executive function, physical fitness, visual motor

Predictive Power of Executive Functions, Visual-Motor Coordination and Physical Fitness on later academic achievement

Predictive Power of Executive Functions, Visual-Motor Coordination and Physical Fitness on Later Academic Achievement

Are you concerned when you see young children enter kindergarten who may not be ready? The concern is usually for a good reason. When children do not arrive with school readiness skills it can affect later academic achievement. Human Movement Science recently explored the predictive power of executive functions, visual-motor coordination and physical fitness on later academic achievement.

The participants of the study included 134 children who completed different physical fitness and executive function tasks in kindergarten and in second grade. Early academic achievement was also assessed. For executive function, three tasks were used to measure inhibition, shifting and updating. To evaluation visual-motor coordination each child completed the Drawing Trail, Posting Coins, and Threading Beads. The six-minute run, standing long jump and jumping sideways tasks was used to determine physical fitness level. Finally, standardized tests were used to assess mathematical and reading achievement.

Statistical analysis of the predictive power of executive functions, visual-motor coordination and physical fitness on later academic achievement indicated the following:

all three tasks within the same dimension (executive functions, visual-motor coordination, physical fitness) were substantially interrelated in kindergarten.
all academic achievement tasks were related to each other in second grade.
substantial correlation between executive functions, visual-motor coordination, and later achievement were found.
the relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement appeared to be mediated through executive functions.

The researchers concluded that further research should be conducted to determine the specific longitudinal relationship between visual-motor coordination in kindergarten and early academic achievement. In addition, the influence of physical fitness on academic achievement should be investigated further to show that it is an indirect effect via executive functions.

Reference: Oberer, N., Gashaj, V., & Roebers, C. M. (2018). Executive functions, visual-motor coordination, physical fitness and academic achievement: Longitudinal relations in typically developing children. Human movement science, 58, 69-79.

Encourage visual-motor coordination, physical fitness and executive function skills with this fun, creative, NO PREP packet – Motor Minute Challenges.

This digital download includes 20 fine motor, gross motor and visual motor challenges to complete. Complete each challenge sheet by finishing pictures, mazes, physical activities and more. Time the tasks for 1-3 minutes or let the child complete each one at his/her own pace. These pages are great for challenges at home, indoor recess time, rainy day activities and push in or pull out therapy sessions.