Abstract:
The objectives of this research were to develop an applied mindbody exercise program using a stick, and to compare the accuracy of scores and response times on a selective attention task when given to an experimental group and a control group. Multi-stage random sampling was used to draw 90 primary school students in the second semester of the academic year 2017, Nikomsangtoneng Rayong 5 school, Nikhom Pattana district, Rayong. The experimental group received the new stick-based exercises while the control group undertook similar exercises without a stick. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and t-tests.
Results indicated that:
1. The developed mindbody exercise program using the stick was composed of three main components: brain exercise, breathing, and meditation.
2. In the experimental group, after exercising the accuracy of scores and response times on the selective attention task were better than before exercising.
3. After both groups completed the exercises, the experimental group had higher scores on the attention task, and their response times were lower than those of the control group.
In conclusion, the developed mindbody, stick-based exercise program was found to enhance selective attention in upper primary school students.