Effects of Motor-Cognitive Training on Cognitive Performance and Balance in Preschool Children
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrollment
- 50
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Cognitive Function Tests
Overview
Brief Summary
This RCT design investigates the effects of an 8-week motor-cognitive training program on cognitive performance and balance in preschool-aged children. Participants in the intervention group received structured motor-cognitive activities twice a week in addition to their regular physical education (PE) classes. The control group attended only standard PE classes and was restricted from participating in any other physical activity. Assessments included cognitive testing (Go/No-Go, Tower of Hanoi, and Corsi Block), anthropometric measurements, and static/proprioceptive balance testing. All measurements were conducted pre- and post-intervention.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 2 Years to 6 Years (Child)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •Typically developing preschool-aged children
- •Able to follow basic instructions
- •Parental/guardian consent obtained
Exclusion Criteria
- •Diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders
- •Recent musculoskeletal injuries
- •Participation in other structured physical activity programs
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Cognitive Function Tests
Time Frame: Administered at baseline (pre-intervention) and 8 weeks (post-intervention)
Evaluates inhibitory control, a core component of executive functioning. Participants are required to respond quickly to target stimuli (e.g., "X") while inhibiting responses to non-target stimuli (e.g., "O"). Measures include: Number of correct responses (go trials) Number of commission errors (false responses to no-go trials) Reaction time (latency) to correct go stimuli Duration: \~5 minutes and 40 seconds
Tower of Hanoi Test executive functioning
Time Frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
Assesses executive functioning, including planning, problem-solving, and cognitive flexibility. Participants solve a visual puzzle by moving disks across pegs, following specific rules. Performance variables include: * Number of moves to solution * Total task completion time * Average time per move * Latency to first move (planning time)
Balance Performance
Time Frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
Balance was assessed using the Sensbalance MiniBoard, a validated interactive platform that captures both static and proprioceptive balance. Two types of balance tasks were used: Static Balance Test: Participants were instructed to maintain a stable position on the balance board while keeping a ball centered within a visual target zone on the screen. The performance level (%) was calculated using the formula: (1 - Measured Sway Amplitude / Maximum Allowable Sway) × 100, indicating the participant's ability to maintain balance within defined limits.
Secondary Outcomes
No secondary outcomes reported
Investigators
Monira Aldhahi
Associate Prof
Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University