Effect of Game-centered Exercises on the Physical Self-concept of Overweight Students with a Developmental Coordination Disorder

Background: Body composition changes affect different physical, motor, and mental aspects of individuals. Self-concept weakness poses a serious problem for both overweight children and children with developmental coordination disorder. In this regard, the present study aimed to assess the effect of play-based exercises on the self-concept of overweight children with developmental coordination disorder. Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted on a total number of;nbsp__AWT_NOKT_COMMA__ 50 children aged 8-10 years which were selected from elementary schools using the targeted sampling method and based on entry criteria. Following the pre-test, the participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 30) and control group (n = 20). In pre-test and post-test, the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC-2) was used to measure the coordination disorder of subjects, and their physical self-concept was assessed using Wilson questionnaire. The experimental group underwent training for 3 months. In post-test, the data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 21) using a one-way analysis;nbsp__AWT_NOKT_COMMA__of;nbsp__AWT_NOKT_COMMA__covariance (ANCOVA) at a significant level of 0.05. Findings: As evidenced by the obtained results, a significant difference was detected between the scores of self-concept and subscales, including coordination, desirability, self-esteem, flexibility, and appearance between the two groups. Nonetheless, no significant difference was observed in the components of strength, endurance, physical activity, and health. Conclusion: Childhood is one of the important stages in the formation of self-concept. Based on the results, games can exert beneficial effects on the social and psychological development of overweight children with coordination disorders who are more exposed to emotional problems.