Cognitive control and affect before and after physical activity in a real-world environment for young adults at risk and not at risk for ADHD
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Caroline C. Meadows (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Eric Drollette
Abstract: A single bout of physical activity has shown positive effects on cognitive control and affect in young adults. However, individuals at risk for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) demonstrate cognitive control deficits and emotional dysregulation that negatively impact their quality of life, revealing impairments occupationally, socially, academically, and psychologically. Additionally, the effects of a bout of physical activity on subsequent cognition and affect are unclear in young adults within their real-world environments. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation was to extend previous research regarding the effect of structured physical activity by observing the effects of a bout of physical activity in a real-world environment. Specifically, this dissertation assessed cognitive control performance and affect prior to and following physical activity and inactivity in individuals who are at risk and not at risk for ADHD in a real-world environment. Young adults throughout the Southeast United States were recruited for this dissertation (n = 94), and all participants completed one bout of both physical activity and inactivity over seven days in their real-world environment. Immediately before and after each bout, participants used a mobile device to complete a cognitive control task and affect measures. Cognitive control results revealed a significant decrease in reaction time following physical activity compared to before physical activity and after inactivity for individuals at risk and not at risk for ADHD. All participants reported improved affect after physical activity compared to before physical activity and after inactivity. Together, these data are the first to demonstrate cognitive and affective improvements following physical activity in real-world environments for individuals at risk and not at risk for ADHD.
Cognitive control and affect before and after physical activity in a real-world environment for young adults at risk and not at risk for ADHD
PDF (Portable Document Format)
983 KB
Created on 12/1/2021
Views: 130
Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2021
- Keywords
- Physical activity, ADHD, Young adults, Cognitive control
- Subjects
- Cognition $x Effect of exercise on
- Exercise $x Psychological aspects