Associations between motor competence and executive function in preschool children

Abstract

Background: Motor competence and executive function develop actively at preschool age. Both motor competence and executive function are important for socialization, school achievements, and well-being. But the association between motor competence and executive function has not yet been fully investigated inpreschool children. This study was aimed at exploring which EF components may be predictors of MC and its components. Methods: In the study, 313 typically developing 5- to 6-year-old children participated. The NEPSY-II subtests ('Sentences Repetition', 'Memory for Designs', 'Inhibition', 'Statue') and 'Dimensional Change Card Sort' were used to assess executive function. The 'Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2' was used to assess motor competence. Results: The study revealed that physical inhibition, working memory, age, and sex are significant predictors of motor competence. Manual dexterity was predicted by the same predictors but also by sex. Aiming and catching were predicted by physical inhibition, sex, and age. Balance was predicted by visual working memory, physical inhibition, age, and sex. The predictors of motor competence and manual dexterity had a larger effect than those of aiming and catching and balance. Conclusions: Based on these results, it can be concluded that in future research on this topic, not only the total MC score, but also all components of MC should be taken into account. The data obtained also play an important role in the design of interventions to improve motor development in children. Therefore, working memory and physical inhibition training may help to improve deficits in motor competence.