The Relationship Between Cognitive and Behavioral Measures of Executive Function in the Context of Elementary School

Cognitive and behavioral measures are used to assess executive functions. Previous research shows that these measures tap different underlying aspects. However, much less is known about this relationship, when assessed in the context of elementary education. The current study aims to contribute to this body of research by examining the relationship between cognitive and behavioral measures (rated by parents and teachers) of executive functioning in an elementary school context, using two study designs. In study 1, the relationship between behavioral measures (using the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function: BRIEF) and cognitive measures was examined in terms of inhibitory control, planning and organization abilities as well as processing speed using a sample of 51 children (8-10 years old). In study 2, the relationship between behavioral measures and cognitive measures of inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and working memory was studied in a sample of 27 children (8-10 years old). Spearman’s rho coefficients were calculated between the BRIEF and neuropsychological tasks measuring the aforementioned cognitive functions. Only processing speed appeared to be positively related to parent- and teacher- rated executive function problems: lower speed of information processing was associated with more executive function problems in daily life. No other correlation between cognitive and behavioral measures of executive functioning was statistically significant. These findings in the elementary school context confirm that cognitive and behavioral measures reflect different but complementary aspects of executive functioning. Furthermore, they suggest that behavior ratings of executive functioning might reflect general problems, such as slower speed of information processing. (AU)

Positive effects of combined cognitive and physical exercise training on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or dementia: A meta-analysis.

Combined cognitive and physical exercise interventions have potential to elicit cognitive benefits in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. This meta-analysis aims to quantify the overall effect of these interventions on global cognitive functioning in older adults with MCI or dementia. Ten randomized controlled trials that applied a combined cognitive-physical intervention with cognitive function as an outcome measure were included. For each study effect sizes were computed (i.e., post-intervention standardized mean difference (SMD) scores) and pooled, using a random-effects meta-analysis. The primary analysis showed a small-to-medium positive effect of combined cognitive-physical interventions on global cognitive function in older adults with MCI or dementia (SMD[95% confidence interval]=0.32[0.17;0.47], p<0.00). A combined intervention was equally beneficial in patients with dementia (SMD=0.36[0.12;0.60], p<0.00) and MCI (SMD=0.39[0.15;0.63], p<0.05). In addition, the analysis showed a moderate-to-large positive effect after combined cognitive-physical interventions for activities of daily living (ADL) (SMD=0.65[0.09;1.21], p<0.01)and a small-to-medium positive effect for mood (SMD=0.27[0.04;0.50], p<0.01). These functional benefits emphasize the clinical relevance of combined cognitive and physical training strategies.