Efectos de las pausas activas sobre la atención, el rendimiento académico y el nivel de actividad física en niños y adolescentes escolarizados

Abstract

The aim of this research is to analyze the results from studies to evaluate the effects of active breaks on students’ attention, academic performance, and the levels of physical activity (PA). That is why, through preliminary research, the papers for the analysis were found in 6 different data bases (Sport Discus, Doaj, Ebsco, Google Scholar, Pubmed, Dialnet, Scopus). Moreover, only articles published between 2006 and 2020 were selected and analyzed. Thus, a total of 17 studies accomplished the proposed criteria. The studies used both physical activities as well as cognitive ones. These activities lasted about 5-15 minutes. Furthermore, the activities related to academic content and physical activities raised students’ attention. The intervention time was no less than 9 weeks; and even by doing 6-minute activities, the academic performance was effective for those subjects that do not require physical effort. Nonetheless, some other studies showed no achievement in activities that lasted about 5 minutes. Finally, it is valid to mention that activities from moderated intensity to vigorous ones helped to raise the PA levels. Hence, these outcomes show the importance of time and the type of physical activity when applying active breaks