STUDY ON EVALUATION OF CONCENTRATION ABILITY AMONG SPORTS AND NON-SPORTS PERSONS THROUGH NUMBER SCANNING SPEED
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53555/ephijer.v9i1.165Keywords:
Concentration, Number Scanning Speed, Cognitive PerformanceAbstract
This study aims to evaluate the concentration ability among sports and non-sports persons using the number scanning speed test as a cognitive performance indicator. The research investigates whether individuals engaged in regular sports activities demonstrate superior concentration abilities compared to those who do not participate in sports.
A total of 200 participants were selected from schools and colleges in Nagpur, equally divided into two groups: sports persons (athletes involved in regular training) and non-sports persons (individuals with no structured physical activity). Each participant underwent a standardized number scanning speed test, which required identifying specific numerical sequences within a given time frame. The test was used as a proxy for measuring selective attention and processing speed—key components of concentration.
The results indicated that sports persons significantly outperformed non-sports persons in both accuracy and speed during the number scanning task. Statistical analysis using independent samples t-test confirmed a significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.05), supporting the hypothesis that involvement in sports enhances concentration ability.
Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between years of sports engagement and scanning speed performance, suggesting that long-term participation in sports may have cumulative benefits on cognitive function.
These findings underscore the importance of physical activity in enhancing cognitive skills such as concentration. They also provide empirical support for integrating sports and physical education into academic curricula to improve students' mental focus and academic performance.
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