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Effects of Physical Activity on Motor Skills and Cognitive Development in Early Childhood: A Systematic Review

Nan Zeng1,2, Mohammad Ayyub3, Haichun Sun4

  • 1School of Kinesiology, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, 1900 University Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.

Biomed Research International
|February 2, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Physical activity programs significantly enhance motor skills and cognitive development in preschool children. More research is needed to confirm these benefits and understand dose-response relationships.

Area of Science:

  • Child Development
  • Motor Skills
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • Preschool children's development is influenced by various factors.
  • Understanding the impact of physical activity is crucial for early childhood education.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize evidence on the causal effects of physical activity on motor and cognitive development in preschoolers.
  • To review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining physical activity interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Searched electronic databases up to July 2017.
  • Included peer-reviewed RCTs involving healthy children aged 4-6 years.
  • Screened studies focusing on physical activity's impact on motor skills and cognition.

Main Results:

  • Eight out of ten studies showed improved motor skills.
  • Four out of five studies reported positive cognitive changes (language, attention, memory).
  • Some studies indicated mixed or no significant improvements.

Conclusions:

  • Physical activity positively impacts preschool children's motor skills and cognitive functions.
  • Further large-scale research is recommended to confirm dose-response relationships.
  • Evidence supports physical activity for holistic child development.
Abstract

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