The effect of selected games on the improvement and persistence of working memory and self-concept of children with developmental coordination disorders

The aim of this study was to study the effect and persistence (stability of exercise effect), working memory (ability to remember and manage information) and self-concept (overall evaluation of one's personality) among children with developmental coordination disorder.

The present study was a quasi-experimental study with a control group. 30 girls aged 8-10 years with developmental coordination disorder were divided into experimental and control groups based on the score obtained in the children's movement test and intelligence score. N-back tests were used to measure working memory and Pierce-Harris 2 test was used to assess self-concept. The training protocol included a set of cognitive, motor, and basic games that considered the development of memory and self-concept components. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of varianceFrequent measurements on the test factor (time) were analyzed.

Findings showed working memory function (p = 0.000) and self-concept (p = 13.13). The results of the present study showed that working memory and self-concept scores increased significantly in the exercise group compared to the control group. Also, the effect of training permanence after three months on working memory (p = 0.000) and self-concept (p = 0.49) was maintained.

Based on the findings of the present study, selected games are effective on improving and maintaining the working memory and self-concept of children with developmental coordination disorders.