Introduction and Objective: Children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are at heightened risk of insufficient development of executive functions due to limited environmental resources, lack of educational opportunities, and socio-economic challenges. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the effect of a selected motor training program on the executive functions of children with economic deprivation.
Methods: The statistical population included 30 male students aged 7 to 9 years from Kahnouj city, who were selected through purposive and stratified sampling. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: experimental (selected motor training) and control. The experimental group participated in 16 supervised motor training sessions over eight weeks, while the control group received no intervention. The data collection tool was the parent form of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF).
Results: Descriptive analyses, paired t-tests, and analysis of covariance indicated that the selected motor training program had a significant impact on behavioral regulation, inhibition, attentional shifting, and emotional control in the experimental group. The mean post-test scores of these variables showed significant improvement compared to pre-test scores, whereas the control group demonstrated no considerable changes.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that selected motor interventions can strengthen higher-order cognitive abilities and executive functions in economically disadvantaged children, while also contributing to enhanced self-awareness, self-confidence, and sense of self-worth. These results emphasize the importance of designing targeted motor-based programs to improve executive functioning in children from deprived backgrounds.