Effect of computer games and motor games on the executive functions of elementary school students

Executive functions in primary school children are very important because they can have a decisive role in improving children's performance in school and even for their future. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of computer games and motor games on the executive functions of primary school students. The current research was a semi-experimental. The statistical community was all the 7-9 years old primary school students of Babol city in 1401. To select the sample, three schools were selected through random sampling. 15 people from each school were randomly divided into three groups (movement games, computer games and control). The research tool was BRIEF Executive Functions Questionnaire. Movement and computer group programs were conducted for 12 sessions (4 weeks and three sessions per week). The control group continued their usual programs. Analysis of covariance test and Bonferroni's post hoc test were performed at the level of p<0.05. The results of the analysis of covariance showed that by considering the pre-test scores as the control variable, the training interventions (computer games and movement games) caused a significant difference between the experimental groups. Based on the results of Bonferroni's post hoc test, the difference in executive function variables between the two experimental groups and the control group was significant (p<0.001) but non-significant with each other (p>0.05). motor and computer games can be used as a practical option in order to improve children's executive functions.