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The study examines how motor coordination and physical fitness relate to cognitive functions in preschool children.

April 12, 2026SHILAP Revista de lepidopterología0 citationsOpen Access

The association between motor coordination, physical fitness, and cognitive function in preschool children: physical fitness as a key bridge between motor coordination and executive function

HZHejie ZhangChina Institute of Sport Science DZDeqiang ZhaoChina Institute of Sport Science XCXiaoxiao ChenChina Institute of Sport Science

Key Points

The study examines how motor coordination and physical fitness relate to cognitive functions in preschool children.
Cross-sectional study design with preschool-aged children (3-6 years)
Motor coordination assessed with the MABC-2
Physical fitness evaluated using the Chinese National Physical Fitness Measurement Standards Manual
Cognitive functions measured with validated behavioral tasks
Statistical analyses including Pearson correlation, regression, and Bootstrap mediation analyses.
Motor coordination and physical fitness showed a significant correlation (r = 0.443, p < 0.01)
Both motor coordination and physical fitness positively correlated with cognitive functions (rs: 0.145–0.250)
Motor coordination and physical fitness independently predicted cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control
Physical fitness was the only predictor for working memory
Physical fitness mediated the relationship between motor coordination and cognitive functions, fully mediating working memory.

Abstract

The preschool period (3–6 years) is a critical window for the development of motor abilities, physical fitness, and executive function. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between motor coordination (MC) and physical fitness (PFI), examine their independent predictive effects on three core executive functions (cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, working memory), and verify the mediating role of PFI. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with children aged 3–6 years. Motor coordination (MC) was assessed using the MABC-2, physical fitness (PFI) via the Chinese National Physical Fitness Measurement Standards Manual for Preschool Children, and cognitive functions through validated behavioral tasks. Pearson correlation, hierarchical regression, and Bootstrap mediation analyses were employed. Results A total of 713 children (386 boys, 327 girls) were included in the analysis. MC was significantly correlated with PFI (r = 0. 443, p 0. 01). Both MC and PFI were positively correlated with all cognitive functions (rs: 0. 145–0. 250). Regression analysis showed MC and PFI independently predicted cognitive flexibility (β MC = 0. 141, p = 0. 001; β PFI = 0. 106, p = 0. 015) and inhibitory control (β MC = 0. 120, p = 0. 003; β PFI = 0. 098, p = 0. 025). Only PFI predicted working memory (β = 0. 093, p = 0. 035). PFI significantly mediated the relationship between MC and all cognitive functions, acting as a complete mediator for working memory (indirect effect: 46. 9%), and a partial mediator for cognitive flexibility (28. 7%) and inhibitory control (31. 5%). Conclusion The findings support the “Motor Coordination → Physical Fitness → Cognitive Function” pathway, highlighting PFI’s key mediating role. Integrated early interventions combining motor skill training and fitness enhancement are recommended to synergistically promote cognitive development.

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