This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effect of a sports-based structured cognitive therapy program on attention, memory, and behavior in school-going children aged 8-12 years with mild to moderate attention or behavioral difficulties. A total of 52 participants will be randomly allocated to either an experimental group receiving an 8-week sports-based structured cognitive therapy program or a control group receiving conventional physical activity. The intervention will be delivered three times per week. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, Week 4, and Week 8 using the Stroop Test, Teacher Report Form (TRF), and Behavior Rating Scale to determine changes in attention, memory, and behavior
School-going children aged 8-12 years.
Children with mild to moderate attention or behavioral difficulties.
Children enrolled in participating primary or secondary schools in Haripur District.
Written informed consent obtained from a parent or legal guardian.
Children diagnosed with severe neurological or psychiatric disorders.
Children with physical disabilities that prevent participation in sports-based activities.
Children currently participating in another structured cognitive or physical intervention program.
Parallel
Sports-Based Structured Cognitive Therapy Program
BehavioralParticipants will receive an 8-week Sports-Based Structured Cognitive Therapy Program delivered three times per week. The program combines structured physical activities with cognitive tasks designed to improve attention, memory, executive function, and behavioral regulation through attention drills, memory exercises, and behavior-regulation games.
Conventional Physical Activity
BehavioralParticipants will receive conventional physical activity consisting of routine exercise-based activities including warm-up exercises, stretching, balance activities, classroom games, and cool-down exercises for 45-60 minutes per session, three sessions per week for 8 weeks, without structured cognitive training.
Stroop Interference Score
The Stroop Test will be used to assess selective attention and inhibitory control. The outcome will be measured using the Stroop Interference Score. Lower interference scores indicate better inhibitory control and attention.
Teacher Report Form (TRF) T-score
The Teacher Report Form (TRF) will be used to assess behavioral, emotional, and academic functioning in the school environment. The outcome will be summarized using the standardized TRF T-score according to the scoring procedures of the instrument.
Behavior Rating Scale Total Score
The Behavior Rating Scale will be used to assess behavioral functioning in children. The outcome will be summarized using the total score obtained according to the scoring procedures of the scale.
Movement-Sequence Recall Score
Memory performance will be assessed using a movement-sequence recall task. The outcome will be summarized as the number of movement sequences correctly recalled.
Number Recall Score
Memory performance will be assessed using a number-recall task. The outcome will be summarized as the number of numerical sequences correctly recalled.
Word Recall Score
Memory performance will be assessed using a word-recall task. The outcome will be summarized as the number of words correctly recalled.
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