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The following is a summary of “Unveiling the predictive role of motor competence and physical fitness on inhibitory control in preschool children: a cross-sectional study,” published in the February 2025 issue of BMC Pediatrics by Canli et al.
Preschool years are critical for developing inhibitory control (IC), motor competence (MC), and physical fitness (PF). These factors shape long-term health outcomes.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study to examine how PF and MC predict IC in preschool children.
They analyzed 139 children (78 boys, 61 girls, mean age 5.76 ± 0.30 years, BMI 16.15 ± 1.94 kg/m2). They conducted Go/No-Go, KTK3+, static and dynamic balance, pro-agility, and countermovement jumping (CMJ) tests.
The results showed a positive association between MCT and accuracy number (AC) (go) (β = 0.079, 95% CI: 0.051–0.107) and AC (no go) (β = 0.022, 95% CI: 0.003–0.041). MCT had a negative relationship with RT (β = -0.497, 95% CI: -0.988 to -0.006). MCT scores were positively related to AC (go) (β = 0.309, 95% CI: 0.181–0.436). Agility had a negative relationship with AC (go) (β = -3.638, 95% CI: -5.590 to -1.687), and static balance was negatively related to RT (β = -34.767, 95% CI: 0.018–0.165).
Investigators found that MC was more strongly associated with IC than PF in preschool children. They suggested promoting MC through targeted interventions to support cognitive function.
Source: bmcpediatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12887-025-05475-1
