Author(s): MCGREGOR, P., SCHAERZ, S., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE, Country: CANADA, Abstract-ID: 590

Background: Executive function, including inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive
flexibility, is essential for children’s academic, social, and motor development [1]. Movement
competence, the ability to execute fundamental, combined, and complex movement skills with
control and adaptability in dynamic environments, develops alongside executive function across
childhood [2]. Emerging evidence suggests that these domains may co-develop through shared
neural substrates and cognitive-motor coupling [3]; however, the scope, strength, and
mechanisms of their relationship remain unclear. The purpose of this scoping review was to map
recent literature examining associations between movement competence and executive function
in children and adolescents.
Methods: This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-
Analyses extension for scoping reviews [4]. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in
PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed studies published between 2021 and
2025. Eligible studies included human participants, assessed at least one core domain of
executive function (inhibitory control, working memory, or cognitive flexibility), and
incorporated gross or functional motor abilities as indicators of movement competence. Studies
were excluded if they did not assess core domains of executive function or evaluated only fine
motor skills. For included studies, the following were recorded: Source, Population, Executive
Function Measures, Movement Competence Measures, Strength of Associations, Mechanisms,
and Gaps.
Results: Thirty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria, representing 8,804 children aged 3–12
years. Most studies reported small to moderate positive associations between movement
competence and executive function, with stronger relationships observed in children with
cognitive impairments. Balance and coordination showed the most consistent associations with
inhibitory control, while object manipulation was similarly associated with working memory and
inhibitory control. Authors most commonly attributed these associations to shared neural
substrates and cognitive-motor coupling.
Conclusion: The literature supports a consistent association between movement competence and
executive function in childhood. Findings highlight the need for longitudinal research, improved
ecological validity of assessments, and greater inclusion of diverse populations to clarify
developmental pathways and inform movement-based cognitive interventions.
References:
[1] Diamond, Annu. Rev. Psychol, 2013.
[2] Longmuir et al. J. Sport Health Sci, 2017.
[3] Ludyga & Herrmann, Psychol Sport Exerc, 2025
[4] Tricco et al., Ann. Intern. Med., 2018