A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effect of Regular Dart Training on Visual Perception and Attention Level in Pre-Adolescent Children

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effects of dart exercises on the visual perception and attention parameters of pre-adolescent students. Methods: This study included 40 pre-adolescent secondary school students (n = 20 participants in the exercise group [10 girls and 10 boys] and n = 20 participants in the control group [10 girls and 10 boys]). A pre-test of visual perception and attention was conducted prior to the start of the structured dart exercise program, which lasted 12 weeks. The exercises were performed three days a week, with each session lasting 90 min. After 12 weeks, the visual perception and d2 attention tests were administered to both the exercise and control groups. Repeated measures 2 × 2 analysis of variance (ANOVA) (group × time) was conducted for statistical analysis. Results: The results show that there was a statistically significant difference in the group × time interaction for the parameters of visual perception, focusing (E2), concentration (CP), and attention level (TN-E) (p < 0.05) Conversely, there was no statistically significant difference in the parameters of psychomotor speed (TN) and selective attention (E1) (p > 0.05). In addition to the pre- and post-test scores of the control and exercise groups, it was observed that the exercise group scores showed a significant improvement compared with the control group. Conclusions: Based on these findings, it can be concluded that dart exercises can improve the visual perception and attention levels of pre-adolescent secondary school students. These results have implications for the use of dart exercises as a potential cognitive training tool in this age group. Further research could explore the long-term effects and optimal dosage of such a program.

Keywords: adolescent; attention; dart; exercise; visual perception.