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Completed

NCT Number: NCT02503579

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

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Executive Dysfunction Behavior Child Motor Activity

Age range

8 year–10 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Trail 1

Inclusion criteria

  • typically developing children

Exclusion criteria

  • children with: executive function-, neurological- or cognitive disorders

Trail 2

Inclusion criteria

  • typically developing children (control)
  • children with Developmental Coordination disorder, Attention deficit disorder or Autism Spectrum disorder

Exclusion criteria

  • Children with neurological- or cognitive disorders

Treatment and study plan

physical training

Behavioral

physical activity program, 30 minutes

Primary outcomes

  1. Change from baseline after 9 weeks in concentration of serum brain-derived neurotropic factor in blood sample.

    Time frame: Baseline and change from baseline 9 weeks later.

    Measurement of serum Brain-derived neurotropic factor true blood samples.

  2. Change from Baseline after acute physical activity in concentration of serum brain-derived neurotropic factor in blood sample

    Time frame: Baseline and change from baseline after 30 minutes of training.

    Measurement of serum Brain-derived neurotropic factor true blood samples.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change of baseline after 9 weeks in Amount of daily physical activity (hours/week)

    Time frame: Baseline and change from baseline 9 weeks later.

    Questionnaire about daily physical activity.

  2. Change of baseline after 9 weeks in Maximal Oxygen Uptake during exertion test.

    Time frame: Baseline and change of baseline 9 week later.

    Physical fitness measurement with maximal endurance test on bicycle using Balke-protocol.

  3. Change of baseline after 9 weeks in Maximal heart rate during exertion test.

    Time frame: Baseline and change of baseline 9 week later.

    Physical fitness measurement with maximal endurance test on bicycle using Balke-protocol.

  4. Change from Baseline after 9 weeks on Executive functioning test battery.

    Time frame: Baseline and change of baseline 9 weeks later.

    EF measurement true computer tasks.

  5. Change from Baseline after acute physical activity on Executive functioning test battery.

    Time frame: Baseline and change of baseline after 30 minutes of physical activity.

    EF measurement true computer tasks.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University Ghent

Other

Collaborators

  • University Hospital, Ghent

Registry information

Official study title

What's the Role of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Relationship Between Executive Function and Physical Fitness/Training in Typically Developing Children? A Randomized Controlled Study

Important dates

Study start
2015
Primary completion
2015
Study completion
2016
First posted
Jul 21, 2015
Registry last updated
Dec 18, 2023

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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