Introduction and Purpose: Executive functions, as key cognitive skills—including working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility—play a fundamental role in cognitive, social, and academic development in children. Evidence from recent systematic reviews of intervention studies suggests that physical activities, particularly resistance training, can significantly enhance these functions. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of resistance training on executive function in children using a pretest-posttest design.

Methodology: In this quasi-experimental study, 40 children aged 8 to 11 years were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (resistance training) or a control group. The experimental group participated in resistance training for 8 weeks, three sessions per week, utilizing bodyweight exercises and simple equipment (light dumbbells and resistance bands) at an intensity of 50–60% of 1RM with a gradual increase in volume. Executive functions were assessed before and after the intervention using the Stroop test, n-back working memory test, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test.

Results: Statistical analysis of pretest and posttest data revealed that the resistance training group showed significant improvements compared to the control group in working memory scores (p<0.01), reduced reaction time and error rate in inhibitory control tests (p<0.01), and enhanced cognitive flexibility (p<0.05). No adverse effects or significant decline in adherence to the training program were observed.

Conclusion: The present findings demonstrate that regular, structured, and age-appropriate resistance training can effectively improve executive functions in children. Incorporating such programs into school and clinical physical activity curricula is recommended to enhance children’s cognitive and social skills.