Graduate Studies

EXPLORING THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PHYSICAL FITNESS AND EXECUTIVE FUNCTION DURING A 16-WEEK ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM

MAK Candidate: Mikayla Bottomley

20 August 2025
1:00 PM Atlantic

Hybrid Defence

GYM 491

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Meeting ID: 259 754 441 452 9
Passcode: pK232uP7

Thesis Committee:

Dr. Emily Bremer, Supervisor
Dr. Megan MacDonald, Oregon State University College of Health, External Examiner
Dr. Matthew Vierimaa, Internal Examiner
Dr. Mary Sweatman, Chair of the defence

Abstract

This thesis aimed to investigate whether physical fitness predicted executive function across four time-points surrounding a 16-week adapted physical activity program; whether executive function improved with participation in the program; and how the executive function of this sample compared to normative values.

Participants (N=45) were 4-24 years old and had a developmental disability. Physical fitness was measured using a composite score from grip strength, the 2-minute walk test, and standing long jump data. Executive function was assessed using the NIH Toolbox Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test. Two linear mixed-effects models tested the change in executive function over time and the interaction between physical fitness and time on executive function, respectively. A one-sample t-test compared our sample’s executive function to normative data.

There was no significant interaction between physical fitness and time on executive function (p>0.5). However, executive function significantly improved from baseline to follow-up (p=0.024). These findings suggest that participants experienced significant gains in executive function due to S.M.I.L.E. participation.

About Mikayla…

Mikayla is a Master’s student in the School of Kinesiology, where her research focuses on how physical fitness may predict executive function outcomes in youth with developmental disabilities participating in Acadia’s S.M.I.L.L.E. Program. She previously volunteered with the S.M.I.L.L.E. Program for two years during her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at Acadia and remains committed to community-based volunteer work outside of her studies. Mikayla is passionate about inclusive physical activity and developmental health. She is interested in pursuing a career in health care, where she plans to integrate her research experience into clinical practice to improve care for children and families with developmental disabilities.