Search Results (453)

Racket sports are very popular not only in professional sports but also among recreational players. As a result, their impact on the field of education has grown significantly in recent years. Table tennis (TT) offers significant advantages in terms of skill acquisition and health improvement. Nevertheless, its application within physical education (PE) curricula remains undetermined. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the use of TT as educational content in the subject of PE in primary school. The PRISMA 2020 methodology was used to conduct the systematic review. Six databases (ERIC, Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Sport Discus, and Web of Science) were used during the search process. The search cutoff date was December 31, 2024. After applying the eligibility criteria, 3595 articles were found. Only seven studies were selected for the final analysis and the data included 1526 students from primary school. The results indicate that TT is rarely used in primary education during PE classes. Research indicates interest among teachers and students in playing it during PE. Furthermore, due to the benefits, motivation, and interest this sport generates, educational experiences have been developed, such as roundtable discussions, table top tennis, balloon TT, and TT triathlon. A lack of materials, facilities, and teacher training for teaching this sport is notable. The teaching experiences analyzed in this review confirm that TT is a highly versatile and interesting sport as a subject matter in school PE. The use of TT allows for innovative, comprehensive, and inclusive PE, thanks to the sport’s multiple possibilities. Given its adaptability and low entry barrier, TT could serve as an effective tool for increasing children’s physical activity levels, improving motor skills, and fostering social–emotional development. However further research is needed to quantify its impact on health outcomes such as cardiovascular fitness or obesity prevention. Full article

Purpose: Integrated neuromuscular training (INT) is a multidimensional training method that integrates strength, balance, core stability, flexibility, and motor skill development. The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the effects of INT on various physical performance indicators in athletes to provide evidence supporting the application of INT in training practices. Method: A systematic search was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines across nine databases—including PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Ovid MEDLINE, WILEY, and Springer Nature Link—from inception to 26 March 2025 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of INT on athletic performance. Result: A total of 19 randomized controlled trials were included, comprising 783 participants aged 11–25 years. The meta-analysis results indicated that INT significantly improved jump performance (SMD = 0.26, 95% CI [0.15, 0.37], p < 0.001, I² = 75%), sprint performance (SMD = −0.76, 95% CI [−0.93, −0.58], p < 0.001, I² = 76%), balance performance (SMD = 0.23, 95% CI [0.14, 0.31], p < 0.001, I² = 78%), and agility performance (SMD = −0.72, 95% CI [−1.23, −0.21], p < 0.05, I² = 74%). Sensitivity analyses revealed no substantial changes in jump, sprint, agility, or balance performance outcomes. Conclusions: INT was found to significantly improve sprint, jump, balance, and agility performance in athletes. Analysis of the included training protocols suggested that improvements in each performance indicator required emphasis on specific training components. Moreover, greater improvements in sprint and balance performance were observed in female athletes compared to their male counterparts. Subgroup analysis revealed significant differences in training effects across populations, with female athletes showing superior improvements in sprint and balance performance following INT interventions. Additionally, interventions lasting fewer than eight weeks, with training sessions shorter than 30 min and frequencies of more than three times per week, were associated with more pronounced effects. Full article

Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between the level of physical activity and body composition, and the levels of motor skills and strength in overweight and obese men. Methods: The research involved 64 men. Body composition, physical activity, motor control, Motor Control Test (MCT), and strength variables were evaluated. Body composition was assessed by DXA, and the participants were classified into two groups according to the percentage of total fat mass: greater and less than 27.65%. Physical activity was assessed using accelerometry, and motor control was measured with posturography, which provided a composite score of motor performance and postural control effectiveness. Strength was assessed using hand, leg, and back dynamometers. Results: The participants with a higher percentage of body fat had a lower DSI (Dynamic Strength Index) (p < 0.001) and significantly reduced PAL (physical activity level) and energy expenditure (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the muscle strength of the upper limbs (p = 0.06) and lower limbs (p = 0.419). With regard to MCT, there was a significant difference between groups in the backward direction (p = 0.041), with the group with the highest percentage of body fat showing lower values. Conclusions: Individuals with a higher percentage of body fat tend to have lower levels of strength, physical activity, and energy expenditure, which can lead to impaired balance. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve body composition and levels of strength and physical activity, with a positive impact on general health and quality of life. Emphasis should be placed on improving physical activity levels in male individuals with a higher percentage of fat mass to improve their body composition and dynamic strength levels, which are beneficial to life, particularly to help improve postural control. Full article

