Behavior ProblemsNCT07786532
Effect of Sports Based Structured Cognitive Therapy Program on Attention, Memory and Behavior for School Going Children
A study testing Sports-Based Structured Cognitive Therapy Program and Conventional Physical Activity in people with Behavior Problems and Attention Problems, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effect of a sports-based structured cognitive therapy program on attention, memory, and behavior in school-going children aged 8-12 years with mild to moderate attention or behavioral difficulties. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 8 to 12 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Behavior Problems, Attention Problems, Cognitive Functions
- What is being tested?
- Sports-Based Structured Cognitive Therapy Program and Conventional Physical Activity
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 52 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 16 Aug 2026to 30 Oct 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 8 to 12 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child
Who may be able to join
- School-going children aged 8-12 years.
- Children with mild to moderate attention or behavioral difficulties.
- Children enrolled in participating primary or secondary schools in Haripur District.
- Written informed consent obtained from a parent or legal guardian.
Who cannot join
- Children diagnosed with severe neurological or psychiatric disorders.
- Children with physical disabilities that prevent participation in sports-based activities.
- Children currently participating in another structured cognitive or physical intervention program.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
noreen khan, Phd contact
Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Gghss Sarai Naimat Khan Haripur
Chak Six Hundred Twenty-four, Kpk, 25000
About this study
Official title: Effect of a Sports-Based Structured Cognitive Therapy Program on Attention, Memory, and Behavior in School-Going Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effect of a sports-based structured cognitive therapy program on attention, memory, and behavior in school-going children aged 8-12 years with mild to moderate attention or behavioral difficulties. A total of 52 participants will be randomly allocated to either an experimental group receiving an 8-week sports-based structured cognitive therapy program or a control group receiving conventional physical activity. The intervention will be delivered three times per week. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, Week 4, and Week 8 using the Stroop Test, Teacher Report Form (TRF), and Behavior Rating Scale to determine changes in attention, memory, and behavior
Read the detailed description
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a sports-based structured cognitive therapy program on attention, memory, and behavior in school-going children aged 8-12 years with mild to moderate attention or behavioral difficulties. The primary objective is to determine whether participation in an 8-week sports-based structured cognitive therapy program improves attention, memory, and behavior compared with conventional physical activity. Attention will be assessed using the Stroop Test, behavioral and academic functioning using the Teacher Report Form (TRF), and behavior using the Behavior Rating Scale.
- Conditions
- Behavior Problems, Attention Problems, Cognitive Functions
- Being tested
- Sports-Based Structured Cognitive Therapy Program, Conventional Physical Activity
- Keywords
- Sports-Based Cognitive Therapy, Cognitive Training, Attention, Memory, Behavior, School-Going Children
- Medical subject headings
- Mental Disorders, Behavior
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Sports-Based Structured Cognitive Therapy ProgramBehavioural
Participants will receive an 8-week Sports-Based Structured Cognitive Therapy Program delivered three times per week. The program combines structured physical activities with cognitive tasks designed to improve attention, memory, executive function, and behavioral regulation through attention drills, memory exercises, and behavior-regulation games.
Conventional Physical ActivityBehavioural
Participants will receive conventional physical activity consisting of routine exercise-based activities including warm-up exercises, stretching, balance activities, classroom games, and cool-down exercises for 45-60 minutes per session, three sessions per week for 8 weeks, without structured cognitive training.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Sports-Based Structured Cognitive Therapy | Experimental | Participants assigned to the experimental group will receive an 8-week Sports-Based Structured Cognitive Therapy Program delivered three sessions per week, with each session lasting 45-60 minutes. The intervention integrates structured physical activities with cognitive tasks targeting attention, memory, executive function, and behavioral regulation. Activities include aerobic exercises, attention drills, memory exercises, and behavior-regulation games delivered at moderate to vigorous intensity. Receives: Behavioral: Sports-Based Structured Cognitive Therapy Program |
| Conventional Physical Activity | Active comparator | Participants assigned to the control group will receive conventional physical activity consisting of routine exercise-based activities supervised by a licensed physical therapist. Sessions will be conducted three times per week for 45-60 minutes over 8 weeks and will include warm-up exercises, stretching, balance activities, classroom games, and cool-down exercises without structured cognitive-sports integration. Receives: Behavioral: Conventional Physical Activity |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Stroop Interference Score
The Stroop Test will be used to assess selective attention and inhibitory control. The outcome will be measured using the Stroop Interference Score. Lower interference scores indicate better inhibitory control and attention.
Measured: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8
Teacher Report Form (TRF) T-score
The Teacher Report Form (TRF) will be used to assess behavioral, emotional, and academic functioning in the school environment. The outcome will be summarized using the standardized TRF T-score according to the scoring procedures of the instrument.
Measured: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8
Behavior Rating Scale Total Score
The Behavior Rating Scale will be used to assess behavioral functioning in children. The outcome will be summarized using the total score obtained according to the scoring procedures of the scale.
Measured: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8
Secondary outcomes (3)
Movement-Sequence Recall Score
Memory performance will be assessed using a movement-sequence recall task. The outcome will be summarized as the number of movement sequences correctly recalled.
