The Impact of Coordination-Enhancing Classroom Exercises on the Cognitive Abilities and Mathematics Performance of 9-10 Year-Old Students

Abstract

The role of physical activity in the optimal development of primary school-aged children is indisputable. Examining the relationship between classroom physical activity and cognitive abilities is of paramount importance, as it significantly influences academic performance and the development of skills and abilities in other subjects. Based on the above, the aim of this research is to verify the effects of 8 weeks of physically active learning on the mathematical performance and cognitive abilities of 3rd and 4th-grade primary school students. The experiment was conducted at the institutional level with five groups (n=90) over an 8-week intervention period. Pre- and post-measurements were performed, and data analysis included homogeneity tests, descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and Repeated Measures ANOVA (p<0.05). Repeated Measures ANOVA revealed significant differences regarding group, time, and variables (F=2.01; p=0.010319), thus confirming the overall effect of the intervention. It was observed that the 4th-grade experimental group, which performed activities with balloons, achieved significant improvements on cognitive tests (t=-3.444; p=0.001) and mathematics assessments (t=-2.136; p=0.004). Meanwhile, the 3rd-grade experimental group, which performed ball-based exercises, demonstrated significant improvements on cognitive tests (t=-2.637; p=0.010). No development was observed in the control groups. The impact of coordination exercises involving balls and balloons on cognitive abilities and competencies required for mathematics was confirmed. Verifying the effects of physical activity and movement coordination exercises on cognitive abilities—and thereby on learning capabilities—can contribute to the implementation of more effective inter-lesson methods and programs that improve not only psychological aspects but also the cognitive and learning processes of students.