جلیل مرادی

Background and purpose: In recent years, children's play and sports centers have increased in different cities. The purpose of the present research was to investigate the role of play and sports centers in motor competence and executive functions of children in Arak city. Materials and methods: In the present study, 100 children were selected as available and were divided into two groups of 50 (active children of play centers and normal children). Motor competence tests (KTK3+) and working memory and continuous performance tests were used to evaluate executive functions. Then the scores of these scales were compared between two groups of active children in play centers and normal children. Independent t-test was used to analyze the data and test the research hypotheses. Data were analyzed at a significant level (P<0.05) using SPSS version 26 software. Results: The results of data analysis showed that there is a significant difference between the two groups of children in play centers and normal children in motor competence and executive functions (P≤0.05). Children who are active in play centers have better motor skills and executive functions than normal children. Conclusion: In a general conclusion, it can be stated that children participating in play and sports centers are significantly different from normal children in terms of motor competence and executive functions. Thus, children in play centers have better motor competence and executive functions than normal children. Therefore, it can be said that play centers can act as an environment enrichment factor and improve motor competence and executive functions in children.