hesketh-promotingfundamental-2011.pdf (489.98 kB)
Promoting Fundamental movement skill development and physical activity in early childhood settings : a cluster randomized controlled trial
journal contribution
posted on 2011-11-01, 00:00 authored by R Jones, A Riethmuller, Kylie HeskethKylie Hesketh, J Trezise, M Batterham, A OkelyThe aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability and potential efficacy of a physical activity program for preschool children. A 20-week, 2-arm parallel cluster randomized controlled pilot trial was conducted. The intervention comprised structured activities for children and professional development for staff. The control group participated in usual care activities, which included designated inside and outside playtime. Primary outcomes were movement skill development and objectively measured physical activity. At follow-up, compared with children in the control group, children in the intervention group showed greater improvements in movement skill proficiency, with this improvement statically significant for overall movement skill development (adjust diff. = 2.08, 95% CI 0.76, 3.40; Cohen’s d = 0.47) and significantly greater increases in objectively measured physical activity (counts per minute) during the preschool day (adjust diff. = 110.5, 95% CI 33.6, 187.3; Cohen’s d = 0.46). This study demonstrates that a physical activity program implemented by staff within a preschool setting is feasible, acceptable and potentially efficacious.
History
Journal
Pediatric exercise scienceVolume
23Issue
4Pagination
600 - 615Publisher
Human KineticesLocation
Champaign, Ill.ISSN
0899-8493eISSN
1543-2920Language
engNotes
Reproduced with the kind permission of the copyright owner.Publication classification
C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2011, Human KineticsUsage metrics
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