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1- Department of Health Promotion, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand , keerati.sai@gmail.com
2- Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand
3- School of Liberal Arts, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand
4- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand
2- Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand
3- School of Liberal Arts, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand
4- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand
Abstract: (11 Views)
Background. Physical inactivity is a growing public health concern among university students. While physical activity (PA) is linked to cognitive benefits, evidence in emerging adults remains limited.
Objectives. This study examined cross-sectional associations between PA levels and executive function (EF) components—inhibitory control, focus/attention, and cognitive flexibility—among university students in Bangkok, Thailand.
Methods. A cross-sectional study of 388 undergraduate students (mean age 20.4 ± 1.6 years) from King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi was conducted. PA (vigorous PA [VPA], moderate PA [MPA], sedentary behavior [SB], and sleep duration) was assessed by validated self-reported questionnaire. EF was assessed using the Flanker Task, Trail Making Test Part B (TMT-B), and Design Fluency Test (DFT). Pearson correlations and multiple linear regression were performed.
Results. VPA and MPA were strongly intercorrelated (r = .549, p < .001). No PA variable was significantly associated with any EF outcome (all p > .05). Cognitive measures were strongly intercorrelated (|r| = .468–.683, all p < .001). No EF measure significantly predicted VPA, MPA, or MVPA.
Conclusion. No significant associations were found between habitual PA and EF in Thai university students. Null findings may reflect neurodevelopmental ceiling effects, insufficient exercise dose, and population-specific contextual factors.
Objectives. This study examined cross-sectional associations between PA levels and executive function (EF) components—inhibitory control, focus/attention, and cognitive flexibility—among university students in Bangkok, Thailand.
Methods. A cross-sectional study of 388 undergraduate students (mean age 20.4 ± 1.6 years) from King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi was conducted. PA (vigorous PA [VPA], moderate PA [MPA], sedentary behavior [SB], and sleep duration) was assessed by validated self-reported questionnaire. EF was assessed using the Flanker Task, Trail Making Test Part B (TMT-B), and Design Fluency Test (DFT). Pearson correlations and multiple linear regression were performed.
Results. VPA and MPA were strongly intercorrelated (r = .549, p < .001). No PA variable was significantly associated with any EF outcome (all p > .05). Cognitive measures were strongly intercorrelated (|r| = .468–.683, all p < .001). No EF measure significantly predicted VPA, MPA, or MVPA.
Conclusion. No significant associations were found between habitual PA and EF in Thai university students. Null findings may reflect neurodevelopmental ceiling effects, insufficient exercise dose, and population-specific contextual factors.
Keywords: Cognitive Flexibility, Executive Function, Inhibitory Control, Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, University Students
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APPLICABLE REMARKS
APPLICABLE REMARKS
- The present findings suggest that the cognitive benefits of PA are most likely to emerge from structured, progressive, and sufficiently dosed exercise interventions rather than from habitual recreational activity.
- Because the present null findings were derived from a single cross-sectional sample assessed with self-reported PA measures, this recommendation should be regarded as a hypothesis to be tested rather than an established practice guideline.
- Universities seeking to leverage PA for cognitive and academic enhancement would benefit most from experimental and longitudinal designs capable of establishing dose-specific and causal evidence.
Type of Study: Original Article |
Subject:
Exercise, Training and Health
Received: 2026/06/9 | Accepted: 2027/01/12
Received: 2026/06/9 | Accepted: 2027/01/12
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