Do Executive Functions Predict Physical Activity Behavior? – A Meta-Analysis

Background: Executive functions (EFs) are important determinants of health behaviors. In the present study, a meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between EFs and physical activity (PA) behavior. Methods: : Systematic searches were carried out and prospective studies which reported the relationship between baseline EFs and later PA behavior were selected. Eight studies were found eligible. Results: : Results of the multilevel meta-analysis revealed a significant total effect size for EFs on PA behavior. High heterogeneity was observed among studies. When potential moderators were tested, residual heterogeneity remained significant and the effects of the moderators were not significant. The effect size dropped when accounted for publication bias. Conclusions: : Despite limitations, the study provided evidence for EFs’ determinant role on PA behavior. More research is however encouraged to inform PA promotion programs that are well-prepared for individual differences in EFs.