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Daily Physical Activity, Sports Participation, and Executive Function in Children

Lu Yang1, Eva Corpeleijn2, Esther Hartman1

  • 1Department of Human Movement Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.

JAMA Network Open
|December 17, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Early physical activity did not link to executive function in children. However, team sports participation was associated with better executive function compared to individual sports.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Sports Science

Background:

  • Executive function (EF) is crucial for cognitive development and daily functioning in children.
  • The relationship between early physical activity, sports, and EF remains unclear.
  • Understanding these associations can inform interventions promoting cognitive health in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the associations between early-life physical activity and sports participation with executive function in primary school children.
  • To determine if different types of physical activity and sports engagement impact executive function development.
  • To provide insights into optimizing physical activity guidelines for cognitive benefits in children.

Main Methods:

  • A longitudinal cohort study of 880 Dutch children (Groningen Expert Center for Kids with Obesity [GECKO] Drenthe birth cohort).
  • Preschool physical activity (ages 5-6) measured via accelerometry; sports participation (ages 10-11) assessed using a questionnaire.
  • Executive function (ages 10-11) evaluated using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function.

Main Results:

  • Moderate to vigorous physical activity in early childhood did not correlate with executive function at ages 10-11.
  • Higher light physical activity was linked to poorer inhibitory control and self-monitoring.
  • Sedentary time was associated with better inhibitory control and self-monitoring.
  • Team sports participation correlated with superior overall executive function, behavior regulation, and metacognition compared to individual sports.

Conclusions:

  • Early-life moderate to vigorous physical activity does not appear to influence executive function in middle childhood.
  • Participation in team sports demonstrates a positive association with enhanced executive function in children.
  • Findings suggest that the type of sports participation, specifically team-based activities, may be more beneficial for executive function development than individual sports or general physical activity levels.
Abstract

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