The Association between Cognitive Function and Physical Fitness in Young adults: A Cross-sectional study

Introduction: Cognitive function plays a crucial role for young college students during their professional learning phase; however, limited research has been conducted on the association between cognitive function and physical fitness within this demographic. Methods: The study recruited a sample of 489 college students. Working memory was assessed using the Digit Span test, and executive function was evaluated through the Trail Making Test. Additionally, physical fitness indicators, including Body Mass Index and Vital Capacity, Fifty- Meter Dash, and Standing Long Jump were measured. Given the characteristics of the data, Generalized Linear Model was employed to analyse the influencing factors of working memory and executive function. Results: There were 356 females and 133 males with median age of 19 years participate in this study. It indicated that age, Vital Capacity, and Fifty- Meter Dash were significant factors influencing the digit span test, while age was a critical factor affecting the Trail Making Test. Conclusion: These findings suggest that physical fitness influences working memory in young adults, and age impacts both working memory and executive function in this population. Enhancing cognitive function in young adults should place greater emphasis on physical fitness.