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

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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.

Detailed Description
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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.

Official Title
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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

Conditions
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Executive Dysfunction, Motor Activity, Child

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: physical training


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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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

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 8 Years
Maximum Age: 10 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: physical training<br>Participant receive a submaximal (60% -75% maximal oxygen uptake) physical activity training of 30 minutes during 8 weeks, 2 times a week. Individual heart rates will be monitored during the training. | Behavioral: physical training<br>* physical activity program, 30 minutes<br>|
| No Intervention: control<br>1 training at the beginning of the study 1 training at the end of the study | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change from baseline after 9 weeks in concentration of serum brain-derived neurotropic factor in blood sample. | Measurement of serum Brain-derived neurotropic factor true blood samples. | Baseline and change from baseline 9 weeks later. | 
| Change from Baseline after acute physical activity in concentration of serum brain-derived neurotropic factor in blood sample | Measurement of serum Brain-derived neurotropic factor true blood samples. | Baseline and change from baseline after 30 minutes of training. | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change of baseline after 9 weeks in Amount of daily physical activity (hours/week) | Questionnaire about daily physical activity. | Baseline and change from baseline 9 weeks later. | 
| Change of baseline after 9 weeks in Maximal Oxygen Uptake during exertion test. | Physical fitness measurement with maximal endurance test on bicycle using Balke-protocol. | Baseline and change of baseline 9 week later. | 
| Change of baseline after 9 weeks in Maximal heart rate during exertion test. | Physical fitness measurement with maximal endurance test on bicycle using Balke-protocol. | Baseline and change of baseline 9 week later. | 
| Change from Baseline after 9 weeks on Executive functioning test battery. | EF measurement true computer tasks. | Baseline and change of baseline 9 weeks later. | 
| Change from Baseline after acute physical activity on Executive functioning test battery. | EF measurement true computer tasks. | Baseline and change of baseline after 30 minutes of physical activity. | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Brain-derived neurotropic factor, Executive function