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Direct Parent Engagement to Improve Fundamental Movement Skills in Children: A Systematic Review
Robert J Flynn1, Andy Pringle1, Clare M P Roscoe1
1Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Research Centre, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB, UK.
Insights
Parent-focused programs significantly improve fundamental movement skills (FMS) in young children. Engaging parents through co-activity and clear guidance is key to boosting children's physical activity and combating inactivity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Psychology
- Sports Science
Background:
- Fundamental movement skills (FMS) are crucial for lifelong physical activity (PA) and health.
- Low FMS proficiency is linked to childhood inactivity and obesity globally.
- Parents significantly influence children's PA behaviors and skill development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review parent-focused interventions aimed at improving FMS in children aged 2-7 years.
- To identify the most effective settings and methods for parent engagement in FMS interventions.
- To address the global deficit in FMS proficiency and its public health implications.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across major scientific databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, etc.).
- Inclusion criteria focused on parent-focused interventions targeting FMS in 2-7-year-old children.
- Analysis of nine studies meeting the inclusion criteria, with a focus on intervention impact and methodology.
Main Results:
- All nine reviewed studies reported improvements in children's FMS.
- Seven studies showed statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05).
- Effective strategies included parent-child co-activity, parent education, and structured FMS guidance.
Conclusions:
- Parent-focused interventions are effective in enhancing fundamental movement skills in young children.
- Parental education, empowerment, and structured guidance are critical components for success.
- Future interventions should leverage accessible technologies like smartphone apps and prioritize direct parental involvement.
Abstract:
Fundamental movement skills (FMS) are basic movements in children that represent the building blocks for more complex motor skill development and act as a prerequisite for enduring sport and physical activity (PA) engagement and positive health-related behaviours. The FMS proficiency is currently inadequate worldwide, and consequently there are alarming levels of inactivity and childhood obesity. However, parents are role models to their children and possess the power to influence their PA behaviour. This review investigated if parent-focused interventions could improve FMS in 2-7-year-old children and evaluated which setting and method of parent engagement was most impactful. Keyword searches were conducted via Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Only nine articles met the inclusion criteria. No research originated from the United Kingdom, highlighting the urgent need for further FMS interventions involving parents. The FMS improved in all nine studies, with significant changes in seven of the articles (p < 0.05). Parent-child co-activity, the education and empowerment of parents, and the provision of clear FMS guidance, messaging, and structure can positively influence children's FMS. Recently, smartphone apps have increased the feasibility and accessibility of FMS practice at home and may be integral to future interventions. Further research with direct parental involvement is clearly warranted.
