The inconsistent conclusions regarding the effects of physical activity (PA) on children’s executive functions (EFs) call for an investigation of the mediators that may explain this relationship during development. This study attempted to examine the potential mediating role of children’s weight status and motor competence (MC) in the PA-EFs relationship. In this regard, 115 children (M_age = 10.3 ± 1.2 years, 42.61% boys) practicing sports were cross-sectionally assessed for their PA (pedometers); BMI (body mass and height); MC (Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency); EFs (via computerized tests). The associations among the variables were examined using structural equation modelling. Based on the significant correlation between them (PA was not related to EFs, and BMI was not related to other variables), a serial path model was considered for investigation (PA→MC→EFs). The model fitted well with the data (χ2[5] = 7.244, p = 0.203; CFI= 0.991; RMSEA = 0.071 [0.000, 175], p = 0.315). The unstandardized path coefficients were significant (p < 0.05) (PA predicts MC/MC predicts EFs). All (but one) direct and all indirect effects were significant (p < 0.05), confirming that MC is an intervening variable in the PA-EFs relationship. Given that the cognitive/coordinative challenges related to PA are important to EFs development, children should be encouraged to participate in PA, especially sports, in programs targeting their motor skills.

Sports provide a context where important aspects of children’s health, such as motor skills and cognitive functions, can be enhanced. However, it is unknown which type of sport may be better for the development of motor competence (MC) and executive functions (EFs). This study investigated potential differences in MC and EFs in boys and girls, being involved in different types of sports (team, individual open skill, individual closed skill). A total of 115 children (49 boys), 8–12 years old (10.30 ± 1.19 years), participated in the study. Their MC was assessed with the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 Short Form, whereas for EFs, the Attention Network Test, the digits backwards test, and the how many–what number test were utilized. Significant MC differences among participants in different types of sports were revealed, favoring those from closed-skill sports; nevertheless, their EFs were at similar levels. Furthermore, no significant gender MC and EFs differences were detected. It seems that children’s participation in specific types of sports differentiates their motor skills but not their EFs, whereas boys and girls, when provided with the same opportunities, present similar levels of MC and EFs.

Background: Motor competence (MC) is considered fundamental for facilitating children’s management of daily tasks and engagement in physical activity (PA) and sports, as well as for their psychosocial development. Understanding the predictors of MC is critical for developing effective interventions to enhance it. Aims: This study explored the mechanisms that foster MC, by examining the predictive roles of PA and physical fitness (PF), while accounting for age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). Methods: A total of 551 Greek children (50.5% girls; Mage = 9.9 + 1.1 years) participated. MC was assessed using the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder, PA with the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children, and PF through a series of standardized tests. Results: Multiple regression revealed that the combination of gender, age, BMI, PF, and PA explained 40% of the MC variance [F(8,453) = 39.57, p < 0.001, adjusted R ² = 0.40)], with age (Beta = -0.29, p < .001), flexibility (Beta = 0.28, p < .001), and aerobic performance (Beta = 0.26, p < .001) being the most significant predictors. Logistic regression demonstrated better MC was strongly associated with higher PA (OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.03–3.43) and PF levels (OR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.53–3.26 for aerobic performance and OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.08–1.23 for flexibility), whereas higher BMI correlated with poorer MC (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.69–0.84). Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of promoting PA and PF during childhood to enhance MC and support children’s well-being.