Fundamental motor skill interventions significantly improve executive functions and social–emotional competence in preschoolers: a meta-analysis

= 0.02) improvements. Subgroup analyses suggested that pure FMS programs may yield stronger EF effects (SMD = 0.49) than combined programs (SMD = 0.32), whereas intervention type had a minimal differential impact on SEC outcomes. 5 -year-old benefited more than 3-4-year-old did in both domains (EFs: 0.49 vs. 0.36; SECs: 0.22 vs. 0.12). A higher dosage (>2 sessions/week × 30 min) yielded greater EF gains (0.51 vs. 0.27), while no significant dose-response relationship was observed for SEC. The findings confirm that FMS interventions enhance preschoolers' EFs and SEC, with optimal EFs from pure FMS targeting older children at higher dosages; SEC benefits are consistent across intervention types. Systematic review registration: The protocol for this systematic review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO with the Unique Identifier: [CRD420251073707]. The registration is publicly accessible at: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD420251073707.