To explore the association between physical activity and attention among children aged 6–12 years and to determine whether fundamental movement skills and aerobic fitness mediate the association between physical activity and attention.
A total of 1,086 school-aged children (mean age: 9.40 ± 2.03 years) were included in the present study. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Scale-Short Form. Fundamental movement skills were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development, third edition, and aerobic fitness was evaluated using the 20-metre shuttle run. Attention was assessed by the d2 Attention Test.
There were significant positive correlations between physical activity and fundamental movement skills, physical activity and aerobic fitness, and physical activity and attention (all
High levels of physical activity were positively associated with attention among school-aged children. Fundamental movement skills and aerobic fitness played a chain-mediating role in the relationship between physical activity and attention.