Association between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and attention among children aged 6-12 years: chain mediating effects of fundamental movement skills and aerobic fitness

Purpose: 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. Methods: 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. Results: There were significant positive correlations between physical activity and fundamental movement skills, physical activity and aerobic fitness, and physical activity and attention (all p < 0.05). Both fundamental movement skills and aerobic fitness fully mediated the relationship between physical activity and attention. In addition, fundamental movement skills and aerobic fitness had chain-mediating effects on the relationship between physical activity and attention. Conclusion: 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.