Executive function skills predict motor competence in preschool children

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Motor Development
• Cognitive Development

Background:

• Motor competence and executive functions are crucial for preschool children's development, impacting socialization, academic success, and overall well-being.
• The relationship between motor skills and executive functions in early childhood remains underexplored.
• This research investigates executive function predictors of motor competence in preschoolers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify specific executive function skills that predict overall motor competence in 5- to 6-year-old children.
• To determine which executive functions are associated with specific components of motor competence, such as manual dexterity, balance, and aiming/catching.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 272 typically developing children aged 5–6 years (46% girls) participated.
• The 'Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2' was utilized for motor competence assessment.
• This study marks the first application of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 in a Russian sample.

Main Results:

• Higher levels of motor inhibition, working memory, and age significantly predicted greater overall motor competence, manual dexterity, and balance.
• Aiming and catching skills were primarily predicted by motor inhibition and age.
• Gender differences were observed: girls excelled in manual dexterity and balance, while boys showed higher aiming and catching skills.

Conclusions:

• Motor inhibition emerges as a key predictor of motor competence, particularly manual dexterity.
• Targeted training in motor inhibition could potentially address and improve movement difficulties in young children.
• Understanding the interplay between executive functions and motor skills informs early childhood intervention strategies.