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Locomotion improves children's spatial search: a meta-analytic review
J H Yan1, J R Thomas, J H Downing
1Department of Exercise, Sport, and Health Studies, University of Texas at Arlington 76019-0259, USA. yan@exchange.uta.edu
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|October 7, 1998
Summary
Locomotor experience significantly enhances children's spatial search skills. Older children benefit more from movement activities, highlighting the importance of physical development for cognitive abilities.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Motor Development
Background:
- Children's spatial search performance is influenced by various factors.
- Understanding the role of locomotor experience is crucial for cognitive development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively synthesize the impact of locomotor experience on children's search performance.
- To examine the benefits of locomotor practice, assistance, and search patterns.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis of 19 studies involving 1,029 children (4-144 months).
- Analyzed spatial performance outcome measures, converting them to 83 effect sizes.
- Utilized analyses of variance to identify moderator variables.
Main Results:
- Locomotor activities are increasingly important for spatial searching as children age.
- Locomotor training significantly improved spatial search abilities.
- Moderator variables include locomotor status, search patterns, and assistance.
Conclusions:
- Children's development of spatial search skills is significantly influenced by locomotor experience.
- Physical activity and movement play a vital role in cognitive development, particularly spatial abilities.