Cognitive Function and Body Mass Index in Children and Adolescents

Imperial College London Diabetes Centre100 enrolled

Overview

The child will complete computerized tasks and paper-pencil test, and will be presented with symbols, letters, or numbers on a computer screen and asked to respond by pressing a button on the computer. Before each task a researcher will explain the instructions of the task and assess if the child needs a break before completing the next task. While the child is completing computerized tasks, the parent/guardian will be asked to fill out paper-pencil questionnaires about the child and to sign a release of medical information form so that we can study how physical markers of health effect cognition.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

100

Conditions

Obesity, Childhood Obesity, Adolescent Cognitive Orientation

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 7 YearsMax age: 18 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Local population (based on ethnicity) * Healthy or overweight/obese Exclusion Criteria: * History of developmental delay or disorders * History of any medical conditions ( that may impact the development)

Locations (1)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Perceptual organization index- Matrix reasoning subtest

The examinee views an incomplete matrix or series and selects the response option that completes the matrix or series. Scoring is based on whether the response is right or wrong.

Time frame: 10-15 minutes

Perceptual organization index- Block design subtest

The Block Design subtest is designed to measure the ability to analyze and synthesize abstract visual stimuli. While viewing a constructed model or a picture in the Stimulus Book, the examinee uses red- and-white blocks to re-create the design within a specified time limit. Scoring is based on how quickly the participant completes.

Time frame: 15-20 minutes

Processing speed index- Coding subtest

The processing speed index measures a child's ability efficiently to scan and understand visual information and complete a task with the data. Scoring is based on how many can the participant finish in 120 seconds.

Time frame: 2-3 minutes

Working memory index- Digit span subtest

The task digit span uses numbers. Memory span is a common measure of short-term memory. It is also a component of cognitive ability. Scoring is based on how many correct answers (recall) are achieved

Time frame: 5-10 minutes