Playful Physical Activity Program and Executive Function in Preschool Children

Effects of a Cognitively Enriched Playful Physical Activity Program on Executive Functions and School Readiness in Preschool Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effects of an 8-week cognitively enriched playful physical activity program on executive functions and school readiness in preschool children. Participants are assigned to either an experimental group receiving structured cognitively engaging movement activities or a control group receiving standard physical education.

This single-blind, parallel-group randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of a structured Playful Physical Activities (PPA) program on executive functions and school readiness in preschool children aged 5 years. Participants are randomly assigned to an experimental group receiving cognitively enriched physical activity sessions or a control group receiving standard physical education with equivalent frequency and duration. The intervention is conducted over 8 weeks (3 sessions/week, 60 minutes/session). Outcomes include inhibitory control, visuospatial memory, planning, and school readiness domains (mathematical, linguistic, and social competence), assessed at baseline and post-intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Enrolled in preschool
• No physical/intellectual disability
• Parental consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Neurological or developmental disorders

• Sensory impairments

  • medications affecting Neurological system