The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between motor performance ability and physical activity with executive function in 9- to 11-year-old children.

Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted in the field. The statistical population included all primary school boys and girls (grades 3 to 5) in Nazarabad County, Alborz Province. Random sampling was conducted from public and private primary schools, and then 300 eligible students were purposively selected based on the study inclusion criteria. Executive function was assessed using the Brief-2 questionnaire (parent version), physical activity level was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents, and motor performance ability was assessed using the DMT test. Data analysis was performed using path analysis and SPSS and AMOS version 23 software.

Results: The results of the path analysis showed that speed has a negative and significant effect on children's executive function (r=-0.46), while backward step (r=0.48), lateral jump (r=0.42), endurance (r=0.47), flexibility (r=0.48), push-ups (r=0.50), sit-ups (r=0.58), and long jump (r=0.48) have a positive and significant effect on executive function. Also, the level of overall physical activity also showed a positive and significant relationship with children's executive function (r=0.50).

Conclusion: Accordingly, it is suggested that educators, parents, and child specialists should evaluate and improve children's executive function by considering the level of physical activity and motor abilities, and try to strengthen children's cognitive abilities and executive function through targeted planning.