Core executive functions are selectively related to different facets of motor competence in preadolescent children

Although accumulating evidence suggests that motor and cognitive development is interrelated, only a few studies have investigated links between executive function and motor control. Therefore, the present cross-sectional study examined the relationship between motor competences and core components of executive functioning, including inhibitory control, working memory and cognitive flexibility.

In 89 preadolescent children, motor competences were assessed using the MOBAK-5 test battery. Additionally, all participants completed computer-based versions of the Flanker task, which included standard and switch blocks, and the 2-Back task.

Partial correlations (correcting for age, gender and body mass index) revealed that locomotor skills were associated with the adjusted hit-rate on the 2-Back task (r = 0.34) whereas object control was linked with conflict score on the Flanker task (r = -0.39). In contrast, there was no correlation between switch costs and motor competences.

In preadolescent children, high competences in locomotor skills and object control skills are associated with high performance on specific executive function tasks. This finding supports the current view that motor competences and cognitive control share some common underlying processes.