Clinical trial NCT06663540: Synergies Between Exercise and Abacus in Childhood.
Official title: Synergies Between Physical Exercise and the Abacus and Their Effects on Improving Academic Learning and Well-being in Childhood.
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: COMPLETED
Phase: NA
Conditions: Childhood
Lead sponsor: University of Jaén
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2024-10-29
Enrollment: 82
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 6
Maximum age (years): 7
Standard ages: CHILD
Accepts healthy volunteers: no
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: PARALLEL
Primary purpose: TREATMENT

Brief summary: This study investigates the synergistic effects of physical exercise and abacus training on enhancing academic performance and well-being in children. It aims to establish a comprehensive educational framework that leverages the cognitive benefits of both physical activity and mental math skills. Research indicates that regular physical exercise not only contributes to better physical health but also significantly enhances cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities. Studies have shown that active children tend to perform better academically due to improved brain function and increased focus. Simultaneously, abacus training has been recognized for its role in developing mathematical skills and cognitive abilities. It promotes visual-spatial reasoning and enhances memory retention, which can lead to better performance in mathematics and related subjects.

By integrating these two methods, seeks to provide children with a holistic approach to learning, fostering not only academic success but also emotional and psychological resilience. Preliminary findings suggest that children engaged in combined physical and cognitive training programs show notable improvements in their academic outcomes and overall well-being compared to those who participate in traditional learning environments. The project emphasizes the importance of creating educational strategies that prioritize comprehensive child development, suggesting that a balanced approach involving both physical exercise and cognitive training tools like the abacus can lead to significant benefits in children's learning experiences.


Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria:

* School-aged children, ages 6-7.
* Students who are able to engage in moderate-intensity physical activity without medical restrictions and are able to handle the abacus.
* Students who can regularly participate in the intervention program sessions and follow-up assessments.
* Voluntary participation, with informed consent signed by parents or legal guardians.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Children with health conditions that prevent them from safely engaging in physical activity or using the abacus (e.g., heart disease, severe respiratory problems, motor disabilities that limit physical activity).
* Students with severe cognitive or learning disabilities that may significantly interfere with the use of the abacus or the ability to equitably benefit from the intervention.
* Children who are unable to commit to continued participation in the program, whether for personal or logistical reasons.
* Students who are involved in other extracurricular or school programs focused on cognitive or physical training, to avoid overlapping effects of other interventions.

Primary outcomes:
measure: Self-Concept
timeFrame: Up to twelve weeks
measure: Self-Esteem
timeFrame: Up to twelve weeks
measure: Attention
timeFrame: Up to twelve weeks
measure: Concentration
timeFrame: Up to twelve weeks
measure: Creativity
timeFrame: Up to twelve weeks
measure: Physical Well-Being
timeFrame: Up to twelve weeks
measure: Mental Well-Being
timeFrame: Up to twelve weeks
measure: Cognitive Performance
timeFrame: Up to twelve weeks
Secondary outcomes:
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Jaén
country: Spain
facility: Agustín Aibar Almazán
Study officials:
References: