Associations between measures of physical fitness and cognitive performance in preschool children

• Published in: BMC sports science, medicine & rehabilitation medicine & rehabilitation, 2022-05, Vol.14 (1), p.80-80, Article 80
• Main Authors: Wick, Kristin, Kriemler, Susi, Granacher, Urs
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Attention; Body mass index; Child development; Children & youth; Cognition; Cognition & reasoning; Cognitive ability; Cognitive development; Cognitive skills; Comparative analysis; Exercise; Information processing; Kindergarten; Memory; Motor ability; Motor skills; Muscle strength; Neuroplasticity; Physical fitness; Preschool children; Regression analysis; Skills; Variables
• ISSN: 2052-1847; 2052-1847
• DOI: 10.1186/s13102-022-00470-w

Given that recent studies report negative secular declines in physical fitness, associations between fitness and cognition in childhood are strongly discussed. The preschool age is characterized by high neuroplasticity which effects motor skill learning, physical fitness, and cognitive development. The aim of this study was to assess the relation of physical fitness and attention (including its individual dimensions (quantitative, qualitative)) as one domain of cognitive performance in preschool children. We hypothesized that fitness components which need precise coordination compared to simple fitness components are stronger related to attention. Physical fitness components like static balance (i.e., single-leg stance), muscle strength (i.e., handgrip strength), muscle power (i.e., standing long jump), and coordination (i.e., hopping on one leg) were assessed in 61 healthy children (mean age 4.5 ± 0.6 years; girls n = 30). Attention was measured with the "Konzentrations-Handlungsverfahren für Vorschulkinder" [concentration-action procedure for preschoolers]). Analyses were adjusted for age, body height, and body mass. Results from single linear regression analysis revealed a significant (p