Effect of the ActivaMotricidad Program on Improvements in Executive Functions and Interpersonal Relationships in Early Childhood Education.

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to analyze the impacts of a comprehensive physical exercise program with cognitive involvement during the school day on the executive functions and interpersonal skills of 5- and 6-year-old children. Methods: A total of 68 children participated in a 3-week pre-post intervention. Results: The results showed significant improvements in executive functions and interpersonal skills under the experimental conditions compared to the control group. These positive effects were observed to persist after a three-week follow-up. Conclusions: Therefore, the ActivaMotricidad program, which focuses on developing fundamental motor skills through cognitive, cooperative, and coordinative challenges, can serve as a useful and low-cost tool to achieve the objectives of comprehensive development and sustainability for children in early childhood education.