Relationship between 24-hour movement behaviors and executive function in preschool children based on compositional
Zhenya Chang1, Ling Wang2, Aifeng Zhu3
1College of Preschool Education, Changsha Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.
Insights
Promoting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and adequate sleep in preschoolers is linked to better executive function (EF). Shifting time from sleep or sedentary behavior (SB) to MVPA may negatively impact EF, highlighting the importance of balanced 24-hour movement behaviors (24h-MBs).
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Executive function (EF) is crucial for cognitive and social development in early childhood.
- Understanding the interplay of 24-hour movement behaviors (24h-MBs) with EF is essential for targeted interventions.
- Preschoolers' daily routines involve a balance of sleep, sedentary behavior (SB), and physical activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between 24-hour movement behaviors (24h-MBs) and executive function (EF) in preschool children.
- To determine how different components of 24h-MBs, including physical activity, SB, and sleep, relate to various EF domains.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 366 preschool children (aged ~4 years) in China participated.
- Accelerometers measured physical activity and SB, while sleep diaries recorded sleep duration.
- Executive function was assessed using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function–Preschool Version (BRIEF-P), with compositional data analysis employed.
Main Results:
- Relative time spent in different 24h-MBs was significantly associated with EF and its subdomains (p < 0.05).
- Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) showed significant positive associations with inhibitory control, working memory, emotional control, planning, and overall EF.
- Sedentary behavior (SB) was significantly associated with working memory and overall EF.
Conclusions:
- Shifting time from sleep, SB, or light physical activity (LPA) to MVPA, or from SB to sleep, has complex and varying effects on preschoolers' EF development.
- Interventions should consider the nuanced relationships between different 24h-MBs to effectively promote EF.
- Further research is needed to explore long-term impacts and optimize intervention strategies for children's EF.
Objectives:
To examine the correlation between 24-hour movement behaviors (24 h-MBs) and executive function (EF) in preschool children.
Methods:
Preschool children (n = 366, 187 boys; M_age = 4.18 ± 0.87) were recruited from kindergartens in Changsha City, China, in 2024. Physical activity and sedentary behavior (SB) time were collected using an accelerometer, while sleep duration was recorded using a sleep diary. EF was measured by a questionnaire (BRIEF-P), and compositional data analysis was employed.
Results:
(1) The relative time distribution among 24 h-MBs showed statistically significant associations with both EF and specific subdomains in preschool children (p < 0.05). (2) Moderate-to-Vigorous-intensity Physical Activity (MVPA) was significantly associated with inhibitory control (γ14 = -2.36, p = 0.002), working memory (γ14 = -2.78, p = 0.003), emotional control (γ14 = -1.30, p = 0.024), planning (γ14 = -1.83, p = 0.003), and EF (γ14 = -9.35, p = 0.003). (3) SB was significantly associated with working memory (γ12 = 3.99, p = 0.027) and EF (γ12 = 11.95, p = 0.047). (4) When MVPA was substituted for sleep, SB, and Light-intensity Physical Activity (LPA) for 15 min per day, there was a significant decrease in preschoolers' EF and many of its dimensions. Similarly, when sleep was substituted for SB for 15 min per day, there was a significant decrease in working memory (b = -0.12, p < 0.05), and vice versa, both increased significantly.
Conclusion:
Promoting moderate transitions from sleep, SB, and LPA to MVPA, as well as from SB to sleep, shows varying relationships with EF development among preschool children. Future research could further explore the long-term impact of 24 h-MBs on preschool children's EF, particularly the interactions between physical activity, SB, and sleep, and investigate more precise intervention strategies to promote the development of children's EF.
