Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 24, 2025

Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression
04:33

Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression

Published on: April 26, 2024

1.0K

Physical activity and executive function in Chinese preschool children: the mediating role of sleep problems

Xiaolong Chen1, TianChang Li2,3, Weiling Zhou4

  • 1Zhejiang Philosophy and Social Science Laboratory for Research in Early Development and Childcare, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.

Frontiers in Psychology
|September 4, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Higher physical activity in preschoolers is linked to better executive function and fewer sleep problems. Sleep issues partially explain how exercise benefits cognitive skills in young children.

Area of Science:

  • Child Development
  • Behavioral Science
  • Sports Medicine

Background:

  • Executive function is crucial for preschooler development.
  • Physical activity is recognized for its cognitive benefits.
  • The role of sleep problems as a mediator is under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between physical activity and executive function in preschoolers.
  • To examine the mediating effect of sleep problems in this association.

Main Methods:

  • 159 preschoolers participated.
  • Objective measurement of physical activity (ActiGraph GT3X-BT).
  • Validated questionnaires for sleep problems and executive function.
  • Correlation and mediation analyses were performed.

Main Results:

  • All physical activity measures (LPA, MVPA, TPA) negatively correlated with executive function.
  • Physical activity levels were negatively correlated with sleep problems.
  • Sleep problems positively correlated with executive function.
  • Sleep problems mediated 24.65-28.20% of the physical activity-executive function link.

Conclusions:

  • Increased physical activity is associated with enhanced executive function and better sleep in preschoolers.
  • Sleep problems partially mediate the positive impact of physical activity on executive function.
  • Interventions promoting physical activity can improve sleep and foster executive function development.
Abstract

Keywords:
Chineseexecutive functionphysical activitypreschool childrensleep problems

More Related Videos

Physical Activity Measurement in Children Accepting Table Tennis Training06:51

Physical Activity Measurement in Children Accepting Table Tennis Training

Published on: July 27, 2022

2.2K
Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood08:20

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood

Published on: October 2, 2019

12.3K

Related Concept Videos

Information Processing Approach01:30

Information Processing Approach

The information-processing theory of cognitive development centers on fundamental mental processes, including attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Researchers in this field examine how cognitive abilities, such as working memory, evolve and influence children's overall development. Studies indicate that children with stronger working memory tend to excel in reading comprehension, math, and problem-solving compared to peers with less efficient memory skills. Low working memory is...
311
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation01:13

Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation

Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
654
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder01:15

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
914
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep01:24

Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep

Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
281
Understanding Sleep01:11

Understanding Sleep

Sleep, an essential biological state, involves significant reductions in physical activity, sensory awareness, and interaction with the environment. This complex physiological process is primarily regulated by specific brain regions, notably the hypothalamus and pons, which govern the sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm.
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
1.2K
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
561