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Published on: June 20, 2020
Parent-Reported 24-Hour Movement Behaviors and Executive Functions for Preschool Children: Evidence From Iraq
Abdelrahman Ibrahim1, Ali Burhan Hawar2, Mohammed Saad Jebur3
1College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Samarra, Samarra, Iraq.
Insights
A balanced daily routine with adequate sleep, physical activity, and limited screen time is crucial for developing executive functions in young children. This study provides insights into these 24-hour movement behaviors in Iraqi preschoolers.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Growing evidence links 24-hour movement behaviors to children's executive functions.
- Limited research exists on this topic in Arab countries, specifically Iraq.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between 24-hour movement behaviors and executive functions in Iraqi preschool children.
- To address the gap in evidence from the Arab region.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 210 preschool children (4-6 years) in Samarra, Iraq.
- Parent-reported 24-hour movement behaviors (physical activity, sedentary time, screen time, sleep) using an Arabic time log.
- Executive functions assessed with the Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders Revised task.
- Statistical analyses included Pearson correlations, multiple regression, and compositional data analysis.
Main Results:
- Executive function scores positively correlated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sleep duration.
- Executive function scores negatively correlated with sedentary behavior and recreational screen time.
- Compositional data analysis confirmed significant associations between physical activity/sleep and executive functions, but not screen time vs. sedentary behavior.
Conclusions:
- A balanced daily routine incorporating active movement, sufficient sleep, and reduced screen time is associated with enhanced executive function performance in early childhood.
- Findings highlight the importance of holistic movement behavior assessment for understanding child development.
Background:
Growing evidence highlights the importance of 24-hour movement behaviors for children's executive functions. However, evidence from Arab countries, particularly Iraq, remains limited.
Methods:
A cross-sectional sample of 210 preschool children (4-6 y old) was randomly selected from 14 kindergartens in Samarra, Iraq during the 2025-2026 academic year. Daily time spent in light, moderate, and vigorous physical activity; sedentary behavior; recreational screen time; and sleep duration was reported by parents using an Arabic 24-hour time log with acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach α = .77). Executive functions were measured using the Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders Revised task. Pearson correlations were used as descriptive indicators, and multiple regression and compositional data analysis using isometric log-ratio balances were applied for inferential interpretation.
Results:
Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders Revised scores were positively associated with moderate to vigorous physical activity and sleep duration and negatively associated with sedentary behavior and recreational screen time (all P < .001). Compositional data analysis showed that isometric log-ratio balances representing moderate to vigorous physical activity relative to remaining behaviors, as well as sleep relative to waking behaviors, were significantly associated with higher Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders Revised scores (P < .001). In contrast, the balance between screen time and nonscreen sedentary behavior was not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
A balanced daily routine, characterized by active movement, sufficient sleep, and limited screen time, was associated with better executive function performance in early childhood.
