title: Effect of a 6-Week Active Play Intervention on Fundamental Movement Skill Competence of Preschool Children.
abstract: This study examined the effectiveness of an active play intervention on fundamental movement skills of 3- to 5-year-old children from deprived communities. In a cluster randomized controlled trial design, six preschools received a resource pack and a 6-week local authority program involving staff training with help implementing 60-minute weekly sessions and postprogram support. Six comparison preschools received a resource pack only. Twelve skills were assessed at baseline, postintervention, and at a 6-month follow-up using the Children's Activity and Movement in Preschool Study Motor Skills Protocol. One hundred and sixty-two children (Mean age = 4.64 ± 0.58 years; 53.1% boys) were included in the final analyses. There were no significant differences between groups for total fundamental movement skill, object-control skill or locomotor skill scores, indicating a need for program modification to facilitate greater skill improvements.
authors.affiliation: 1 Physical Activity Exchange, Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, UK.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Foulkes
authors.affiliation: 1 Physical Activity Exchange, Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, UK.
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Knowles
authors.affiliation: 2 Department of Sport and Physical Activity, Edge Hill University, UK; Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, University of Limerick, Ireland.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Fairclough
authors.affiliation: 3 Applied Sports Technology Exercise and Medicine Research Centre College of Engineering, Swansea University, UK.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Stratton
authors.affiliation: 4 Department of Policy and Communications, Early Childhood Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: O'Dwyer
authors.affiliation: 5 Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research (IPAN), School of Exercise & Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Australia.
authors.forename: N D
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Ridgers
authors.affiliation: 6 Physical Activity Exchange, Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, UK.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Foweather
mesh_terms: D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D010988:Play and Playthings; D012574:Schools; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: active play; fundamental movement skills; intervention; preschool; randomized controlled trial