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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools
Published on: June 20, 2020
Effectiveness of a manual dexterity training program to improve executive functioning in preschool children: an
Christina Stuhr1, Charmayne Mary Lee Hughes2, Tino Stöckel1
1Sport and Exercise Psychology Unit, Department of Sport Science, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
Introduction:
The present study employed the Jacobson-Truax reliable change index (RCI) to examine the effectiveness of a 4-week manual dexterity training program embedded in a socially enriched group setting to improve working memory performance, cognitive functioning, and numeracy skills in preschool children.
Methods:
Forty-five typically developing children aged between 5 and 6 years of age were randomly allocated to a 4-week intervention program (n = 20) or a control condition (n = 25). Pre- and post-test assessments were conducted using two manual dexterity measures, three working memory measures, as well as tasks evaluating inhibition, cognitive flexibility, processing speed, and numeracy skills.
Results:
Relative to control participants, a greater number of participants in the intervention group showed statistically and clinically significant post-intervention gains in manual dexterity, working memory, and selective attention. However, the benefits of the intervention did not extend to response inhibition, cognitive flexibility, processing speed, and numeracy skills. Moreover, a greater percentage of children in the intervention group exhibited improvements in both manual dexterity and all working memory tasks than children in the control group.
Discussion:
Overall, findings from this study corroborate existing research demonstrating the positive effects of manual dexterity training on working memory performance and highlight the use of individual-level analysis to determine the effectiveness of cognitive-motor training and interventions.
