The effectiveness of selected perceptual-motor program and active video games on working memory performance and cognitive flexibility of students with learning disabilities

The present study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of selected perceptual-motor program and active video games on working memory performance and cognitive flexibility of students with learning disabilities.

Methods & Materials: 

The method of the current research was an experimental type a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The statistical population of this research included all male students aged 8-11 years enrolled in learning disability centers in Mashhad in 2022-2023. Of these, 54 people were selected by the purposeful sampling method and were randomly divided into two experimental groups and one control group. In the pre-test and post-test stages, the students performed N-back and Stroop software tests. The experimental groups performed perceptual-motor training programs and active video games for 24 sessions, each session lasting 45 minutes, and the control group did not receive any intervention. Multivariate analysis of the covariance test was used to analyze the data.

The results showed that there is a significant difference between the average scores of the two groups of perceptual-motor exercises and active video games with the control group in terms of working memory and cognitive flexibility (P<0.05).

Due to the effectiveness of perceptual-motor training methods and active video games, this style of training and games can be used to reduce problems related to students with learning disabilities. It is suggested to teachers and trainers in the field of work for children with learning disabilities to emphasize active video games in addition to regular exercises.