Correlation between executive functions and motor development

Executive functions (EF) refer to a series of cognitive processes that allow individual to control and regulate his behavior before the demands and environmental requirements. Literature data indicate a possible association between motor development (MD) and EF; therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between MD and EF in children aged 7-9. Seventy-nine children enrolled between the 2nd to 4th grades of Elementary School in a private school in the City of São Paulo participated in this study. Movement Assessment Battery for Children – Second Edition (MABC-2) was used for the evaluation of MD and Trail Making Test; Attention by Cancelling Test (ACT) and Inventory of difficulties in Executive Function regulation and aversion to delay (IFERA-I) were used for EF. Pearson correlation analysis was carried out with the obtained data and the results showed a positive correlation between motor skills and EF. The association between MABC-2 and ACT obtained a significant correlation with p<0,007, and the MABC-2 total performance with TMT also showed significant correlation, being (p<0.011) in part A, (p<0.003) in part B and (p<0.016) in part B - A. However, further studies should be conducted to conclude the real impact of motor development on cognitive skills.