Active Breaks Enhance Complex Processing Speed, Math Performance, and Physical Activity in Primary School Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

<b>Objectives</b>: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 12-week Active Breaks (ABs) program on physical, cognitive, and academic outcomes in primary school children. <b>Methods</b>: Eighty primary school students (age: 7.52 ± 0.50) (BMI: 18.35 ± 3.07) were recruited and randomly assigned to three experimental groups-involving creativity-based (CRE) (age: 7.97 ± 0.18 years) (BMI: 20.01 ± 3.59), fitness-based (FIT) (age: 7.93 ± 0.26 years) (BMI: 16.74 ± 1.76), and combined (COM) (age: 7.97 ± 0.18 years) (BMI: 19.38 ± 4.24) ABs-and a control group (CON) (age: 7.42 ± 0.49 years) (BMI: 18.31 ± 2.64). The intervention consisted of two daily sessions (10 min each) three times per week over a 12-week period. Numerical skills, calculation abilities, and arithmetic problem-solving performance were evaluated using the "Test for the Assessment of Calculation and Problem-Solving Skills" (AC-MT 6-11). Attention and concentration performance were assessed using the Reynolds Interference Task (RIT). Motor skill performance was assessed using the MOTORFIT tests. <b>Results</b>: The FIT and CRE groups showed higher improvement in physical performances (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Regarding cognitive outcomes, the COM group outperformed the CON group in the Total Correct Index (<i>p</i> = 0.032). Regarding mathematical performance, all EGs achieved higher results than the CON group (<i>p</i> < 0.042), with the COM group achieving the highest scores in operations, problem-solving, and total scores (<i>p</i> < 0.032). <b>Conclusions</b>: Incorporating structured physical activity through ABs during curricular hours is an effective strategy to enhance physical, cognitive, and academic performance in primary school children. A combined approach appears to be especially beneficial, supporting both physical and cognitive development simultaneously.