The Effect of Cognitive–Motor Training Intervention and Active Video Games on Motor Skills, Executive Function, and Selective Attention in Obese Children with Learning Disabilities

Determining the Effect of a Cognitive-Motor Exercise Intervention and Active Video Games on Motor Skills, Executive Function, and Selective Attention in Obese Children with Learning Disabilities

A randomized controlled clinical trial with a parallel-group design involving three study groups was conducted among 45 eligible children aged 8–12 years. Participants were randomly allocated using Microsoft Excel to three equal groups: a cognitive-motor training group, an active video game group, and a control group, with 15 participants in each group. The rand function in Microsoft Excel was used to perform the randomization. Blinding of participants and intervention providers was not feasible due to the nature of the interventions. The clinical trial phase was not applicable to this study.

This randomized controlled trial used a parallel-group design involving 45 children aged 8–12 years with obesity and learning disorders, randomly allocated to cognitive-motor training, exergaming, or control groups (15 per group). The interventions were conducted at the children’s schools, three times weekly for eight weeks, with each session lasting 45 minutes. Blinding of participants and intervention providers was not feasible due to the nature of the interventions.

Being between 8 and 12 years of age. Having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m². Having a learning disorder diagnosed by a qualified specialist. Having no physical limitations that would prevent participation in physical activity. Providing written informed consent from a parent or legal guardian.

Cognitive-Motor Educational Interventions and Exergames

Gross and fine motor skills; response inhibition; working memory; cognitive flexibility; selective attention

After selecting 45 eligible children, the participants were allocated to three equal groups using a block randomization method: a cognitive-motor training group, an active video game group, and a control group. Microsoft Excel and the rand function were used to perform the randomization. Ultimately, 15 participants were assigned to each group. Unit of randomization: The unit of randomization was the individual; that is, each child was treated as an independent unit and assigned to one of the three study groups. Randomization strata: Stratified randomization was not used, and participants were allocated without stratification based on variables such as age, sex, or body mass index. Randomization tool: Microsoft Excel and the rand function were used to perform the random allocation process. Method of generating the randomization sequence: The allocation sequence was generated using Microsoft Excel, and participants were assigned to the three study groups according to the resulting sequence. The allocation process aimed to establish three equal groups, with 15 participants in each group. Allocation concealment: Allocation concealment as a separate procedure was not specified in the available information regarding the study implementation.

The data obtained from this study will be available for sharing in anonymized form after removing participants’ identifying and confidential information, in accordance with research ethics principles. Data from pre- and post-intervention assessments, including gross and fine motor skills, response inhibition, working memory, cognitive flexibility, and selective attention, along with the data dictionary and descriptions of the variables, will be made available upon request to qualified researchers, subject to approval by the principal investigator. Requests will be submitted and reviewed through correspondence with the principal investigator. Identifiable information about the children and other confidential information will not be shared with third parties. The data will be used solely for scientific and research purposes, in compliance with ethical principles and confidentiality requirements.

Six months after publishing the paper

Researchers

Requests for access to the data must be submitted by qualified researchers through correspondence with the principal investigator. 2. Each request must specify the scientific and research purpose, the research questions to be addressed, and the intended statistical analyses. 3. Access to the data is subject to review and approval by the principal investigator. 4. The data may be used solely for approved scientific and research purposes. Secondary statistical analyses, including descriptive and inferential analyses relevant to the research objectives, are permitted, provided that they comply with research ethics principles and confidentiality requirements. 5. Re-identification of participants, attempts to determine their identities, or linkage of the data to identifiable information are strictly prohibited. 6. Transferring or sharing the data with third parties without the authorization of the principal investigator is not permitted. 7. Any publication of findings derived from the data must comply with research ethics principles and appropriately cite the original study. 8. No identifiable or confidential information relating to participants will be provided to requesters.

Maryam khalaji

Researchers wishing to access the anonymized study data must submit a request to the principal investigator by email. The request should include the applicant’s name and institutional affiliation, the purpose of the request, the research questions, and the planned analyses. The principal investigator will review the request to ensure that the proposed use is consistent with the study objectives, research ethics principles, and confidentiality requirements. Applicants may be contacted if additional information or clarification is required. Following approval, the anonymized data and relevant documentation, including the data dictionary and variable descriptions, will be provided electronically via email or another mutually agreed secure method. The process is expected to take approximately 2–4 weeks from receipt of a complete request, depending on the complexity of the request and the time required for review. No personally identifiable or confidential participant information will be shared.