive function (r=.92, p=.001).
Conclusion
The results of the master’s thesis presented here assume that there is a relationship between physical activity and physical fitness and that good physical fitness correlates with good executive functions. It is therefore important that schools provide sufficient (quality) physical education to support and promote a healthy lifestyle.