THE ROLE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN ATTENTION CONTROL AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Resumo

Attention control is a core executive function essential for learning, academic performance, and daily cognitive functioning, particularly among university students who are frequently exposed to high cognitive demands, stress, and sedentary behavior. Physical activity has been increasingly recognized as a potential strategy to enhance attentional processes; however, the mechanisms and consistency of its effects across studies remain fragmented. This narrative review aims to examine the role of physical activity in attention control among university students, with a focus on underlying cognitive and neurobiological mechanisms. A structured narrative review was conducted using peer-reviewed articles indexed in PubMed and SciELO, following predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies investigating physical activity, exercise, or sedentary behavior in relation to attention control, executive function, or cognitive performance in young adults and university students were included. A total of 10 studies met the eligibility criteria and were thematically analyzed. Findings indicate that both acute and chronic physical activity are associated with improvements in attention control, including selective attention, sustained attention, and inhibitory control. These effects are supported by multiple neurobiological mechanisms, including increased cerebral blood flow, enhanced neuroplasticity through brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), modulation of dopamine and norepinephrine systems, reduced neuroinflammation, and improved stress regulation via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Evidence also suggests that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise is particularly effective in optimizing attentional performance. In conclusion, physical activity plays a significant role in enhancing attention control in university students through integrated neurocognitive and physiological pathways. Incorporating regular physical activity into daily routines represents a practical and evidence-based strategy to support cognitive performance, reduce attentional deficits, and promote academic success in this population.