Previous studies have suggested that a positive relationship exists between physical activity (PA), physical fitness, and cognitive function in children and adolescents. However, research remains limited on the relationship among these three variables in Chinese individuals not living in big cities or specific regions. Therefore, this study investigated the association of PA with physical fitness and cognitive function (specifically, executive function) among 1100 children aged 9-12 years living in the Jiangxi region of China. Participants' PA levels were measured using the PA questionnaire for older children. Physical fitness was assessed based on cardiorespiratory endurance, muscle strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body mass index (BMI). Executive function was assessed using the Behavior Rating in Inventory of Executive Function questionnaire. Data were analyzed using one-way analyses of variance, Scheffé tests, one-way analyses of covariance, and Pearson's correlation coefficients. The results showed that PA is significantly associated (p < 0.01) with cardiorespiratory endurance (r = 0.460), muscular endurance (r = 0.270), muscle strength (r = 0.190), BMI (r = -0.114), and executive function (r = -0.140). Moreover, all components of physical fitness and executive function differed significantly based on PA level, with and without age and sex as covariates (p < 0.05). Overall, our results highlight the importance of higher PA levels during childhood to improve physical fitness and cognitive function. Including the goal of improving health-related fitness factors, such as cardiorespiratory endurance and muscle strength, is particularly important in PA programs for children.
Keywords: children; executive function; physical activity; physical fitness; school.