Effect of Structured and Unstructured Physical Activity on Stroop Test Performance Among Moroccan Children Aged 9 to 12 Years

This study compared the effects of structured (e.g., football, martial arts) and unstructured (e.g., free play) physical activity on cognitive inhibition in 120 Moroccan children aged 9–12 years, using a culturally adapted Stroop test. Employing a cross-sectional design, the structured group (n = 60) and unstructured group (n = 60) were assessed in controlled settings. The paper-based Stroop test measured uncorrected errors and completion time. The Mann-Whitney U test compared group performance, and Spearman’s correlation examined variable relationships. Results showed significantly fewer errors in the structured group (p < .001), with no differences in completion time (p = .120), and confirmed variable independence. Structured activities appear more effective in enhancing cognitive inhibition, suggesting potential for integrating organized sports into Moroccan school curricula. Longitudinal studies and neural measures are recommended to explore underlying mechanisms and improve free-play environments.

cognitive inhibition, Stroop test, structured physical activity

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