Usability and Effects of a Combined Physical and Cognitive Intervention Based on Active Video Games for Preschool Children

Ze-Min Liu, Chuang-Qi Chen, Xian-Li Fan, Chen-Chen Lin and Xin-Dong Ye
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Ze-Min Liu: Department of Educational Technology, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
Chuang-Qi Chen: Department of Educational Technology, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
Xian-Li Fan: Department of Preschool Education, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
Chen-Chen Lin: Department of Preschool Education, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
Xin-Dong Ye: Department of Educational Technology, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 12, 1-14

Abstract: Executive functions (EFs) are essential for early childhood development, and effective programs to improve EFs in preschool education are becoming increasingly crucial. There is rising evidence that combined physical–cognitive intervention training utilizing active video games (exergames) could be a viable strategy to improve EFs. However, there is a shortage of empirical evidence on the application of this approach in preschool education. The effectiveness of exergame intervention training in preschools must be evaluated. This study conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess the effects of exergames intervention training on preschool children’s EFs. A total of 48 participants aged 4–5 years were enrolled; 24 were randomly allocated to receive exergames physical activity training, and the remaining 24 received conventional physical activity training. After a four-week intervention, the children who received the exergames intervention training exhibited considerably greater gains in all three EFs tasks than children who received the conventional physical activity program. Follow-up interviews revealed that the children accepted the exergames well. The results demonstrate the viability of incorporating exergames into preschool education to improve children’s EFs, supporting prior findings and offering more empirical evidence from early childhood research.

Keywords: exergames; active video games; executive function; cognitive functions; physical activity; preschool children (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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