Abacus Training Affects Math and Task Switching Abilities and Modulates Their Relationships in Chinese Children.

ABSTRACT: Our previous work demonstrated that abacus-based mental calculation (AMC), a traditional Chinese calculation method, could help children improve their math abilities (e.g. basic arithmetical ability) and executive function (e.g. working memory). This study further examined the effects of long-term AMC training on math ability in visual-spatial domain and the task switching component of executive function. More importantly, this study investigated whether AMC training modulated the relationship between math abilities and task switching. The participants were seventy 7-year-old children who were randomly assigned into AMC and control groups at primary school entry. Children in AMC group received 2-hour AMC training every week since primary school entry. On the contrary, children in the contr

SUBMITTER: Wang C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4596702 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature