The Effect of Physical Exercise on Fundamental Movement Skills and Physical Fitness among Preschool Children: Study Protocol for a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

Guangxu Wang, Yahua Zi, Bo Li, Shan Su, Lei Sun, Fei Wang, Chener Ren and Yang Liu
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Guangxu Wang: School of Physical Education and Sport Training, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
Yahua Zi: School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
Bo Li: School of Physical Education and Sport Training, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
Shan Su: School of Physical Education and Sport Training, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
Lei Sun: School of Physical Education and Sport Training, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
Fei Wang: School of Physical Education and Sport Training, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
Chener Ren: School of Physical Education and Sport Training, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
Yang Liu: School of Physical Education and Sport Training, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 10, 1-16

Abstract: Background : Evidence shows that physical exercise promotes preschoolers’ fundamental movement skills (FMSs) and physical fitness (PF). However, studies that assess the effectiveness of different types of physical exercise interventions to improve FMSs and PF in preschool children remain scarce. To explore and compare the effectiveness of different physical exercise on FMSs and PF, interventions comprising ball games (BGs), rhythm activities (RAs), basic movements (BMs), and a combination of all related activities (multiple activities, MAs) will be conducted among preschoolers. Methods : A single-blind, five-arm, cluster-randomized trial will be conducted in kindergarten in Shanghai, China. In total, 300 healthy preschoolers, aged 4 to 5 years, will be randomized to four intervention groups (BG, RA, BM, or MA) and one control group (unorganized physical activities). Four intervention groups will receive three 30-min lessons weekly for 16 weeks. At the baseline, the end of the 16-week intervention, and the 6-month follow-up after the end of the intervention, the primary outcomes (FMSs and PF) and physical activity (PA), and sociodemographic and anthropometric data will be assessed. Discussion : This study will provide vital information regarding the effect of different physical exercise interventions on preschool children’s FMSs and PF, PA, and the potential interactions between these domains. The most effective intervention strategy can be generalized to kindergarten and other preschool educational institutions in practice to promote preschoolers’ development of FMSs and PF. Conclusions : This study protocol aims to provide a method to solve the problem of “how to arrange physical exercise and which kind of physical exercise program can promote FMS and PF better in preschool children”.

Keywords: ball games; rhythm activities; basic movements; multiple activities; motor competence; health-related physical fitness; kindergarten; intervention (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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