Study of visual perception and working memory and their impact on motor performance in moroccan adolescents attending school

OBJECTIVES: Athletes' mental, physical, and technical qualities are essential. Neurocognitive functions are necessary for any motor task and the achievement of motor performance. The present study aims to analyse the role of visual perception and working memory as neurocognitive functions in the motor performance of Moroccan adolescents attending school.METHODS: A four-month study was conducted, including Moroccan adolescents enrolled in school from 4 March to 29 June 2022. A comparative and predictive method was used; the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCF-A) was used to assess visual perception and working memory, while floor gymnastics assessed motor performance as physical activity and sport.RESULTS: The number of students who participated in the study was 262, of which (149 girls (56.9%) and 113 boys (43.1%)), and the average age was 16.99 +/- 1.17 years. Range: 14-20. It was divided into three school levels: common core (TC) 29.4%, 1st-year baccalaureate (1BAC) 58.8%, and 2nd-year baccalaureate (2BAC) 11.8%. The results showed a relationship between visual perception, working memory and motor performance (r=0.218 and r=0.693, respectively); the result of the multiple linear regression confirms the relationship by significantly explaining the variation in motor performance.CONCLUSION: Visual perception and working memory are primary and determining factors for motor performance in young adolescents attending school.