“Move” Their Brain: Motor Competence Mediates the Relationship of Physical Activity and Executive Functions in Children
Source abstract
Abstract
The inconsistent conclusions regarding the effects of physical activity (PA) on children’s executive functions (EFs) call for an investigation of the mediators that may explain this relationship during development. This study attempted to examine the potential mediating role of children’s weight status and motor competence (MC) in the PA-EFs relationship. In this regard, 115 children (Mage = 10.3 ± 1.2 years, 42.61% boys) practicing sports were cross-sectionally assessed for their PA (pedometers); BMI (body mass and height); MC (Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency); EFs (via computerized tests). The associations among the variables were examined using structural equation modelling. Based on the significant correlation between them (PA was not related to EFs, and BMI was not related to other variables), a serial path model was considered for investigation (PA→MC→EFs). The model fitted well with the data (χ2[5] = 7.244, p = 0.203; CFI= 0.991; RMSEA = 0.071 [0.000, 175], p = 0.315). The unstandardized path coefficients were significant (p < 0.05) (PA predicts MC/MC predicts EFs). All (but one) direct and all indirect effects were significant (p < 0.05), confirming that MC is an intervening variable in the PA-EFs relationship. Given that the cognitive/coordinative challenges related to PA are important to EFs development, children should be encouraged to participate in PA, especially sports, in programs targeting their motor skills.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Children's Physical and Motor Development · Infant Development and Preterm Care · Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
School of Physical Education and Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Ethnikis Antistaseos 41, 17237 Athens, Greece
Department of Movement Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Piazza Lauro De Bosis 15, 00135 Roma, Italy
School of Education, Faculty of Arts Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Keiraville, NSW 2522, Australia
Early Start, School of Education, University of Wollongong, Keiraville, NSW 2522, Australia
Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Keiraville, NSW 2522, Australia
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