Attention Problems, Behavior Problems, Cognitive Functions
Conditions
Keywords
Sports-Based Cognitive Therapy, Cognitive Training, Attention, Memory, Behavior, School-Going Children
Brief summary
This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effect of a sports-based structured cognitive therapy program on attention, memory, and behavior in school-going children aged 8-12 years with mild to moderate attention or behavioral difficulties. A total of 52 participants will be randomly allocated to either an experimental group receiving an 8-week sports-based structured cognitive therapy program or a control group receiving conventional physical activity. The intervention will be delivered three times per week. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, Week 4, and Week 8 using the Stroop Test, Teacher Report Form (TRF), and Behavior Rating Scale to determine changes in attention, memory, and behavior
Detailed description
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a sports-based structured cognitive therapy program on attention, memory, and behavior in school-going children aged 8-12 years with mild to moderate attention or behavioral difficulties. The primary objective is to determine whether participation in an 8-week sports-based structured cognitive therapy program improves attention, memory, and behavior compared with conventional physical activity. Attention will be assessed using the Stroop Test, behavioral and academic functioning using the Teacher Report Form (TRF), and behavior using the Behavior Rating Scale.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALSports-Based Structured Cognitive Therapy Program
Participants will receive an 8-week Sports-Based Structured Cognitive Therapy Program delivered three times per week. The program combines structured physical activities with cognitive tasks designed to improve attention, memory, executive function, and behavioral regulation through attention drills, memory exercises, and behavior-regulation games.
BEHAVIORALConventional Physical Activity
Participants will receive conventional physical activity consisting of routine exercise-based activities including warm-up exercises, stretching, balance activities, classroom games, and cool-down exercises for 45-60 minutes per session, three sessions per week for 8 weeks, without structured cognitive training.
Sponsors
Riphah International University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
This is a two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the experimental group receiving a sports-based structured cognitive therapy program or the control group receiving conventional physical activity.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
8 Years to 12 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* School-going children aged 8-12 years. * Children with mild to moderate attention or behavioral difficulties. * Children enrolled in participating primary or secondary schools in Haripur District. * Written informed consent obtained from a parent or legal guardian.
Exclusion criteria
* Children diagnosed with severe neurological or psychiatric disorders. * Children with physical disabilities that prevent participation in sports-based activities. * Children currently participating in another structured cognitive or physical intervention program.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Stroop Interference Score | Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8 | The Stroop Test will be used to assess selective attention and inhibitory control. The outcome will be measured using the Stroop Interference Score. Lower interference scores indicate better inhibitory control and attention. |
| Teacher Report Form (TRF) T-score | Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8 | The Teacher Report Form (TRF) will be used to assess behavioral, emotional, and academic functioning in the school environment. The outcome will be summarized using the standardized TRF T-score according to the scoring procedures of the instrument. |
| Behavior Rating Scale Total Score | Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8 | The Behavior Rating Scale will be used to assess behavioral functioning in children. The outcome will be summarized using the total score obtained according to the scoring procedures of the scale. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Movement-Sequence Recall Score | Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8 | Memory performance will be assessed using a movement-sequence recall task. The outcome will be summarized as the number of movement sequences correctly recalled. |
| Number Recall Score | Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8 | Memory performance will be assessed using a number-recall task. The outcome will be summarized as the number of numerical sequences correctly recalled. |
| Word Recall Score | Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8 | Memory performance will be assessed using a word-recall task. The outcome will be summarized as the number of words correctly recalled. |
Countries
Pakistan
Contacts
CONTACTZobia Naseem, MS
CONTACTnoreen khan, Phd
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORZobia Naseem, MS
Riphah International University
Outcome results
None listed