Background/Objectives: Physical activity (PA) during preschool is vital for supporting physiological development, enhancing cognitive abilities and fostering socio-emotional growth. However, consistent disparities in meeting PA guidelines have been observed. This systematic review aims to identify studies that compared preschoolers’ PA, as measured by technological devices, with recommended PA guidelines. Specifically, it examines (i) factors associated with meeting PA guidelines and (ii) the outcomes observed when children meet these guidelines. Methods: The search strategy was designed based on the PICOS framework. Then, a systematic review was conducted using four databases to identify studies that included children from 0 to 6 years old participating in PA sessions recorded through technological devices. PA is compared with guidelines, and correlations were reported. Results: Of the 52 studies reviewed, most found that meeting PA guidelines in preschool-aged children was linked to favourable outcomes across multiple domains. Children who met the guidelines tended to show better motor competence, emotional regulation and cognitive skills, particularly in areas like working memory and social understanding. However, the relationship with body composition and body mass index was inconsistent, suggesting that the benefits of PA in early childhood extend beyond weight-related measures. Conclusions: Meeting PA guidelines in early childhood is strongly associated with cognitive development, emotional regulation, motor skills and social behaviours. However, adherence varies significantly due to a complex mix of individual, familial, socioeconomic and environmental factors. Full article

Extended reality (XR)-based rehabilitation is an emerging therapeutic approach that combines real and virtual environments to enhance patient engagement and promote motor and cognitive recovery. Its clinical utility in children with cerebral palsy (CP), particularly regarding gross motor skills, balance, and psychosocial well-being, remains underexplored. This preliminary study aimed to evaluate the potential effects of XR-based rehabilitation on gross motor function, balance, parental stress, and quality of life in children with cerebral palsy. Thirty children with cerebral palsy were randomly assigned to an extended reality training group (XRT, n = 15) or a conventional physical therapy group (CPT, n = 15). Both groups received 30 min sessions, three times per week for 6 weeks. Outcome measures included the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88), Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Parenting Stress Index (PSI), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), assessed pre- and post-intervention. A 2 (group) × 2 (time) mixed ANOVA was conducted. The XR group demonstrated improvements in GMFM-88, PBS, and FIM scores, with decreased PSI and increased PedsQL scores. Although most interaction effects were not statistically significant (GMFM-88: η² = 0.035, p = 0.329; PBS: η² = 0.043, p = 0.274), a marginal interaction effect was observed for PSI (p = 0.065, η² = 0.059), suggesting a potential benefit of XR-based rehabilitation in reducing parental stress. This preliminary study indicates that XR-based rehabilitation may provide beneficial trends in motor function and psychosocial health in children with CP, particularly in reducing parental stress. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these findings. Full article

The objective of this study is to design, develop, and analyze a tri-wheeled trolley integrated with a motor that incorporates adjustable and foldable features. The purpose of a trolley is to allow users to easily transport items from one place to another. However, problems arise when transporting objects across challenging surfaces, such as up a flight of stairs, using a conventional cart. This innovation uses multiple engineering skills to determine and develop the best possible design for a stair-climbing trolley. A tri-wheel mechanism is integrated into its motorized design, meticulously engineered for adjustability, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of staircase dimensions. The designed trolley was constructed considering elements and processes such as a literature review, conceptual design, concept screening, concept scoring, 3D modelling, engineering design calculations, and simulations. The trolley was tested, and the measured pulling force data were compared with the theoretical calculations. A graph of the pulling force vs. load was plotted, in which both datasets showed similar increasing trends; hence, the designed trolley worked as expected. The development of this stair-climbing trolley can benefit people living in rural areas or low-cost buildings that are not equipped with elevators and can reduce injuries among the elderly. The designed stair-climbing trolley will not only minimize the user’s physical effort but also enhance safety. On top of that, the adjustable and foldable features of the stair-climbing trolley would benefit users living in areas with limited space. Full article

