Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and reactivity to acute psychosocial stress in preadolescent children

ObjectivesHigh reactivity to psychosocial stress during childhood increases the risk of future psychological and physiological disorders. The main objective this study was investigate associations between children's moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) reactions acute stress.DesignRandomized cross-over comparing two groups.MethodAfter a 7-day accelerometer-based measurement MVPA, 110 children aged 10–13 years (48 female) were categorized into low (< 30 min/d) or high MVPA group (> 60 min/d). On separate laboratory appointments, participants completed Trier Social Stress Test for Children (TSST-C) non-stressful control task in randomized order. assessed from saliva cortisol, heart rate variability self-reported anxiety.ResultsIn repeated measures analyses variance, effects condition indicated higher TSST-C compared cortisol anxiety, with more pronounced girls boys. Differences disappeared after controlling confounding variables. No interactions found. A effect generally lower group.ConclusionsThe is suitable induction laboratory, but sex-specific differences have be considered. who met WHO recommendations exhibited endocrine both tasks combined, underlining potential role regular regulation response early developmental stages. Further studies are necessary ascertain causal associations.