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Published on: March 7, 2019
Physical activity and skills intervention: SCORES cluster randomized controlled trial
Kristen E Cohen1, Philip J Morgan, Ronald C Plotnikoff
11Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus, New South Wales, AUSTRALIA; and 2Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus, New South Wales, AUSTRALIA.
This study found that a 12-month school-based intervention improved fundamental movement skills (FMS) and cardiorespiratory fitness in children from low-income communities. The program also helped maintain moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Exercise Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Physical activity (PA) significantly declines during adolescence, particularly in low-income communities.
- Fundamental movement skills (FMS) may mitigate the decline in PA.
- Children in low-income areas exhibit lower activity levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of a 12-month intervention on PA and FMS in primary school children from low-income communities.
- To evaluate changes in objectively measured PA, FMS competency, and cardiorespiratory fitness.
Main Methods:
- Cluster randomized controlled trial involving 460 children (ages 8.5 ± 0.6 yr) across eight primary schools in low-income communities.
- Intervention included multicomponent PA and FMS.
- Outcomes measured at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months using accelerometers, FMS tests, and fitness tests.
Main Results:
- At 12 months, the intervention group showed significant improvements in daily moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) (12.7 min·d).
- Overall FMS competency increased by 4.9 units.
- Cardiorespiratory fitness improved, with an increase of 5.4 laps in the 20-m multistage fitness test.
Conclusions:
- A school-based multicomponent intervention effectively maintained MVPA in children from low-income communities.
- The intervention significantly enhanced FMS competency and cardiorespiratory fitness.
- This approach offers a promising strategy to promote physical activity and motor skills in underserved youth.