Background: Motor performance in childhood predicts physical fitness, cognitive capacity, socio-emotional development, and academic success. Parenting styles are especially important to such performance in the preschool period, as children’s gross motor abilities are shaped in part by their interactions with parents. Young children’s physical activity is also declining as they spend more time on screens. Methods: This quantitative survey-based study examined the relationships among 252 preschoolers’ gross motor skills, their tendency to become addicted to digital games, and their parents’ parenting styles. Results: The sampled preschoolers’ gross motor skill development and game addiction tendencies were both low, while the participating parents reported high levels of democratic and overprotective parenting attitudes, low levels of authoritarian ones, and moderate levels of permissive ones. Motor skills were not associated with children’s addiction tendency or parents’ democratic (also known as authoritative), authoritarian, or permissive styles. However, overprotective parenting was positively and significantly associated with gross motor skill scores. While no significant relationship was found between children’s digital game addiction tendencies and their parents’ adoption of a democratic parenting style, such tendencies were positively and statistically correlated with the authoritarian and permissive parenting styles. One dimension of such tendencies, constant gameplay, was also positively and significantly correlated with overprotective parenting. Conclusions: Although the participating children’s digital game addiction tendencies were low, the findings indicate that parents and carers should guide children to reduce their screen time and promote increased interaction with their surroundings and other people to mitigate screen time’s known negative effects on gross motor coordination. Full article

Background: Motor competence (MC) plays a critical role in shaping children’s physical activity, health-related fitness, and weight status. However, few studies have explored these interrelationships during middle childhood. Objectives: The current study aimed to examine the relationships between MC and physical activity (PA), health-related fitness (HRF), and weight status (WS) in children during middle childhood (9–10 years). Simultaneously, the study aimed to find possible differences in PA, HRF, and WS between children with different levels of MC. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the TGMD-2 (MC), UNIFITTEST 6–60 (HRF), ActiGraph GT3X (PA), and anthropometry (WS) were administered to 86 children (59 boys, age range of 9–10 years and mean age of 10.1 ± 0.6 years). Results: A significant strong association was observed between MC and HRF (p < 0.01, Cramer‘s V = 0.42). Significant moderate associations were observed between MC and WS (p < 0.05, Cramer’s V = 0.34) and between MC and PA (p < 0.05, Cramer‘s V = 0.25). Children with high MC proficiency demonstrated significantly higher levels of HRF (p < 0.01; large ES) and PA (p < 0.05; moderate ES) and a healthier WS (p < 0.01; moderate ES) than those with low MC proficiency. Similarly, children with moderate MC proficiency outperformed children with low MC in terms of HRF and WS. Conclusions: The strong associations between MC and key health indicators such as PA, HRF, and WS suggest that movement proficiency in middle childhood should be viewed as a cornerstone of health promotion. Although no causal claims can be made, the results emphasize the practical importance of integrating targeted motor skill development—especially FMSs—into school-based physical education and extracurricular programs. Supporting MC at this age may be a decisive step toward fostering long-term engagement in physical activity and improving children’s overall health trajectories. Full article

Strong competencies in actual motor competence (AMC) and perceived motor competence (PMC) support lifelong physical activity. However, assessing MC is time-consuming, requiring multiple AMC and PMC evaluations. Streamlining these assessments would improve efficiency at a national level. This study used machine learning (ML) classification to (1) identify AMC assessments that can be accurately predicted in an Irish context using other AMC and PMC assessments, and (2) examine prediction accuracy differences between genders. AMC was measured using the Test of Gross Motor Development (3rd Edition) and the Victorian Fundamental Motor Skills Manual, while PMC was assessed with the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence. Five ML classification models were trained and tested on an Irish MC dataset (n = 2098, mean age 9.2 ± 2.04) to predict distinct AMC assessment outcomes. The highest prediction accuracies (>85%) were found for the Catch (female and gender-combined subsets) and Bounce (male subset) AMC assessments. These assessments could potentially be removed from the current Irish testing battery for their respective gender groups. Our findings highlight the effectiveness of ML classification in optimising Irish MC assessment procedures, reducing redundancy, and enhancing efficiency. Full article

