CHILDREN AND AEROBIC EXERCISE - A REVIEW OF COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIORAL-EFFECTS

The current article critically reviews studies involving the cognitive and behavioral effects of aerobic exercise in children. Studies evalu ated are those with school children and ''normal'' groups as well as u se of aerobic exercise with clinical or ''special'' populations. Few s tudies concurrently measured physiological and psychological changes m aking it difficult to ascertain the role of fitness in any resulting p sychological or behavioral changes. Better descriptions of procedures and monitoring of heartrate levels during exercise to ensure appropria te levels of intensity of exercise are needed. Similarities and differ ences between results of studies with children and adults are discusse d, as well as suggestions for future research directions. (C) 1994 Aca demic Press, Inc.