24-h movement behaviours and inhibitory control in Chinese preschoolers: A compositional data analysis approach

This study investigated the relationships between 24-h movement behaviours and both 'cool' and 'hot' inhibitory control in Chinese preschoolers. Sixty-six children aged 3-6 years participated in this study. Twenty-four hours movement behaviours were assessed using validated questionnaires measuring moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), sedentary behaviour (SB), and sleep duration (SLP). 'Cool' inhibitory control was measured using the Fish Flanker task, while 'hot' inhibitory control was assessed via the Emotion Flanker task. Compositional data analysis (CoDA) and isotemporal substitution modelling were employed for statistical analysis. The results showed that 24-h movement behaviours were significantly associated with both 'cool' and 'hot' inhibitory control. Increased SB was negatively associated with both 'cool' and 'hot' inhibitory control. Longer SLP was positively associated with both 'cool' and 'hot' inhibitory control. LPA showed a significant negative association with 'hot' inhibitory control. Isotemporal substitution analyses revealed that increasing MVPA and SLP while reducing SB and LPA was associated with enhanced control performance. This study demonstrates significant associations between 24-h movement behaviour and inhibitory control in preschoolers. The findings support the development of comprehensive movement guidelines that optimize the balance between physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep to promote cognitive development in early childhood.