Can Movement Games Enhance Executive Function in Overweight Children? A Randomized Controlled Trial

Chien Chih Chou, Kuan Chou Chen, Mei Yao Huang, Hsin Yu Tu, Chung Ju Huang*

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

    15 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Purpose: This study determines the effect of movement games on executive function among overweight children. Methods: Forty-four overweight children received an intervention of movement games, and 40 overweight children participated in original physical education lessons. An intervention of movement games was conducted three times a week for 8 consecutive weeks. Neuropsychological tasks and the Stroop and determination tests were assessed pre- and postintervention. Results: The results indicated that movement games enhanced the children's performance in the inhibitory control and attentional function, particularly in the interference tendency condition, whereas no performance improvement was noted in the original physical education lessons. Conclusion: The findings indicate that movement games can be utilized as a useful intervention for improving the attentional and inhibitory problems of overweight children. School authorities should consider incorporating these activities into programs related to physical and health education.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)527-535
    Number of pages9
    JournalJournal of Teaching in Physical Education
    Volume39
    Issue number4
    Early online date19 Nov 2019
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2020

    Scopus Subject Areas

    • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
    • Education
    • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

    User-Defined Keywords

    • Attention function
    • Cognitive benefits
    • Inhibitory control
    • Motor skills

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