The effect of a motor education program on enhancing attention in children with mild intellectual disabilities

Andrawes, Josphen; Hamed Ismael, Gihan; Ghalal, Ghada

doi:10.21608/ijssaa.2025.397904.2464

The effect of a motor education program on enhancing attention in children with mild intellectual disabilities

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of curriculum and physical education, faculty of sports sciences, helwan

² Department of Curriculum &amp; Teaching Methods of Physical Education, Faculty of Physical Education Girls in Cairo, Helwan University

³ Helwan University , Curriculum and Teaching methods

10.21608/ijssaa.2025.397904.2464

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of a motor education program aimed at improving attention in children with mild intellectual disabilities, based on the vital role attention plays as a foundation for learning and behavioral development. The program was designed using internationally recognized models, most notably the Portage Guide to Early Education and the Nurper Ozbaret Movement Education Program, with adaptations to suit the Egyptian environment and the specific characteristics of the target group. The study population consisted of 24 educable children aged 5 to 9 years, who were divided into two equal groups: an experimental group (12 children) who received the program, and a control group (12 children) who received no intervention. The quasi-experimental method (pre-post design) was used, and a behavioral observation checklist with 16 items was developed to assess visual, auditory, and motor attention. The main findings indicated statistically significant differences in favor of the experimental group in the post-test, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in enhancing attention behavior, improving response regulation, and reducing distractibility. The study recommends integrating structured motor-based intervention programs into the educational and rehabilitation frameworks for children with mild intellectual disabilities and training teachers to implement such programs as effective educational and therapeutic tools.

Keywords