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 in PsycInfo, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus databases throughout April 2021. Prospective empirical studies conducted with general healthy populations across the lifespan, which reported the relationship between baseline EFs and later PA behavior were selected. RESULTS: Eight studies were found eligible. Results of the multilevel meta-analysis revealed a small but significant total effect size for EFs on PA behavior of z = 0.12. 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. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40359-023-01067-9.