Recent research in the area of physical literacy has revealed that the early years are a period that has not been well studied. Our research team designed a deductive review with the aim of investigating how preschool children’s physical literacy manifests across affective, physical, cognitive and social domains. The review includes scientific publications from the last four years, which investigate the elements of physical literacy in preschool children: motivation, confidence, motor competence, knowledge, understanding and use of physical activity. The characteristics of the elements were systematised into four domains, affective, physical, cognitive and social, as engagement in physical activities. Results. The majority of the articles explained physical literacy behaviours in 4- to 5-year-old children. The physical domain was most frequently described, mainly including the three basic motor skills of postural stability, object control, and locomotion, as well as physical qualities of movement. The second most frequently described domain was the social domain of the application of physical activities in preschool stages, including the types and amounts of physical activity used in both organised and leisure time. Conclusions. Physical literacy of preschool children is a purposefully organised and guided process, during which a child is given the opportunity to try and apply age-appropriate movement skills, without being limited by the child’s gender, parental attitudes, sporting choices, or the traditions of sport culture. Full article

Background: Childhood obesity is a global health concern. Early development of fundamental movement skills (FMS) and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) are key modifiable factors for prevention. This study assessed the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary, school-based intervention for childhood obesity prevention. Methods: Children aged 3–5 years from a preschool in Messina, Italy, participated in a 9-month intervention integrating nutritional education and physical activity. FMS were evaluated using the MOBAK test. Anthropometric measurements and MD adherence (through the Kid-Med questionnaire) were collected. Caregivers completed an online survey reporting lifestyle changes. Results: Significant improvements were observed in FMS: object control (score 1) increased from 2.67 ± 1.78 to 4.28 ± 1.82, locomotor skills (score 2) from 4.69 ± 1.96 to 5.83, 5.83 ± 1.70, and total MOBAK score (score 3) from 7.35 ± 3.09 to 10.11± 2.94. (p < 0.001 for all). Kid-Med scores significantly improved from (3.79 ± 2.31 vs. 5.03 ± 2.69) (p = 0.0027), indicating enhanced MD adherence. Post-intervention, adherence was classified as poor (27.4%), moderate (53.2%), and optimal (19.4%). Although only a minority of parents reported lifestyle changes, over 50% noted increased fruit and vegetable intake in their children. Males showed higher FMS scores and waist circumference compared to females. Conclusions: A school-based multidisciplinary intervention significantly improved motor competence and dietary habits in preschool children. These findings underscore the importance of early, integrated strategies involving families and educators to support healthy development and prevent childhood obesity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Spasticity in children with cerebral palsy (CP) can impair motor-related functions. The objective of this exploratory, prospective study was to examine if transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in a whole-body suit leads to changes in spasticity and other related effects. Methods: Thirty-one children with CP GMFCS III–V, with a median age of 11.0 years (age range of 7–17 years), were consecutively included, and they used the suit with TENS for 24 weeks. The primary outcome was spasticity measured using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Functional motor-related tasks were evaluated by the Goal Attainment Scale (SMART GAS). The Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS), passive Range of Motion (pROM), GMFM-66, and Posture and Postural Ability Scale (PPAS) assessments were performed. Results: Seventeen subjects (17/31) completed the 24 weeks. Dropout was due to difficulty in donning the suit. The level of overall spasticity, most pronounced in the proximal arms and legs, was reduced according to the MAS, but not the MTS or pROM. Subject-relevant motor-related goals improved significantly in standing/walking and hand/arm function. Changes in the GMFM-66 and PPAS were not significant. Conclusions: Although there were statistically significant but underpowered changes in the MAS after 24 weeks, there were no clinically relevant effects. Exploratorily, we found observer-reliant motor-related functional improvements, which, however, we were unable to detect when trying to quantify them. Donning the suit led to dropout throughout the study. Caregivers need to allocate time, mental capacity and have the physical skill set for donning the suit for long-term use. Full article

