Physical Activity and Cognitive Development in Early Childhood

Early childhood (0–5 years) is a critical window for cognitive maturation and motor development. During this time, neural circuits undergo rapid synaptic formation, pruning and myelination—processes influenced by environmental stimuli including physical activity. Engaging in age-appropriate movement supports the acquisition of fundamental motor skills such as balance, coordination and object manipulation. These skills underpin embodied cognition, the theory that motor experiences shape cognitive processes including attention, working memory and problem-solving. Regular activity promotes neuroplasticity through increased cerebral blood flow and the release of neurotrophic factors, thereby enhancing executive functions—higher-order processes that regulate behaviour and enable goal-directed action. In contrast, prolonged sedentary behaviour, especially screen-based sitting, has been linked to impairments in self-regulation and attentional control. Contemporary guidelines advocate a balanced activity profile combining free play, structured exercise and minimised periods of inactivity. Global research highlights the role of early movement not only in immediate cognitive gains but also in establishing lifelong physical habits, with significant implications for educational practice, public health policy and socio-economic equity.

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Physical Activity and Cognitive Development in Early Childhood publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in physical activity and cognitive development in early childhood across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Executive function: Higher-order cognitive processes—such as inhibition, working memory and cognitive flexibility—that enable goal-directed behaviour.
Self-regulation: The capacity to manage one’s behaviour, emotions and cognitive processes in response to changing demands.
Fundamental motor skills: Basic movement patterns (running, jumping, throwing, balancing) that form the foundation for complex physical activities.
Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA): Any activity that substantially increases heart rate and energy expenditure above resting levels, typically measured by accelerometer counts.
Sedentary behaviour: Waking activities characterised by low energy expenditure in a sitting or reclining posture, including screen time.

References

1. Association between physical activity and self‐regulation in early childhood: A systematic review. Obesity Reviews (2023).
2. Developmental associations of fundamental motor skills and executive functions in preschoolers — The role of the physical activity and the effects on early numeracy. Trends in Neuroscience and Education (2024).
3. Physical activity and prospective associations with indicators of health and development in children aged. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (2021).