Simple 20-meter bus run test predicts brain health in overweight children

Aerobic fitness is often considered one of the best indicators of childhood health. It is also associated with better academic performance, executive function and larger brain volume. However, aerobic fitness has been studied quite narrowly, often using methods that do not optimally represent it. According to a recent study from the University of Jyväskylä and the University of Granada, aerobic fitness performance measured by the 20-meter bus run test was linked to several different outcomes in brain health.

In the study, maximal oxygen uptake was measured objectively during a maximal treadmill test. In addition, physical fitness was assessed with a 20m bus run test. Brain health was studied using tests that measure cognitive functions and learning, as well as brain imaging.

The most consistent and clear associations with brain health outcomes were seen with the results of the 20m bus run tests. Children who performed well on the bus run also had better executive function and academic performance and higher total brain gray matter volume.

In addition to these, maximal oxygen uptake estimated from an equation based on shuttle run test results was also correlated with general intelligence and reasoning ability. Somewhat surprisingly, maximal oxygen uptake measured objectively during the treadmill test was not associated with any brain health outcomes.

It is important to note that the outcome of the 20m shuttle run is determined not only by maximal oxygen uptake but also by other factors such as body composition, motor skills and motivation. Endurance performance that combines these characteristics may be most beneficial to brain health from childhood.”

Dr. Eero Haapala, University of Jyväskylä

“The importance of aerobic fitness for brain health is not yet fully understood, partly because of variable methods. According to our study, maximal oxygen uptake does not appear to be very important for brain health in children,” he adds. the Haapala.

The study involved 100 children aged 8 to 11 who were overweight or obese and took part in the ActiveBrains study conducted in Granada, Spain, led by Professor Francisco Ortega from the University of Granada, Spain. Professor Ortega is also Visiting Professor at the Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä.

“These findings have important implications, as the 20m run test is widely used in primary and secondary schools around the world and many countries, such as Finland, have a national fitness monitoring system that includes this test. Our results show that fitness assessments are informative and predictive of the brain health status of the children being assessed, and these monitoring systems can identify areas of poorer fitness, which can inform public health strategies,” he says. Professor Ortega.