The relationship of aerobic and motor fitness with executive functions in preadolescents

Recent research findings have indicated that aerobic fitness and motor fitness are related to specific executive functions (EF). However, it is not clear whether the relationships of these fitness factors with executive functions are dependent on each other. The goal of this study was thus to investigate the relationship of aerobic fitness, motor fitness, and their interaction with EF in preadolescents. The sample consisted of 137 students (67 boys) aged 9-10 years. Physical fitness assessment included measures of aerobic fitness (20 m shuttle run test) and motor fitness (Hurdle and crawl test), while EF assessment encompassed measures of inhibition (Modified Stroop task), shifting (Smiley task) and updating (Letter memory task). The results showed that motor fitness was positively related to inhibition, r = .22, p < .05, while aerobic fitness was positively related to shifting r = .22, p < .05. Multiple regression and post hoc analyses indicated that aerobic fitness was positively related to shifting only when motor fitness was also high (beta = .44, p < .01). This pattern of results could indicate the potential relevance of high levels of both motor and aerobic fitness for EF.