Effectiveness of Task Cognitive Load with Emphasis on Environmental Variability on Executive Functions (Response Inhibition and Continuous Attention) of Primary School Children 10 to 12 Years Old

Hossein Samadi¹ Mohammad Sohbatiha² Moniralsadat Arvin³

1) Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran
2) PhD in motor learning, University of Tehran
3) M.Sc in Physical Education and Sports Science

IOI Code : XCGG-EKKFG
Publication : Second International Conference and Fourth National Conference on Innovations Sport Sciences(umasport2020.ir)
Abstract :
    Introduction: Neurocognitive executive functions are important structures that are related to the psychological processes responsible for controlling consciousness, thinking, and acting. However, studies show that the amount of improvement in cognitive function through physical activity may be related to the motor characteristics of the activities performed. Due to the complexity and different cognitive needs of open and closed skills exercise, the aim of study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of open skills exercise (OSE) and closed skills exercise (CSE) on response inhibition and continuous attention of children aged 10-12 years. Method: The research was applied and quasi-experimental with pre-test-post-test design. The statistical sample consisted of 30 healthy children aged 10-12 years who were selected by availability and randomly divided into two groups (15 people): CSE (aerobics) and OSE (table tennis). Participants in the CSE and OSE groups performed for 12 weeks and two sessions of 45 minutes per week. Research instruments included stroop test and continuous performance test (CPT). Analyze of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyze the data. Finding: The results showed a significant improvement in response inhibition scores and continuous attention in children after 12 weeks of CSE and OSE. In addition, a significant difference was observed between the two groups in favor of the OSE group (P≤0.05). Discussion: Although different types of physical exercise can affect the brain in different ways, some studies suggest that the type of physical activity has specific effects on neurocognitive function. Research has shown that physical activity or exercise can have a positive effect on neurological and cognitive functions of the brain by improving neurogenic processes, angiogenesis and increasing cerebral blood flow. Physical activity also stimulates motor areas in the brain, increases the conduction velocity of nerve impulses, increases the secretion of nerve hormones, and has a significant effect on the irritability of the nerve cells that make up synapses. The reason for the greater effect of OSE than CSE on executive functions can be attributed to the characteristics of cognitive processing and adaptation to changing environmental conditions in the game and thus strengthening neural structures. Conclusion: OSE and CSE have a positive effect on response inhibition and continuous attention in primary school children. Due to the greater effectiveness of OSE than CSE on executive functions, it is recommended that teachers use more OSE such as table tennis in their exercise programs.

Keywords : open skills training closed skills training executive function response inhibition continuous attention