A 6-week coordinative motor training program improves spatial ability performances in healthy children

Author:

Morawietz Christina,Wissmann Anna Maria,Muehlbauer Thomas

Abstract

BackgroundWith overall academic achievements decreasing, policies tend to dedicate more curricular time to other subjects than physical education (PE). In light of increasingly sedentary lifestyles and rises in levels of overweight and obesity, this trend is detrimental within the global health context. Simultaneously, research on the connection between physical activity, cognitive functions, and academic achievement is on the rise. Cognitive functions like good spatial abilities have frequently been associated with higher achievements in STEM-subjects. This study is aimed to investigate the effects of a 6-week coordinative motor training with spatial elements on spatial ability performances in healthy children.MethodsFifty-three children (mean age ± SD; 11.3 ± 0.6 years; 30 girls) participated in either a 6-week coordinative motor training (i.e., intervention group; 2x/week, 45 min/session) or attended regular PE class using the same volume (i.e., control group). Spatial abilities before and after the intervention period were evaluated in both groups using the Paper Folding Test (PFT), Mental Rotation Test (MRT), Water Level Task (WLT), Corsi Block Test (CBT), and Numbered Cones Run (NCR).ResultsNo significant differences between groups were observed at baseline. A main effect of test but not of group was found for all variables. For all but one test (i.e., PFT), a significant test × group interaction was detected. Post-hoc analyses revealed significant medium- to large-sized improvements from pre- to posttest in the intervention but not in the control group.ConclusionThe results indicate that a 6-week coordinative motor training with spatial elements is feasible in school-aged children and positively affects their spatial abilities.

Publisher

Frontiers Media SA

Cited by 1 articles. 订阅此论文施引文献 订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3