How divergent are children's divergent movements? The role of cognition and expertise in a class-randomized cross-over trial

Antonio De Fano; Valentin Benzing; Giancarlo Condello; Rafael Ballester; Nicoletta Tocci; Rosalba Marchetti; Caterina Pesce; Mirko Schmidt

doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2022.102373

How divergent are children's divergent movements? The role of cognition and expertise in a class-randomized cross-over trial

Psychol Sport Exerc. 2023 Mar:65:102373. doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2022.102373. Epub 2022 Dec 23.

Authors

Antonio De Fano¹, Valentin Benzing², Giancarlo Condello³, Rafael Ballester⁴, Nicoletta Tocci⁵, Rosalba Marchetti⁵, Caterina Pesce⁶, Mirko Schmidt²

Affiliations

¹ University of Chieti and Pescara "G. d'Annunzio", Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Via dei Vestini 33, 66100, Chieti, Italy.
² University of Bern, Institute of Sport Science, Bremgartenstrasse 145, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
³ University of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Via Gramsci 14, 43126, Parma, Italy.
⁴ Catholic University of Valencia "San Vicente Martir", Department of Athletic Training, Carrer de Quevedo, 2, 46001, Valencia, Spain.
⁵ University of Rome "Foro Italico", Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Piazza Lauro De Bosis 6, 00135, Rome, Italy.
⁶ University of Rome "Foro Italico", Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Piazza Lauro De Bosis 6, 00135, Rome, Italy. Electronic address: caterina.pesce@uniroma4.it.

PMID: 37665826
DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2022.102373

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating (1) the cognitive and motor predictors of divergent movement ability (DMA) in childhood and (2) the role of sport and enriched physical education (PE) experience. Participants were 165 fifth graders, aged 10-11 years, with different histories (onset and duration) of participation in enriched PE. They were assessed in cognitive/attentional and motor/sport skills and active play/sport habits at baseline, and six months later in DMA. Results of regression analyses showed an overall prediction of DMA by sport practice and a nuanced prediction of individual DMA indices (fluency, flexibility, originality) by decision making and spatial attention ability. Linear mixed models revealed better DMA in children exposed to enriched PE, with differential effects on DMA indices depending on its duration and earlier/later onset. The results identify novel cognitive determinants of children's DMA and suggest that sport practice and experience of designed enrichment in PE may benefit DMA.

Keywords: Constraint-led approach; Executive function; Motor creativity; Spatial attention; Sport.

Publication types

Randomized Controlled Trial
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Child
Cognition*
Cross-Over Studies
Habits*
Humans
Linear Models
Motor Skills