The Effectiveness of Motor Games Based on Montessori Theory on Improving the Motor Skills of Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Background and Aims The present study aimed to investigate the effect of a course of practicing motor games based on Montessori theory on the fine and gross motor skills of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Methods The present research was quasi-experimental. This study was done using a pretest-posttest design on 30 male students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. They were randomly divided into the control (15 students with a mean age of 8.1±0.4 years) and experimental (15 students with a mean age of 8.1±0.5 years). Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder were diagnosed and found appropriate by psychiatrists. They were also assessed using the Conners’ parent and teacher rating scale questionnaire, whose validity and reliability in Iran were found to be 81%, using the Cronbach method. Then, through the Lichen-Ozeretsky motor adequacy test, both groups were assessed, and the experimental group received motor games based on Montessori theory for 12 weeks (three days per week). Covariance analysis was used to analyze the obtained data. Results The results of covariance analysis indicate a significant difference between the experimental and control groups. The subtests of strength (P<0.008), balance (P<0.001, F=31.97), 2-way coordination (P<0.001, F=21.32), motor vision control (F=94.15, P<0.001), agility speed (F=82.5, P<0.023), and response speed (F=10.22, P<0.003) were different between groups. Conclusion The study’s results showed a significant improvement in strength, balance, 2-way coordination, motor vision control, response speed, speed, and agility after the training period. Therefore, using this training program in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is recommended.