Measured: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8
Number Recall Score
Memory performance will be assessed using a number-recall task. The outcome will be summarized as the number of numerical sequences correctly recalled.
Measured: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8
Word Recall Score
Memory performance will be assessed using a word-recall task. The outcome will be summarized as the number of words correctly recalled.
Measured: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted26 Aug 2026
- Study start16 Aug 2026
- Primary completionOct 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Oct 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Behavior ProblemsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- This is a two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the experimental group receiving a sports-based structured cognitive therapy program or the control group receiving conventional physical activity.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 52 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Zobia Naseem, MS, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07786532
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Aqsa Imtiaz
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 5 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 26 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 26 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of a Sports-Based Structured Cognitive Therapy Program on Attention, Memory, and Behavior in School-Going Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07786532
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Aqsa Imtiaz
- Conditions
- Behavior Problems, Attention Problems, Cognitive Functions
- Keywords
- Sports-Based Cognitive Therapy, Cognitive Training, Attention, Memory, Behavior, School-Going Children
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 52 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 16 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 26 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effect of a sports-based structured cognitive therapy program on attention, memory, and behavior in school-going children aged 8-12 years with mild to moderate attention or behavioral difficulties. A total of 52 participants will be randomly allocated to either an experimental group receiving an 8-week sports-based structured cognitive therapy program or a control group receiving conventional physical activity. The intervention will be delivered three times per week. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, Week 4, and Week 8 using the Stroop Test, Teacher Report Form (TRF), and Behavior Rating Scale to determine changes in attention, memory, and behavior
Detailed description
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a sports-based structured cognitive therapy program on attention, memory, and behavior in school-going children aged 8-12 years with mild to moderate attention or behavioral difficulties. The primary objective is to determine whether participation in an 8-week sports-based structured cognitive therapy program improves attention, memory, and behavior compared with conventional physical activity. Attention will be assessed using the Stroop Test, behavioral and academic functioning using the Teacher Report Form (TRF), and behavior using the Behavior Rating Scale.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This is a two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the experimental group receiving a sports-based structured cognitive therapy program or the control group receiving conventional physical activity.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Sports-Based Structured Cognitive Therapy | Experimental | Behavioral: Sports-Based Structured Cognitive Therapy ProgramParticipants assigned to the experimental group will receive an 8-week Sports-Based Structured Cognitive Therapy Program delivered three sessions per week, with each session lasting 45-60 minutes. The intervention integrates structured physical activities with cognitive tasks targeting attention, memory, executive function, and behavioral regulation. Activities include aerobic exercises, attention drills, memory exercises, and behavior-regulation games delivered at moderate to vigorous intensity. |
| Conventional Physical Activity | Active comparator | Behavioral: Conventional Physical ActivityParticipants assigned to the control group will receive conventional physical activity consisting of routine exercise-based activities supervised by a licensed physical therapist. Sessions will be conducted three times per week for 45-60 minutes over 8 weeks and will include warm-up exercises, stretching, balance activities, classroom games, and cool-down exercises without structured cognitive-sports integration. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 8 to 12 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- School-going children aged 8-12 years.
- Children with mild to moderate attention or behavioral difficulties.
- Children enrolled in participating primary or secondary schools in Haripur District.
- Written informed consent obtained from a parent or legal guardian.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Children diagnosed with severe neurological or psychiatric disorders.
- Children with physical disabilities that prevent participation in sports-based activities.
- Children currently participating in another structured cognitive or physical intervention program.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Sports-Based Structured Cognitive Therapy ProgramParticipants will receive an 8-week Sports-Based Structured Cognitive Therapy Program delivered three times per week. The program combines structured physical activities with cognitive tasks designed to improve attention, memory, executive function, and behavioral regulation through attention drills, memory exercises, and behavior-regulation games. | Behavioural | Sports-Based Structured Cognitive Therapy |
| Conventional Physical ActivityParticipants will receive conventional physical activity consisting of routine exercise-based activities including warm-up exercises, stretching, balance activities, classroom games, and cool-down exercises for 45-60 minutes per session, three sessions per week for 8 weeks, without structured cognitive training. | Behavioural | Conventional Physical Activity |
Primary outcome
Stroop Interference Score
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8
The Stroop Test will be used to assess selective attention and inhibitory control. The outcome will be measured using the Stroop Interference Score. Lower interference scores indicate better inhibitory control and attention.
Teacher Report Form (TRF) T-score
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8
The Teacher Report Form (TRF) will be used to assess behavioral, emotional, and academic functioning in the school environment. The outcome will be summarized using the standardized TRF T-score according to the scoring procedures of the instrument.
Behavior Rating Scale Total Score
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8
The Behavior Rating Scale will be used to assess behavioral functioning in children. The outcome will be summarized using the total score obtained according to the scoring procedures of the scale.
3 secondary outcomes
Movement-Sequence Recall Score
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8
Number Recall Score
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8
Word Recall Score
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 26 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
noreen khan, Phd contact
Zobia Naseem, MS principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Sports-Based Structured Cognitive Therapy Program and Conventional Physical Activity in people with Behavior Problems and Attention Problems, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 26 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Zobia Naseem, MS (+923321963584, zobia.naseem@riphah.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Stroop Interference Score (time frame: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 26 Aug 2026.