This study examined the temporal relationship between fundamental movement skills (FMSs) and sport-specific skills (SSSs) in children aged 7 to 10. Based on the premise that FMSs are the basis for sport skills, we implemented a 10-week intervention program targeting two FMSs (running and stationary dribbling) and one SSS (speed dribbling), followed by immediate and long-term assessments. Using a path-modeling approach, we tested two models: one examining whether FMSs were associated with sport skill performance at the same time point and another exploring whether this influence emerged over time. Results revealed significant FMS and SSS improvements immediately after the intervention program. However, significant associations between the FMSs and SSS emerged only at later time points (8 to 20 months post-intervention), suggesting the delayed influence of the FMSs on the SSS. These findings support that while FMSs are essential for developing more complex skills, their effect may not be immediately observable, emphasizing the importance of long-term follow-up. The results also align with theoretical models contending that proficiency in FMS and sustained practice opportunities are key to integrating fundamental and sport-specific motor skills and may represent an important foundation for public health initiatives advocating early FMS interventions as a strategy to promote lifelong physical activity and sustained engagement in sports. Full article

Background/Objectives: Global levels of physical activity are in decline, accompanied by low levels of competence in fundamental movement skills (FMSs) required to meaningfully participate in lifelong physical activity. This study aimed to explore the effects of an 8-week pilot program on the development of FMSs for children in a lower socioeconomic area through a game-based physical activity approach. Methods: Children (N = 30) were recruited from a lower socioeconomic area to participate in a community-offered PA program. This 8-week pilot program focused on game-based intervention, with weekly 1.5 h sessions to promote active play and development of FMSs. Each session was structured to ensure at least one FMS based on the Test of Gross Motor Development—Third Edition (TGMD-3) was emphasized to promote practice in these skills. The TGMD-3 was employed as a pre- and post-test measure of motor competence. Results: Children who completed both the pre- and post-test assessments (N = 11) demonstrated improvements in both locomotor (p = 0.166) and ball skill (p = 0.184) scores, though these were not significant. Additional analyses at baseline with all participants (N = 22; 8 not present at baseline testing) were insignificant, but descriptive statistics demonstrated that boys scored higher in ball skill scores, while girls scored higher in locomotor skill scores. Older children at baseline were found to score significantly higher than younger children in ball skill scores. Conclusion: The results highlighted that the game-based intervention did demonstrate some improvements for FMSs, highlighting a need for further development of the program and the participation of more children for more strongly powered analysis and to account for program withdrawal or dropout. Full article

Background/Objectives: There is still no clear consensus regarding the efficacy of exercise interventions in maintaining or improving cognitive function among independent older adults, as well as individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. This review explores the potential mechanisms underlying cognitive decline prevention and dementia mitigation from the perspective of motor learning theory, with a particular focus on aerobic-oriented open-skill exercise (OSE) and electronic sports (e-sports). Methods: Comprehensive literature searches were conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CiNii, and J-Stage (all available years) to identify studies examining the relationship between OSE, e-sports, and cognitive function. Results: Although various intervention studies have investigated aerobic exercise, resistance training, and other multifactorial exercise programs, a unified conclusion has not been reached regarding their effectiveness in enhancing cognitive function in the general elderly population or in patients with MCI or dementia. However, sports involving dynamic interaction with opponents (OSE) have shown a positive association with the maintenance and enhancement of cognitive abilities. Furthermore, e-sports present an accessible exercise modality, unrestricted by age, gender, time, or location, and are expected to support cognitive health in older adults. Conclusions: Aerobic-oriented OSE appears more effective than closed-skill exercise in preventing age-related cognitive decline and dementia. Additionally, e-sports may offer a comprehensive approach to brain health by integrating cognitive stimulation, physical engagement, social interaction, and stress reduction, though caution is advised regarding potential mental health concerns stemming from excessive use. Full article