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Assessing basic motor competences, physical fitness, and executive function in 4-5-year-old children: a longitudinal
Gaizka Legarra-Gorgoñon1, Yesenia García-Alonso1, Robinson Ramírez-Vélez1
1Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Navarrabiomed, Pamplona (Navarra), España.
Insights
Regular training significantly improved basic motor competence (BMC) in young children, leading to gains in physical fitness (PF) and executive function (EF). Structured activities are crucial for enhancing childhood health and promoting active lifestyles.
Area of Science:
- Child Development
- Motor Learning
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Investigated the progression of physical fitness (PF), basic motor competence (BMC), and executive function (EF) in 4-5-year-old children over one year.
- Study conducted at a health center, registered under NCT05741879.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the longitudinal changes in PF, BMC, and EF in preschool-aged children.
- To determine the impact of regular training on these developmental domains.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal analysis using the MOBAK KG test for BMC (object and self-movement).
- PREFIT Battery assessed PF (e.g., handgrip strength, standing long jump).
- Early Years Toolbox evaluated EF.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements observed in BMC, particularly object movement (0.789) and self-movement (0.842).
- Notable gains in standing long jump (9.036 cm) and EF tasks 'Mr. Ant' (0.669) and 'Go/No-Go' (0.120).
- Overall MOBAK scores increased by 1.632.
Conclusions:
- Regular training positively impacts BMC, PF, and EF in young children.
- Structured activities are vital for early childhood development and promoting active lifestyles.
- Advocates for standardized training programs to enhance child health.
Background:
To evaluate the progression of physical fitness (PF), basic motor competence (BMC), and executive function (EF) over one year in children aged 4-5 years at a health center.
Methods:
In this longitudinal analysis, children's BMC was evaluated using the MOBAK KG test for object and self-movement. The PREFIT Battery gauged PF through handgrip strength, standing long jump, and other fitness measures, while the Early Years Toolbox appraised EF.
Results:
Adjustments for confounding factors showed notable improvements in BMC, particularly in object movement (OM; mean difference 0.789, p = 0.044) and self-movement (SM; mean difference 0.842, p = 0.037), with overall MOBAK scores also increasing (mean difference 1.632, p = 0.018). Enhancements in the standing long jump (mean difference 9.036 cm, p = 0.014) and EF tasks "Mr. Ant" (mean difference 0.669, p < 0.001) and "Go/No-Go" (mean difference 0.120, p < 0.001) were evident, signifying substantial BMC gains and some progress in PF and EF.
Conclusion:
This research underscores the positive impact of regular training on BMC and PF in young children. Significant BMC development and associated improvements in PF and EF over the study period highlight the importance of structured activities in early childhood. These findings advocate for standardized training programs to enhance childhood health and encourage active lifestyles.
Trial Registration:
NCT05741879. Registered February 14, 2023, Version 1.
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