Executive function skills predict motor competence in preschool children.

Abstract

Background: Motor competence and executive function skills develop actively at preschool age. Both are important for socialization, school achievements, and well-being. However, the association between motor competence and executive functions has not yet been fully investigated in preschool children. This study aimed to explore which executive function skills may be predictors of motor competence and its components.

Methods: Two hundred seventy-two typically developing 5- to 6-year-old children (46% girls) participated in this study. The motor competence assessment tool 'Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2' was used on the Russian sample for the first time.

Results: The study revealed that higher motor inhibition, working memory, and age were significant predictors of higher motor competence, manual dexterity, and balance skills. Higher aiming and catching skills were predicted only by higher motor inhibition and age. The study also revealed that girls had higher manual dexterity and balance skills than boys. And boys had higher than girls aiming and catching skills.

Conclusion: The obtained result with the largest effect size allows us to assume that training in motor inhibition could probably help improve movement difficulties, especially in manual dexterity skills.

Clinical trial number: Not applicable.