"How the Living Environment Shapes Children’s Neurological Traits and Encourages Them Toward Sports" A Field Study Applied to Primary School students in Al-Maya Municipality - Libya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65421/jibas.v2i2.86Keywords:
Residential Environment, Neurological Characteristics, Sports Selection, Sports Orientation, Primary Education, Physical Education, Gender DifferencesAbstract
This study aims to investigate the impact of residential environment on the neurological characteristics of primary school pupils and its role in sports orientation and selection. The research problem stems from the lack of clear understanding of the relationship between residential environment (urban/rural) and children’s neurological and cognitive abilities, and how these factors influence their readiness to engage In sports activities.
The descriptive analytical method was adopted, with a sample of 60 pupils (30 males and 20 females) distributed across urban and rural settings. Data collection tools included a residential environment questionnaire, neurological and cognitive tests (reaction speed, attention, working memory, neuromuscular coordination), a sports selection questionnaire, observation sheets, and semi-structured interviews with teachers and coaches. Statistical analyses were conducted using means, standard deviations, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and Chi-square tests.
Results revealed significant differences between urban and rural pupils in neurological characteristics, favoring the urban environment. Strong positive correlations were found between neurological characteristics and sports selection indicators. Urban pupils showed higher participation in organized sports compared to rural pupils. Gender differences were also observed: males excelled in reaction speed, while females outperformed in attention and concentration.
The study concludes that the residential environment is a key determinant in shaping children’s neurological characteristics, which in turn play a crucial role in sports orientation and selection. Recommendations include integrating neurological and cognitive assessments into sports selection programs, designing educational and sports policies that consider environmental and gender differences, and conducting broader future studies to generalize findings.
