The effect of physical activity on spatial perception and attention in early childhood

• A pre-post intervention trials design was implemented.
• 123 kindergarten children were divided into three groups: two experimental and one control.
• Attention and spatial abilities were measured.
• Fast improvement was achieved simultaneously in both abilities for the experimental groups, no improvement for the control.
• Cognitive skills integrated into physical activity developed attention and spatial abilities.

This study examined whether physical activity improves spatial perception and attention in early childhood. A pre–post intervention trials design with intervention and control groups was implemented. Participants were 123 kindergarten children, divided into three groups: experimental—orienteering, experimental—dance, and control—no intervention. Instrumentations: attention measured by the MOXO-CPT, a computerized test, and The Cognitive Modifiability Battery Reproduction of Patterns measured spatial abilities. Measurements were conducted pre- and post-interventions. Results showed fast improvement from pre- to post-intervention, achieved simultaneously in both EFs for the experimental groups only. No differences were found between boys and girls. It was concluded that in order to successfully achieve the required tasks, an integration of physical and cognitive skills is needed.