Effect of Cognitive-Motor Challenging and Non-Challenging Games on Fundamental Movement Skills among 3-6 Year Old Children

Authors

1 PhD Student, Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor, Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran.

4 Assistant Professor, Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Purpose: Recognizing the importance of developing fundamental movement skills in children, studies have shown that introducing cognitive-motor challenges can enhance these skills. This research aims to compare the impact of cognitive-motor challenging and non-challenging games on the fundamental movement skills of children aged 3 to 6 years in Tehran.
Methods: The current research employed a semi-experimental method with a pre-test-post-test design involving a control group. Fifty children between the ages of 3 to 6 years from the 9th district of Tehran were selected using the available method and randomly assigned to two groups: challenging game training and non-challenging game training. Both groups engaged in the game for 8 weeks, with 2 sessions of 60 minutes each week. The difference between the groups was that the cognitive-motor challenging group performed exercises using a progressive and challenging approach. Data analysis was conducted using Analyze of Covariance (ANCOVA) with SPSS version 20 software.
Results: The results indicated a significant difference between the challenging game group and the non-challenging game group in terms of manipulation and movement skills. The challenging game group showed greater improvement in manipulation and movement skills among children.
Conclusion: Overall, the findings of this research demonstrate that challenging games, by providing more practice opportunities and a variety of exercises can enhance children's performance. Children participating in challenging games displayed more seriousness and accuracy in their exercises, leading to increased motor skills compared to the non-challenging group, which focused on linear exercises with limited variety.
 

Keywords

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Sports Psychology
Volume 14, Issue 2
2022
Pages 203-214

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History

  • Receive Date: 08 February 2021
  • Revise Date: 17 July 2021
  • Accept Date: 01 September 2021

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