Executive Functions, Motor Abilities and Daily Functioning in Children

Executive Functions, Motor Abilities and Daily Functioning in Children

The Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools and Early Intervention published research on the contribution of executive functions beyond motor ability to the participation in daily life activities of children. The participants included 22 children (5–6 years old) who received occupational therapy services and 22 typically developing peers (5-6 years old).   Each child was evaluated with motor and executive functions’ tests and their parents completed the Children Participation Questionnaire. After controlling for motor ability, inhibitory control was the significant contributor to the child’s participation. An interaction effect of motor ability and inhibitory control significantly predicted the child’s independence level in participation. Supporting the inhibitory control ability of young children with motor difficulties may be a pathway for achieving our ultimate goal to enable and promote children’s participation.

Data analysis after controlling for motor ability indicated the following:

• inhibitory control was the significant contributor to the child’s participation.
• there was an interaction effect of motor ability and inhibitory control which significantly predicted the child’s independence level in participation.

Inhibitory control is the ability of children to control their impulses in situations to select a more appropriate response in order to achieve the end goal.  The researchers concluded that addressing the inhibitory control ability of young children with motor difficulties may promote children’s participation.

Reference:  Rosenberg, L., Jacobi, S., & Bart, O. (2017). Executive functions and motor ability contribute to children’s participation in daily activities. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, 1-12.

Read about self-regulation and inhibitory control here.

Play games that encourage children to practice inhibitory control like Simon Says.

This digital download includes 68 body position cards (full page), 13 Simon Says Stop cards and 25 game ideas to use with the Simon Says cards.  It also includes all the 81 picture cards in a smaller size (2.5″ by 3.25″ – nine cards to one page).  Print the cards or play the Simon Says game using the electronic PDF on a screen or a tablet.  This activity encourages body awareness, bilateral coordination, motor planning and following directions.  FIND OUT MORE.

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