Unit:
Κατεύθυνση Προπονητική ΑθλημάτωνLibrary of the School of Physical Education and Sport Science
Supervisors info:
Φωτεινή Βενετσάνου, Αναπληρώτρια Καθηγήτρια, Σχολή Επιστήμης Φυσικής Αγωγής και Αθλητισμού, Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών
Ασπασία Δανιά, Επίκουρη Καθηγήτρια, Σχολή Επιστήμης Φυσικής Αγωγής και Αθλητισμού, Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών
Νεκτάριος Σταύρου, Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής, Σχολή Επιστήμης Φυσικής Αγωγής και Αθλητισμού, Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών
Original Title:
Μελέτη της σχέσης μεταξύ κινητικής επιδεξιότητας, επιτελικών λειτουργιών και φυσικής δραστηριότητας στην παιδική ηλικία
Translated title:
Examination of the relationship between motor competence, physical activity and executive functions in childhood
Summary:
The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between physical activity (PA), motor competence (MC) and executive functions (EF) in childhood. Moreover, (a) possible gender differences in PA, MC and EF and (b) differences in EF, among children who participated in different types of sports (team sports; individual open skill sports; individual closed skill sports) were investigated. A total of 106 children 8-12 years (Μ=10.4±1.64) from sports clubs in Athens participated in the study. MC was assessed with the BOT-2SF, while PA was recorded with (a) pedometers, which were worn for seven days and (b) the PAQ-C. Regarding EF, inhibitory control was assessed with Attention Network Test, working memory with the task Digits Backwards and cognitive flexibility with the task How many - What number. To examine possible differences between sexes on the dependent variables and among children who participated in different types of sports in EF, t-tests for independent samples and (M)AN(C)OVAs were applied. Furthermore, Pearson correlation index was computed between parameters of PA, MC, and EF. Significant differences in favor of boys were identified only in PA (p<.05); whereas, MC and EF of both genders were at similar levels. Regarding the comparison of EF among participants, who participate in different sports, it was found that those who practiced open team sports presented statistically significant lower scores than those of the other two types of sports only in inhibitory control (p=.01). Finally, a statistically significant positive correlation between MC and EF (p<.05) and between MC and self-reported PA (p<.05) was emerged. Based on the above, the importance of children’s participation, independently of their gender, in any type of organized PA is concluded, and the significance of planning exercise programs with motor and cognitive challenges for the enhancement of children’s PA, MC, and EF is underlined.
Main subject category:
Education - Sport science
Keywords:
motor skills, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, working memory, sports
Number of references:
579
