The Role of Brain-derived Neurotropic Factor in the Relationship Between Executive Function and Physical Training

Child, Executive Dysfunction, Motor Activity

Brain-derived neurotropic factor, Executive function

This doctoral thesis has the aim to identify the role of Brain-derived neurotropic factor in the relationship between physical fitness/activity and executive functions in typically developing children and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Development Coordination Disorder , Attention Hyperactive Disorder.

Nowadays children are getting more inactive and participate less in sports or daily physical activity. Previous studies have shown that a good physical fitness is associated with improved cognitive functions. While being physical active, physiological changes take places in the brain. Brain-derived neurotropic factor is one of the neurotropins that plays a crucial role in this process. Executive functions are cognitive processes that are responsible for organizing and controlling goal-directed actions. These functions are developing during childhood and play an important role in daily- and school functioning. This doctoral thesis has the aim to identify the role of Brain-derived neurotropic factor in the relationship between physical fitness/activity and executive functions in children. In a first trail the effect of physical fitness and physical training on executive functioning and levels of Brain-derived neurotropic factor will be studied. In a second trail the research question is expanded by investigating the same relations in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Development Coordination Disorder , Attention Hyperactive Disorder. Protocol trail 1: The included (typically developing) children will be randomized and stratified for level of physical fitness into 2 groups: the intervention group and the control group. The intervention group will receive physical activity training 2 times a week during 8 weeks. The control group will receive no additional training. At the beginning and the end of the training period both the intervention and control group will be tested for physical fitness and level of executive functioning. Protocol trail 2: Identical protocol to trail 1 except the participants will be children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Development Coordination Disorder , Attention Hyperactive Disorder in stead of typically developing children.