Type and intensity of physical activity and their sex‐specific relation with classroom behaviour in preadolescent children

BACKGROUND: On-task behaviour in the classroom, which partly relies on inhibitory control, contributes to academic achievement. Physical activity has much potential to facilitate on-task behaviour due to its positive association with inhibitory control. However, it remains unclear how the association between physical activity and on-task behaviour is influenced by its type and intensity as well as the sex of participants. AIM: To investigate sex-specific associations of type and intensity of physical activity engagement and on-task behaviour as well as its mediation by inhibitory control. SAMPLE: Cross-sectional study including 142 participants (47.2% boys) with a mean age of 11.6 years recruited from local schools. METHODS: Classroom behaviour was video-recorded, with a 6-min segment coded for on-task behaviour. Using a 7-day recall protocol, participants reported type and intensity of physical activity. Additionally, inhibitory control was assessed using a computerized Flanker task. RESULTS: While path analyses revealed no associations between physical activity intensity, inhibitory control and on-task behaviour, there was a sex-specific association with the type of physical activity. More frequent on-task behaviour was associated with greater participation in open-skill sports in boys (β = .27, p < .05) and more engagement in closed-skill sports in girls (β = .25, p = .05). However, this association was not mediated by inhibitory control. CONCLUSIONS: The type rather than intensity of physical activity seems to be associated with favourable classroom behaviour. Sex-specific relations between open- and closed-skill sports and on-task behaviour highlight the need for interventions tailored specifically to girls and boys.