The effects of an active breaks intervention on physical and cognitive performance: results from the I-MOVE study

BACKGROUND: The present quasi-experimental study aimed to evaluate the effects of active breaks intervention (ABs) to promote physical and cognitive improvement in primary school. METHODS: The active breaks group (ABsG) performed 10 min of ABs three times per school day and the control group (CG) did normal lessons. The baseline and follow-up evaluation was conducted respectively in October 2019 and in May 2021. Cognitive performance was assessed using working memory test, physical performance was analyzed with ActiGraph accelerometers and physical fitness tests, quality of life was monitored using the Paediatric Quality of Life questionnaire (PedsQL) and classroom behavior was collected with an ad hoc questionnaire. RESULTS: We enrolled 153 children (age: 7.61 ± 1.41, 54.2% males). Working memory significantly increased in the ABsG (ΔWM: 1.30 ± 1.17) than in CG (ΔWM: 0.96 ± 1.20). The 6 min Cooper test increased in the ABsG (Δ: 1.77 ± 136.03) but not in CG (Δ: -156.42 ± 187.53), P < 0.05. The weekly physical activity levels increased in both groups; however, the sedentary behavior significantly increased both in ABsG and CG. Children reported improvements in their quality of school life including feeling better in class and in school when using ABs; moreover, children improved their time on task behaviors in ABsG. CONCLUSION: The present study has proven to be effective on children's physical and cognitive performance.