The Effect of Sensory - Motor Integration Exercises Based on the Game Sense Approach on the Executive Functions of Children with Learning Disorder

The present study aimed at investigating the effect of sensory-motor integration exercises based on the game sense approach on the executive functions of children with learning disorder.

This research was conducted in a semi-experimental way with a pre-test and post-test design with a control group. Thirty-six female children with learning disorder were selected as a sample and were randomly assigned to two experimental groups (two sensory-motor groups with game sense and goal-oriented approaches) and one control group. In the pre-test stage, the components of working memory, planning and problem solving were measured by N-Beck and Tower of London tests, respectively. Then the experimental groups participated in the exercises in the form of two sessions of 60 minutes per week, for a period of eight weeks. During this time, the control group did their normal activities. In the post-test phase, dependent variables were measured again. For statistical analysis, composite analysis of variance test was used.

Sensory-motor integration exercises based on the game sense approach improved the working memory component in the game sense group compared to the control group and improved the planning and problem solving component in the game sense group compared to the goal-oriented and control groups (p>0.05).

Sensory-motor integration exercises based on the game sense approach can be effective as an intervention on improving the executive functions of this group of children.