What is it about?
The study investigated how physical activity, sedentary behaviour and screen time from childhood to adolescence are associated with cognitive processing in adolescence and whether there are any sex differences in these connections. In addition, the researchers also examined the role of the intensity of physical activity in this respect. We found that higher amount of screen time since childhood were related to better cognitive processing in adolescence. In girls, the higher amount of light-intensity physical activity since childhood was associated with better working memory in adolescence. In boys, then again, higher amount of supervised physical activity from childhood to adolescence was associated with better working memory in adolescence.
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Why is it important?
Adolescents’ scarce physical activity is a major challenge in terms of public health. Sedentary lifestyle has been shown to decrease school achievement, while physical activity is known to promote brain functions especially for adults. However, there is little research evidence about the connections of physical activity and sedentary time in childhood and adolescence with regard to cognitive processing in adolescence, although these life stages are pivotal for brain development. Various factors that influence cognitive processing in childhood and adolescence can be reflected far into adulthood also in terms of educational choices and working life.
Perspectives
Our study indicates that the connections of physical activity and sedentary behaviour to cognitive processing are complex and depend on the sex, the type and assessment method of physical activity and sedentary time. Moreover, boys and girls may benefit from different types of physical activity in view of brain health. Moreover, we should not regard screen time solely as harmful but seek balance between physical activity and screen time that promotes active thinking
Dr. Eero Haapala
South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Associations of Physical Activity and Sedentary Time From Childhood to Adolescence With Cognition in Adolescence: The PANIC Study, Pediatric Exercise Science, January 2026, Human Kinetics,
DOI: 10.1123/pes.2025-0083.
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