Improving cognitive skills through physical activity for preschoolers from low-income families
Official title: Feasibility and fidelity of a gross motor-based physical activity intervention on cognitive variables in preschool-age children from low socioeconomic backgrounds
Funded at University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-10818480 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a fun physical activity program can help preschool kids from low-income families think better and remember things more easily, by improving their movement skills through games led by their teachers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $155,015 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD108125-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10818480 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are preschool-age children (3-5 years) from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Children who are not in the preschool age range or those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a physical activity program focused on gross motor skills can enhance cognitive functions in preschool-age children from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The program will be implemented in preschool centers, where teachers will lead activities designed to improve motor skills, which are believed to support cognitive development. By comparing children participating in the program to those in a control group, the research aims to assess the effectiveness of this intervention on attention, self-regulation, and memory performance. The goal is to provide a structured approach to help these children overcome developmental challenges associated with their socioeconomic status.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cognitive abilities and academic performance in preschoolers from low-income families.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that physical activity can positively impact cognitive development in children, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hadley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alhassan, Sofiya — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Alhassan, Sofiya
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.