The Effects of Continuous Repetition of Motor Skills at a Consistent Speed With Music on Decision-Making and Independent Learning Abilities in Children Aged 8-9 Years: A Pre/Post-Test Quasi-Experimental Study With Control Group
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Enrollment
- 399
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Independent Learning Skills (SILS Total Score)
Study Overview
Brief Summary
This study examined whether repeating motor skill exercises at a consistent speed with music can improve decision-making and independent learning abilities in children aged 8-9 years. Children participated in either slow tempo, fast tempo, or no-music control exercise sessions. Music was used to help regulate tempo and attention, and exercises were designed to enhance timing, focus, and planning skills. The study measured cognitive outcomes using validated scales for independent learning and decision-making.
Detailed Description
This quasi-experimental study with a control group investigated the effects of continuous motor skill exercises accompanied by music on decision-making and independent learning abilities in children aged 8-9 years. A total of 399 children completed the study (186 females, 213 males), divided into Control (124), Slow Tempo Motor Exercise (140), and Fast Tempo Motor Exercise (135) groups.
Music was integrated into exercises to regulate tempo and cognitive load, enhancing attention, processing speed, timing, and executive functions. Slow tempo exercises (30 BPM) focused on internal timing, cognitive inhibition, and controlled movement coordination. Fast tempo exercises (60 BPM) aimed to improve reaction times, attention, decision-making, and planning. Traditional Turkish music genres (Erik Dali, Horon, Sari Zeybek) were selected to support rhythmic coordination and cultural relevance. Each session lasted 10-15 minutes per exercise.
Two psychometric scales were used:
Scale of Independent Learning Skills (SILS): Measures metacognitive, affective, and cognitive skills (18 items, 4-point Likert scale, Cronbach's α = .81).
Decision-Making Skills Assessment Scale (DMSAS): Evaluates dependent, independent, and ability-based decision-making (17 items, 4-point Likert scale, Cronbach's α = .65-.70).
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Non Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Basic Science
- Masking
- None
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 8 Years to 9 Years (Child)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •Children aged 8-9 years.
- •Enrolled in school and selected by classroom to prevent contamination between intervention and control groups.
- •Written informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians.
- •Able to participate in motor exercises and music-accompanied sessions.
- •Understanding of the study purpose and procedures by both child and parent/guardian.
Exclusion Criteria
- •Absence or withdrawal during the study period.
- •Serious health problems, chronic illnesses, or physical limitations preventing participation in exercises.
- •Withdrawal of consent by participant or parent/guardian.
- •Cognitive or attentional difficulties that prevent completion of motor and cognitive tasks.
Arms & Interventions
Arm 1: Slow Tempo Group
Participants perform motor exercises accompanied by music at 30 beats per minute (BPM) for 14 weeks.
Intervention: Slow tempo basic motor skills exercises with music (30 BPM) (Behavioral)
Arm 2: Fast Tempo Group
Participants perform motor exercises accompanied by music at 60 beats per minute (BPM) for 14 weeks.
Intervention: Fast tempo basic motor skills exercises with music (60 BPM) (Behavioral)
Arm 3: Control Group:
No intervention
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Independent Learning Skills (SILS Total Score)
Time Frame: Baseline and Post-Intervention (14 weeks)
Independent Learning Skills will be assessed using the Scale of Independent Learning Skills (SILS). Total score will be computed per the instrument manual (4-point Likert for 18 items; reverse-scoring not applicable). Analyses will use change from baseline to 14 weeks.
Decision-Making Skills (DMSAS Total Score)
Time Frame: Baseline and Post-Intervention (14 weeks)
Decision-Making Skills will be assessed using the Decision-Making Skills Assessment Scale (DMSAS; 17 items; includes reverse-coded items). Total score will be computed per the instrument manual. Analyses will use change from baseline to 14 weeks.
Secondary Outcomes
- SILS Subscale Scores (Metacognitive, Affective, Cognitive)(Baseline and Post-Intervention (14 weeks))
- DMSAS Subscale Scores (Decision-Making According to Abilities, Consequences, and Planning)(Baseline and Post-Intervention (14 weeks))
Investigators
bekir tokay
Dr., Lecturer
Uşak University