Inhibitory control in schoolersdomain evaluation and analysis of the effects of exercise interventions

Abstract

Inhibitory control (IC) is a central component of the Executive Functions (EFs) with a fundamental role organizing how various mental processes work together in light of goal-directed behaviors. This domain includes a family of related functions that govern inter-related processes and are determinant in several high impact disorders. To clarify the presence of IC differences in typically developed schoolers, and its training possibilities with exercise interventions, three studies were performed. The first study involved an evaluation of several IC and impulsivity components in a schoolers sample. Underlying common connections were found between IC components, but not between IC and impulsivity components. However, accuracy and reaction times appear to link the IC and impulsivity domains. Elevated differences between IC and impulsive tendencies were discovered among participants. In the second study, a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of diverse longitudinal physical exercise interventions in the IC of children and adolescents were accomplished. Small but statistically non-significant effect sizes were found. The third study included an acute intervention with three intervention groups to evaluate their effects on schoolers' IC. Each intervention had a specific design regarding IC demands and exercise components. The results did not show significant improvements or significative differences