Children's Involvement in Different Sport Types Differentiates Their Motor Competence but Not Their Executive Functions

Sports provide a context where important aspects of children's health, such as motor skills and cognitive functions, can be enhanced. However, it is unknown which type of sport may be better for the development of motor competence (MC) and executive functions (EFs). This study investigated potential differences in MC and EFs in boys and girls, being involved in different types of sports (team, individual open skill, individual closed skill). A total of 115 children (49 boys), 8-12 years old (10.30 +/- 1.19 years), participated in the study. Their MC was assessed with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 Short Form, whereas for EFs, the Attention Network Test, the digits backwards test, and the how many-what number test were utilized. Significant MC differences among participants in different types of sports were revealed, favoring those from closed-skill sports; nevertheless, their EFs were at similar levels. Furthermore, no significant gender MC and EFs differences were detected. It seems that children's participation in specific types of sports differentiates their motor skills but not their EFs, whereas boys and girls, when provided with the same opportunities, present similar levels of MC and EFs.

Automated summary

Sports have a positive impact on children's health, specifically on their motor skills and cognitive functions. However, the influence of different types of sports on motor competence and executive functions is not well understood. This study found that participation in different types of sports led to significant differences in motor competence, with closed-skill sports showing better performance. However, no significant differences were found in executive functions. Additionally, no gender differences were detected in motor competence and executive functions when provided with the same opportunities.