Relationship between the executive function of children and the duration of physical activity with the mediating role of alpha, beta and theta brainwaves

Physical activities have a great role in the physical health of children; however, their role in the brain development and the cognitive functions of children has not been widely investigated. Therefore, the purpose of this study is investigating the mediating role of alpha, beta and theta brainwaves in the relationship between the physical activity and the executive function of healthy children. In the present study, in a sample of 133 children, aged 6 to 12 years (M age :9.45 ± 0.87, 54.89% boys), the duration of physical activity, the daily executive function and electroencephalograph were used for measuring the brainwaves in the resting state. The results showed that there is a direct and positive relationship between the physical activity and the daily executive function of children (p = 0.001 and β = 460, t = 9.34). In addition, there is a positive and significant relationship between the physical activity and alpha (β = 0.45, t = 9.03) and beta (β = 0.38, t = 7.73) waves. Moreover, there is a positive and significant relationship between the daily executive function and alpha (β = 0.45, t = 9.03) and beta (β = 0.38, t = 7.73) waves. Therefore, alpha and beta waves could mediate the relationship between the duration of physical activity and the executive function of children; while, the theta wave could not. It is recommended that to develop physical activity time based on the needs of executive function. Moreover, to boost the theta brainwave, use more complicated cognitive activities and to set time limitations in cognitive task.