The role of different components of executive function in the relationship between body mass index and dynamic balance in obese and normal children

Children with obesity commonly demonstrate impairments in both dynamic balance and executive functioning. This study aimed to compare executive function and dynamic balance in 8- to 11-year-old students categorized as normal weight, overweight, and obese. Given the bidirectional relationship between body mass index (BMI) and cognitive function, this study also examined whether working memory, attention, and inhibition mediated the association between BMI and dynamic balance. A total of 300 children (150 boys, 150 girls) aged 8 to 11 years participated. Dynamic balance was assessed using the modified Bass test, while cognitive functions were measured with the Stroop test (selective attention), Flanker test (inhibition), and N-back test (working memory). Data were analyzed via analysis of variance and regression analyses using SPSS 26, with significance set at p < .05. Results indicated that children with obesity demonstrated significantly weaker performance in executive functions and dynamic balance compared to their normal-weight peers. Regression analyses showed that working memory and inhibition significantly mediated the relationship between BMI and dynamic balance (p < .001), whereas attention did not exert a mediating effect (p = .288). These findings suggest that working memory and inhibition may play crucial roles in the link between dynamic balance and childhood obesity.