1- Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Lahijan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran. , alikhanihasan@yahoo.com
2- Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Lahijan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran.
3- Islamic Azad University, Arak Branch
2- Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Lahijan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran.
3- Islamic Azad University, Arak Branch
Abstract: (779 Views)
Perceptual-motor skills form the foundation for advanced future skills. This study aimed to investigate the effects of perceptual-motor programs on Stroop performance and the enhancement of the theory of mind in 8-12-year-old girls in Rasht. The research utilized a semi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test and a control group. A total of 24 children, with a mean age of 10.5 ± 1.2 years, were selected via convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (n=12 each). The training protocol consisted of 16 sessions of 45 minutes over eight weeks, focusing on balance, spatial awareness, temporal awareness, body awareness, and orientation exercises. Stroop performance was assessed using a computerized Stroop test, and the theory of mind was evaluated using Sternman’s 38-item scale. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests in SPSS-23 software (p<0.05). Results indicated significant improvements in the experimental group compared to the control group in emotion recognition and pretend play (p=0.023), understanding false beliefs (p=0.011), understanding humor and secondary false beliefs (p=0.048), and Stroop effect time (p=0.015). These findings suggest that perceptual-motor programs can enhance Stroop performance and the theory of mind in children.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
motor behavior
Received: 2024/06/7 | Accepted: 2025/03/16 | ePublished ahead of print: 2025/03/16
Received: 2024/06/7 | Accepted: 2025/03/16 | ePublished ahead of print: 2025/03/16
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