Relationship between 24-hour movement behaviors and executive function in preschool children based on compositional data analysis

Objectives To examine the correlation between 24-hour movement behaviors (24 h-MBs) and executive function (EF) in preschool children. Methods Preschool children ( n = 366, 187 boys; M_age = 4.18 ± 0.87) were recruited from kindergartens in Changsha City, China, in 2024. Physical activity and sedentary behavior (SB) time were collected using an accelerometer, while sleep duration was recorded using a sleep diary. EF was measured by a questionnaire (BRIEF-P), and compositional data analysis was employed. Results (1) The relative time distribution among 24 h-MBs showed statistically significant associations with both EF and specific subdomains in preschool children ( p < 0.05). (2) Moderate-to-Vigorous-intensity Physical Activity (MVPA) was significantly associated with inhibitory control (γ 1 4 = −2.36, p = 0.002), working memory (γ 1 4 = −2.78, p = 0.003), emotional control (γ1 4 = −1.30, p = 0.024), planning (γ 1 4 = −1.83, p = 0.003), and EF (γ 1 4 = −9.35, p = 0.003). (3) SB was significantly associated with working memory (γ 1 2 = 3.99, p = 0.027) and EF (γ 1 2 = 11.95, p = 0.047). (4) When MVPA was substituted for sleep, SB, and Light-intensity Physical Activity (LPA) for 15 min per day, there was a significant decrease in preschoolers' EF and many of its dimensions. Similarly, when sleep was substituted for SB for 15 min per day, there was a significant decrease in working memory (b = −0.12, p < 0.05), and vice versa, both increased significantly. Conclusion Promoting moderate transitions from sleep, SB, and LPA to MVPA, as well as from SB to sleep, shows varying relationships with EF development among preschool children. Future research could further explore the long-term impact of 24 h-MBs on preschool children's EF, particularly the interactions between physical activity, SB, and sleep, and investigate more precise intervention strategies to promote the development of children's EF.