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Active, Not Recruiting

NCT Number: NCT07045922

Motor-Cognitive Training , Cognitive Performance and Balance

This RCT design investigates the effects of an 8-week motor-cognitive training program on cognitive performance and balance in preschool-aged children. Participants in the intervention group received structured motor-cognitive activities twice a week in addition to their regular physical education (PE) classes. The control group attended only standard PE classes and was restricted from participating in any other physical activity. Assessments included cognitive testing (Go/No-Go, Tower of Hanoi, and Corsi Block), anthropometric measurements, and static/proprioceptive balance testing. All measurements were conducted pre- and post-intervention.

Active, Not Recruiting

This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

Key information

Conditions

Coordination Impairment Ataxia Balance Children Dyskinesias Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

2 year–6 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Tekirdağ Namik Kemal University

Tekirdağ, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Typically developing preschool-aged children
  • Able to follow basic instructions
  • Parental/guardian consent obtained

Exclusion criteria

  • Diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Recent musculoskeletal injuries
  • Participation in other structured physical activity programs

Treatment and study plan

Motor-Cognitive Training Program

Behavioral

Participants assigned to the intervention group participated in a structured motor-cognitive training program in addition to their regular physical education (PE) classes. The training was designed to integrate physical movement with cognitive engagement in a game-based format, suitable for the preschool age group.

The program was conducted twice weekly for eight weeks, with each session lasting approximately 25-30 minutes. Activities progressed in complexity over time, incorporating elements of motor planning, executive functioning, and balance control. Sessions consisted of:

Warm-up phase: Light aerobic activities such as jogging, dynamic stretching, and coordination drills (e.g., knee pulls, toe walking).

Main training phase: Activities targeting core cognitive-motor domains l

Regular Physical education classes

Other

Participants in the control group continued with their regularly scheduled physical education (PE) classes as mandated by the school curriculum. They did not receive any additional motor-cognitive or structured exercise training. Furthermore, they were instructed not to engage in any external physical activity programs outside of the regular PE sessions throughout the study duration. This restriction was monitored to ensure group consistency.

Primary outcomes

  1. Cognitive Function Tests

    Time frame: Administered at baseline (pre-intervention) and 8 weeks (post-intervention)

    Evaluates inhibitory control, a core component of executive functioning. Participants are required to respond quickly to target stimuli (e.g., "X") while inhibiting responses to non-target stimuli (e.g., "O"). Measures include:

    Number of correct responses (go trials)

    Number of commission errors (false responses to no-go trials)

    Reaction time (latency) to correct go stimuli

    Duration: ~5 minutes and 40 seconds

  2. Tower of Hanoi Test executive functioning

    Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks

    Assesses executive functioning, including planning, problem-solving, and cognitive flexibility. Participants solve a visual puzzle by moving disks across pegs, following specific rules. Performance variables include:

    • Number of moves to solution
    • Total task completion time
    • Average time per move
    • Latency to first move (planning time)

  3. Balance Performance

    Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks

    Balance was assessed using the Sensbalance MiniBoard, a validated interactive platform that captures both static and proprioceptive balance. Two types of balance tasks were used:

    Static Balance Test: Participants were instructed to maintain a stable position on the balance board while keeping a ball centered within a visual target zone on the screen.

    The performance level (%) was calculated using the formula: (1 - Measured Sway Amplitude / Maximum Allowable Sway) × 100, indicating the participant's ability to maintain balance within defined limits.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Motor-Cognitive Training on Cognitive Performance and Balance in Preschool Children

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jul 1, 2025
Registry last updated
Dec 1, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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