Effect of Game-centered Exercises on the Physical Self-concept of Overweight Students with a Developmental Coordination Disorder

Body composition changes affect different physical, motor, and mental aspects of individuals. Self-concept weakness poses a serious problem for both overweight children and children with developmental coordination disorder. In this regard, the present study aimed to assess the effect of play-based exercises on the self-concept of overweight children with developmental coordination disorder.

This semi-experimental study was conducted on a total number of 50 children aged 8-10 years which were selected from elementary schools using the targeted sampling method and based on entry criteria. Following the pre-test, the participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 30) and control group (n = 20). In pre-test and post-test, the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC-2) was used to measure the coordination disorder of subjects, and their physical self-concept was assessed using Wilson questionnaire. The experimental group underwent training for 3 months. In post-test, the data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 21) using a one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) at a significant level of 0.05.

As evidenced by the obtained results, a significant difference was detected between the scores of self-concept and subscales, including coordination, desirability, self-esteem, flexibility, and appearance between the two groups. Nonetheless, no significant difference was observed in the components of strength, endurance, physical activity, and health.

Childhood is one of the important stages in the formation of self-concept. Based on the results, games can exert beneficial effects on the social and psychological development of overweight children with coordination disorders who are more exposed to emotional problems.