title: Effects of locomotor skill program on minority preschoolers' physical activity levels.
abstract: This pilot study examined the effects of a teacher-taught, locomotor skill (LMS)-based physical activity (PA) program on the LMS and PA levels of minority preschooler-aged children. Eight low-socioeconomic status preschool classrooms were randomized into LMS-PA (LMS-oriented lesson plans) or control group (supervised free playtime). Interventions were delivered for 30 min/day, five days/week for six months. Changes in PA (accelerometer) and LMS variables were assessed with MANCOVA. LMS-PA group exhibited a significant reduction in during-preschool (F (1,16) = 6.34, p = .02, d = 0.02) and total daily (F (1,16) = 9.78, p = .01, d = 0.30) percent time spent in sedentary activity. LMS-PA group also exhibited significant improvement in leaping skills, F (1, 51) = 7.18, p = .01, d = 0.80). No other, significant changes were observed. The implementation of a teacher-taught, LMS-based PA program could potentially improve LMS and reduce sedentary time of minority preschoolers.
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Sofiya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Alhassan
authors.forename: Ogechi
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Nwaokelemeh
authors.forename: Manneh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ghazarian
authors.forename: Jasmin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.forename: Albert
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mendoza
authors.forename: Sanyog
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shitole
mesh_terms: D056044:Actigraphy; D001741:Black or African American; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003479:Curriculum; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D008124:Locomotion / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008404:Massachusetts; D054525:Minority Health; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012574:Schools