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Beyond Aerobic Fitness: Effects of Coordination and Aerobic Exercise on Executive Functions in School-Aged Children
Sponsor: Istanbul Gelisim University
Summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of aerobic exercise and coordination-based exercise on executive functions in school-aged children aged 10 to 12 years. Executive functions, including working memory and selective attention, are essential cognitive skills that support learning, academic achievement, problem-solving, and daily functioning. A total of 78 healthy children will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: an Aerobic Exercise Group, a Coordination Exercise Group, or a Control Group. Participants in the intervention groups will complete supervised exercise sessions lasting 40 minutes, three times per week, for 14 weeks. The aerobic exercise program will include activities designed to improve cardiovascular fitness, while the coordination exercise program will involve tasks requiring motor control, balance, bilateral coordination, and cognitive engagement. Participants in the control group will continue their usual school activities without additional structured exercise. Working memory and selective attention will be assessed before and after the intervention using standardized neuropsychological tests. The findings of this study may improve understanding of how different types of physical activity influence cognitive development in children and may help educators and health professionals design more effective school-based physical activity programs that support both physical and cognitive health.
Official title: Beyond Aerobic Fitness: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Effects of Coordination and Aerobic Exercise on Executive Functions in School-Aged Children
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
10 Years - 12 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
78
Start Date
2026-03-01
Completion Date
2026-06-10
Last Updated
2026-06-22
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
Aerobic Exercise Program
Participants completed a supervised aerobic exercise program for 14 weeks. Exercise sessions were conducted three times per week and lasted 40 minutes each. The intervention included high-intensity interval activities, sprint running, and game-based aerobic tasks designed to improve cardiorespiratory fitness. Exercise intensity was monitored using heart rate monitors, and participants maintained an intensity corresponding to 65% to 85% of their age-predicted maximum heart rate.
Coordination Exercise Program
Participants completed a supervised coordination-based exercise program for 14 weeks. Exercise sessions were conducted three times per week and lasted 40 minutes each. The intervention included jump-rope combinations, dynamic balance exercises, bilateral coordination activities, and multidirectional movement tasks requiring cognitive engagement. Exercise intensity was standardized using ratings of perceived exertion, targeting Borg scale scores between 13 and 16.
Locations (1)
Istanbul Rumeli University
Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)