Context specific associations of physical activity and sedentary behaviour with cognition in children

This study investigated how overall and specific domains of physical activity and sedentary behaviour at age 7 were associated with cognition at age 11 in 8462 children from the Millennium Cohort Study. Data were collected from the year 2001 to 2013. Participation in domains of physical activity and sedentary behaviour were reported at age 7. Activity levels were also measured objectively. Cognition was assessed using the British Ability Scales. General linear models assessed longitudinal associations of physical activity and sedentary behaviour, measured objectively and via self-report, on cognition. Analyses adjusted for pre-specified covariates. Sports/physical activity club attendance (B 0.6; 95% CI 0.2, 1.1), homework (B 0.5; 95% CI 0.0, 0.9) and objectively measured sedentary time (B 0.8; 95% CI 0.1, 1.4) at age 7 were positively associated with cognition at age 11 in final models. TV viewing was negatively associated with cognition (B -1.7; 95% CI -2.4, -1.0) although attenuated to the null after adjustments for baseline cognition. Objectively measured light physical activity was inversely associated with cognition (B-0.7; 95% CI -1.3, -0.1). Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was also inversely associated with cognition in girls only (B -1.1; 95% CI -2.0, -0.3). Associations of physical activity and sedentary behaviour with cognition appear to be context specific in young people.