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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.

Last updated: Aug 17, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score34/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. The impact of physical activity on executive function in college students: the chain mediating role of anxiety and sleep quality.

observational

Li Y, Wan X, Ru A, Wang Y, Wang J, Liu Y, Liang Z, Zhang H, Bao Y · Frontiers in psychology (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A (cross-sectional)
Intervention: Physical activity (measured via Single-Item Measure for PA, no specific dose or type specified)
Outcome: Executive function (measured by Adolescent Executive Function Scale), anxiety (GAD-2), sleep quality (Single-Item Sleep Quality Scale)
Effect Size: N/A (mediation percentages reported: direct effect 49.53%, indirect effects 31.78%, 14.02%, 4.67%)
Population: 2,033 college students (mean age 19.0 ± 1.1) from six Chinese provinces

Result:

PubMed: 42591247DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1853278

Mechanism Graph

Physical activity reduces anxiety
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Reduced anxiety improves sleep quality
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Improved sleep quality enhances executive function
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Result: Physical activity improves executive function via sequential mediation

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.