Effects of the Animal Fun Program on Motor Performance in Brazilian Children: A Control Trial

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Developmental Psychology
• Motor Development

Background:

• Early childhood motor interventions are crucial for development.
• Evidence from developing countries is limited.
• The Animal Fun Program is a potential intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Brazilian Animal Fun Program's impact on motor performance.
• Targeting children aged 4 to 6 years.
• Assessing effects in a developing country context.

Main Methods:

• Non-randomized controlled clinical trial with 100 children (4-6 years).
• Intervention group (n=51) received the Animal Fun Program for 10 weeks.
• Control group (n=49) followed the regular curriculum; motor skills assessed using MABC-2.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in the intervention group post-10 weeks.
• Enhanced manual dexterity (mean difference = -2.20; p < 0.001).
• Improved aiming and catching (mean difference = -2.45; p < 0.001) and balance (mean difference = -2.53; p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• The Animal Fun Program effectively improves motor performance in Brazilian children.
• It's a relevant, scalable, low-cost strategy for motor development.
• Addresses limited structured movement opportunities in developing countries' schools.