Effects of Physical Fitness and Executive Functions on Soccer Game Performance in Elementary School Students

Abstract

  The purpose of the present study was to clarify whether physical fitness and the executive functions of inhibition and working memory affect soccer game performance in 34 sixth grade students whose physical fitness, inhibition, and working memory were measured. The students’ performance during a soccer match was also evaluated. After controlling for age and gender, significant correlations were found between soccer game performance and the measurements of physical fitness and working memory task results. In addition, a significant trend was observed in the correlation between performance in the soccer game and the inhibition task. To examine the respective effects of physical fitness and executive functions on soccer game performance, a multiple regression analysis was conducted using age, gender, physical strength, inhibition, and working memory tasks as independent variables, and soccer game performance as the dependent variable. As a result, the three standardized partial regression coefficients from physical fitness, from inhibition, and from working memory to soccer game performance were all significant. The present study revealed that not only physical fitness but also inhibition and working memory affect soccer game performance in elementary school children.