Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice ›› 2025, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (8): 889-895.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2025.08.004

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Cognitive neuroscience paradigms and advances in physical activity and brain health in children: a scoping review

YE Lü1, CHEN Yuelin1,2(), LIU Yufei1,2   

  1. 1. College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225100, China
    2. Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225100, China
  • Received:2025-07-27 Published:2025-08-25 Online:2025-09-01
  • Supported by:
    Yangzhou University Education Reform Project 2023(YZUJX2023-C6)

Abstract:

Objective To review cognitive neuroscience paradigms and advances in physical activity and brain health in children.

Methods A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, CNKI and Wanfang Data was conducted for randomized controlled trials, systematic review and meta-analysis investigating physical activity intervention for children's brain health, with publication during from inception to May, 2024. Data extraction and scoping review were performed, with literature quality assessed using PEDro scale and AMSTAR 2.

Results A total of six studies were included, involving 1 363 healthy children aged five to 16.8 years from China, the United States, New Zealand and Australia. The primary outcome measures included brain structure, brain function and neural network patterns assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional MRI, diffusion tensor imaging, and functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Long-term structured physical activity was effective on children's brain health, including enhancing the integrity of white matter microstructure, optimizing task-related activation patterns in brain regions and improving the organizational properties of functional brain networks. Children who received physical activity interventions exhibited more refined and optimized developmental trends in their cortical neural circuit patterns.

Conclusion Physical activity can improve structure and function of the brains of children.

Key words: children, physical activity, exercise, brain health, cognitive neuroscience, neuroimaging, scoping review

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