A healthier dietary pattern was associated with better cognitive outcomes in all studies , although some of the reported associations were weak and the measures used varied across the studies .
Conclusions Physical activity and healthy diets in early childhood are associated with better cognitive outcomes  in young children .
Objective Given the high prevalence of suboptimal nutrition and low activity levels in children , we systematic ally review ed the literature on the relationship between physical activity and dietary patterns and cognitive development in early childhood ( six months to five years ) .
Acute exercise enhances preschoolers' ability to sustain attention.
A growing body of research has illuminated beneficial effects of a single bout of physical activity ( i.e. , acute exercise ) on cognitive function in school-age children . However , the influence of acute exercise on preschoolers ' cognitive function has not been reported . To address this shortcoming , the current study examined the effects of a 30-min bout of exercise on preschoolers '  cognitive function .  Preschoolers ' cognitive function was assessed following a single bout of exercise and a single sedentary period . Results revealed that , after engaging in a bout of exercise , preschoolers exhibited markedly better ability to sustain attention , relative to after being sedentary ( p = .006 , partial eta square = .400 ) . Based on these findings , providing exercise opportunities appears to enhance preschoolers ' cognitive function
A healthier dietary pattern was associated with better cognitive outcomes in all studies , although some of the reported associations were weak and the measures used varied across the studies .
Conclusions Physical activity and healthy diets in early childhood are associated with better cognitive outcomes  in young children .
Objective Given the high prevalence of suboptimal nutrition and low activity levels in children , we systematic ally review ed the literature on the relationship between physical activity and dietary patterns and cognitive development in early childhood ( six months to five years ) .