Physical activity improves executive function in college students through sequential reduction of anxiety and improvement of sleep quality
In a cross-sectional study of 2,033 Chinese college students, physical activity positively predicted executive function, with a direct effect accounting for 49.53% of the total variance. Three mediating pathways were identified: anxiety reduction (31.78%), sleep quality enhancement (14.02%), and a sequential chain of anxiety reduction leading to better sleep quality (4.67%). All mediating effects were statistically significant based on bootstrap confidence intervals.
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Physical activity improves executive function in college students through sequential reduction of anxiety and improvement of sleep quality The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 34/100 (low).
The Claim
Physical activity improves executive function in college students through sequential reduction of anxiety and improvement of sleep quality
This conclusion is most relevant to: 2,033 college students (mean age 19.0 ± 1.1) from six Chinese provinces.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸The impact of physical activity on executive function in college students: the chain mediating role of anxiety and sleep quality. (Frontiers in psychology, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Physical activity reduces anxiety
- ▸Reduced anxiety improves sleep quality
- ▸Improved sleep quality enhances executive function
- ▸Result: Physical activity improves executive function via sequential mediation
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸2,033 college students (mean age 19.0 ± 1.1) from six Chinese provinces
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Cross-sectional design prevents causal inference
- ▸Self-reported measures of physical activity, anxiety, and sleep quality may introduce bias
- ▸Sample limited to Chinese college students, limiting generalizability
- ▸Data collected in December 2025, which may not reflect typical academic periods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the direct effect of physical activity on executive function?▼
The direct effect accounts for 49.53% of the total variance in executive function, indicating a substantial direct relationship.
How does anxiety mediate the relationship between physical activity and executive function?▼
Physical activity reduces anxiety, which in turn improves executive function, accounting for 31.78% of the total effect.
Does sleep quality mediate the effect of physical activity on executive function?▼
Yes, physical activity improves sleep quality, which then enhances executive function, accounting for 14.02% of the total effect.
What is the chain mediation pathway?▼
Physical activity reduces anxiety, which improves sleep quality, which then enhances executive function, accounting for 4.67% of the total effect.
References
- 1.Li Y, Wan X, Ru A, Wang Y, Wang J, Liu Y, Liang Z, Zhang H, Bao Y. “The impact of physical activity on executive function in college students: the chain mediating role of anxiety and sleep quality..” Frontiers in psychology, 2026. PMID: 42591247 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1853278