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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06663540

Synergies Between Exercise and Abacus in Childhood.

This study investigates the synergistic effects of physical exercise and abacus training on enhancing academic performance and well-being in children. It aims to establish a comprehensive educational framework that leverages the cognitive benefits of both physical activity and mental math skills. Research indicates that regular physical exercise not only contributes to better physical health but also significantly enhances cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities. Studies have shown that active children tend to perform better academically due to improved brain function and increased focus. Simultaneously, abacus training has been recognized for its role in developing mathematical skills and cognitive abilities. It promotes visual-spatial reasoning and enhances memory retention, which can lead to better performance in mathematics and related subjects.

By integrating these two methods, seeks to provide children with a holistic approach to learning, fostering not only academic success but also emotional and psychological resilience. Preliminary findings suggest that children engaged in combined physical and cognitive training programs show notable improvements in their academic outcomes and overall well-being compared to those who participate in traditional learning environments. The project emphasizes the importance of creating educational strategies that prioritize comprehensive child development, suggesting that a balanced approach involving both physical exercise and cognitive training tools like the abacus can lead to significant benefits in children's learning experiences.

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Key information

Conditions

Childhood

Age range

6 year–7 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Agustín Aibar Almazán

Jaén, 23007, Spain

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • School-aged children, ages 6-7.
  • Students who are able to engage in moderate-intensity physical activity without medical restrictions and are able to handle the abacus.
  • Students who can regularly participate in the intervention program sessions and follow-up assessments.
  • Voluntary participation, with informed consent signed by parents or legal guardians.

Exclusion criteria

  • Children with health conditions that prevent them from safely engaging in physical activity or using the abacus (e.g., heart disease, severe respiratory problems, motor disabilities that limit physical activity).
  • Students with severe cognitive or learning disabilities that may significantly interfere with the use of the abacus or the ability to equitably benefit from the intervention.
  • Children who are unable to commit to continued participation in the program, whether for personal or logistical reasons.
  • Students who are involved in other extracurricular or school programs focused on cognitive or physical training, to avoid overlapping effects of other interventions.

Treatment and study plan

Exercise & Abacus

Other

Features two main interventions: physical exercise sessions and abacus training activities.

Physical Exercise Sessions aim to enhance fitness and cognitive function through activities like aerobic exercises and team sports. Research indicates that regular physical activity can improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills essential for academic success.

Abacus Training Activities focus on developing mathematical skills and cognitive abilities. Children learn to manipulate the abacus for calculations, which enhances numerical understanding and memory retention, positively impacting academic performance.

The program's innovative dual approach suggests that integrating physical and cognitive training can lead to greater improvements in academic performance and emotional resilience than either intervention alone.

Primary outcomes

  1. Self-Concept

    Time frame: Up to twelve weeks

    The perception children have of themselves, influencing their motivation and learning strategies. Measured using the Self-Concept Scale for Children, scores range from 20 to 80, with scores below 50 indicating low self-concept, scores between 50-70 indicating average self-concept, and scores above 70 indicating a high self-concept.

  2. Self-Esteem

    Time frame: Up to twelve weeks

    Assessed using the Spanish version of the Self-Esteem Test for Schoolchildren, a questionnaire evaluating children's positive and negative self-image. The instrument consists of 23 scored dichotomous (Yes/No) items. Total scores range from 0 to 23, with higher scores indicating higher self-esteem.

  3. Self-efficacy

    Time frame: Up to twelve weeks

    Assessed using the Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Children (SEQ-C), a 24-item questionnaire measuring academic, social, and emotional self-efficacy. Items are rated on a 5-point Likert scale, with higher scores indicating greater perceived self-efficacy.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Jaén

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Synergies Between Physical Exercise and the Abacus and Their Effects on Improving Academic Learning and Well-being in Childhood.

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Oct 29, 2024
Registry last updated
Jul 9, 2026

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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