An “Exergame” Intervention to Aid Inhibitory Control Development in Preschool Children
Pocsai, M. & C. Eng
Inhibitory control—a core component of cognitive functioning—is linked to classroom behavior and is predictive of school readiness. There is growing evidence that exercise is associated with improved inhibitory control and academic achievement; yet, few studies conduct inhibition training with children under the age of 6. The teaching challenge is the remediation of inhibitory control deficits in preschool children, lending to an early-intervention activity that promotes both inhibition and exercise. The TEL developed is an exercise-based interactive game (Exergame). Children with worse inhibition initially, benefit most; thus, early inhibition training may avert widening achievement gaps later. Children aged 4-5 used this tool in a center-based prekindergarten setting to determine whether participating in an Exergame can transfer to standardized inhibition tasks. Summit participants may actively participate in the Exergame and the inhibition tasks. Materials are a laptop and a non-slip game mat. This work will be showcased and anonymized.
Melissa Pocsai, Psychology DC
Cassondra Eng, Psychology DC
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