Does the Continuous Repetition of Motor Skills at a Consistent Speed With Music Affect Children's Decision-Making and Learning Abilities?

This quasi-experimental study with a control group investigated the effects of continuous motor skill exercises accompanied by music on decision-making and independent learning abilities in children aged 8-9 years. A total of 399 children completed the study (186 females, 213 males), divided into Control (124), Slow Tempo Motor Exercise (140), and Fast Tempo Motor Exercise (135) groups.

Music was integrated into exercises to regulate tempo and cognitive load, enhancing attention, processing speed, timing, and executive functions. Slow tempo exercises (30 BPM) focused on internal timing, cognitive inhibition, and controlled movement coordination. Fast tempo exercises (60 BPM) aimed to improve reaction times, attention, decision-making, and planning. Traditional Turkish music genres (Erik Dali, Horon, Sari Zeybek) were selected to support rhythmic coordination and cultural relevance. Each session lasted 10-15 minutes per exercise.

Two psychometric scales were used:

Scale of Independent Learning Skills (SILS): Measures metacognitive, affective, and cognitive skills (18 items, 4-point Likert scale, Cronbach's α = .81).

Decision-Making Skills Assessment Scale (DMSAS): Evaluates dependent, independent, and ability-based decision-making (17 items, 4-point Likert scale, Cronbach's α = .65-.70).

Scales were administered face-to-face in classrooms by trained interviewers. Participants responded simultaneously, and responses were collected for later evaluation. No personal information was included.

The study aimed to analyze how music and exercise tempo affect children's cognitive functions and executive skills, emphasizing rhythmic coordination, attention, and culturally relevant music.

Inclusion criteria

• Children aged 8-9 years.
• Enrolled in school and selected by classroom to prevent contamination between intervention and control groups.
• Written informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians.
• Able to participate in motor exercises and music-accompanied sessions.
• Understanding of the study purpose and procedures by both child and parent/guardian.

Exclusion criteria

• Absence or withdrawal during the study period.
• Serious health problems, chronic illnesses, or physical limitations preventing participation in exercises.
• Withdrawal of consent by participant or parent/guardian.
• Cognitive or attentional difficulties that prevent completion of motor and cognitive tasks.