Infant Motor Competence Predicts Executive Functions in Preschoolers: The Role of Sleep

The theory of embodied cognition suggests that cognitive development in infancy relies on sensorimotor experiences gained through interaction with the environment. Additionally, the need for more sleep in early childhood may be linked to the development of executive functions. This study examined 255 children in Beijing to investigate these ideas. Motor skills were evaluated at 6 months and 1 year old, cognitive abilities at 2 years old, and executive functions at 3 years old. The results showed that strong motor skills in infancy predicted better executive functions in preschool, and this relationship was fully mediated by cognitive abilities. Furthermore, the mediating effects of cognitive abilities on executive functions were stronger in preschoolers with more and better sleep. In conclusion, motor competence and sufficient sleep are crucial for the development of executive function.