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Bao R, Wade L, Leahy AA, Owen KB, Hillman CH, Jaakkola T, Lubans DR. Associations Between Motor Competence and Executive Functions in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sports Med 2024:10.1007/s40279-024-02040-1. [PMID: 38769244 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-024-02040-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motor competence and executive functions co-develop throughout childhood and adolescence, and there is emerging evidence that improvements in motor competence may have cognitive benefits in these populations. There is a need to provide a quantitative synthesis of the cross-sectional, longitudinal and experimental studies that have examined the association between motor competence and executive functions in school-aged youth. OBJECTIVES The primary aim of our systematic review was to synthesise evidence of the association between motor competence and executive functions in school-aged children and adolescents (5-18 years). Our secondary aim was to examine key moderators of this association. METHODS We searched the PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus and EMBASE databases from inception up to 27 June 2023. We included cross-sectional, longitudinal and experimental studies that assessed the association between motor competence (e.g., general motor competence, locomotor skills, object control skills and stability skills) and executive functions (e.g., general executive functions, inhibition, working memory and cognitive flexibility) in children and adolescents aged 5-18 years. RESULTS In total, 12,117 records were screened for eligibility, and 44 studies were included. From the 44 included studies, we meta-analysed 37 studies with 251 effect sizes using a structural equation modelling approach in the statistical program R. We found a small positive association (r = 0.18, [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13-0.22]) between motor competence and executive functions. The positive associations were observed in cross-sectional (r = 0.17, [95% CI 0.13-0.22]), longitudinal (r = 0.15, [95% CI 0.03-0.28]) and experimental studies (r = 0.25, [95% CI 0.01-0.45]). We also found that general motor competence (r = 0.25, [95% CI 0.18-0.33]), locomotor (r = 0.15, [95% CI 0.09-0.21]), object control (r = 0.14, [95% CI 0.08-0.20]) and stability (r = 0.14, [95% CI 0.08-0.20]) skills were associated with executive functions. We did not find any moderating effects for participants' age on the associations between motor competence and executive functions. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest a small-to-moderate positive association between motor competence and executive functions in children and adolescents. The small number of experimental studies included in this review support the assertion that interventions targeting children's motor competence may be a promising strategy to improve their executive functions; however, more research is needed to confirm these findings. Future studies should explore the underlying mechanisms linking motor competence and executive functions as their comprehension may be used to optimise future intervention design and delivery. PROSPERO REGISTRATION CRD42021285134.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Bao
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- College of Human and Social Futures, School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Active Living Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Levi Wade
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- College of Human and Social Futures, School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Active Living Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Angus A Leahy
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- College of Human and Social Futures, School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Active Living Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Katherine B Owen
- SPRINTER, Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Charles H Hillman
- Center for Cognitive and Brain Health, Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Timo Jaakkola
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyvaskyla, Finland
| | - David Revalds Lubans
- Centre for Active Living and Learning, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
- College of Human and Social Futures, School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
- Active Living Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyvaskyla, Finland.
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Bisi MC, Stagni R. Sensor-Based Quantitative Assessment of Children's Fine Motor Competence: An Instrumented Version of the Placing Bricks Test. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:2192. [PMID: 38610403 PMCID: PMC11014120 DOI: 10.3390/s24072192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
The assessment of fine motor competence plays a pivotal role in neuropsychological examinations for the identification of developmental deficits. Several tests have been proposed for the characterization of fine motor competence, with evaluation metrics primarily based on qualitative observation, limiting quantitative assessment to measures such as test durations. The Placing Bricks (PB) test evaluates fine motor competence across the lifespan, relying on the measurement of time to completion. The present study aims at instrumenting the PB test using wearable inertial sensors to complement PB standard assessment with reliable and objective process-oriented measures of performance. Fifty-four primary school children (27 6-year-olds and 27 7-year-olds) performed the PB according to standard protocol with their dominant and non-dominant hands, while wearing two tri-axial inertial sensors, one per wrist. An ad hoc algorithm based on the analysis of forearm angular velocity data was developed to automatically identify task events, and to quantify phases and their variability. The algorithm performance was tested against video recordings in data from five children. Cycle and Placing durations showed a strong agreement between IMU- and Video-derived measurements, with a mean difference <0.1 s, 95% confidence intervals <50% median phase duration, and very high positive correlation (ρ > 0.9). Analyzing the whole population, significant differences were found for age, as follows: six-year-olds exhibited longer cycle durations and higher variability, indicating a stage of development and potential differences in hand dominance; seven-year-olds demonstrated quicker and less variable performance, aligning with the expected maturation and the refined motor control associated with dominant hand training during the first year of school. The proposed sensor-based approach allowed the quantitative assessment of fine motor competence in children, providing a portable and rapid tool for monitoring developmental progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Bisi
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering “Guglielmo Marconi”, University of Bologna, Via del Risorgimento 2, 40136 Bologna, Italy;
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research on Health Sciences & Technologies, University of Bologna, 40064 Bologna, Italy
| | - Rita Stagni
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering “Guglielmo Marconi”, University of Bologna, Via del Risorgimento 2, 40136 Bologna, Italy;
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research on Health Sciences & Technologies, University of Bologna, 40064 Bologna, Italy
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Hill PJ, Mcnarry MA, Mackintosh KA, Murray MA, Pesce C, Valentini NC, Getchell N, Tomporowski PD, Robinson LE, Barnett LM. The Influence of Motor Competence on Broader Aspects of Health: A Systematic Review of the Longitudinal Associations Between Motor Competence and Cognitive and Social-Emotional Outcomes. Sports Med 2024; 54:375-427. [PMID: 37989831 PMCID: PMC10933160 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01939-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motor competence has important developmental associations with aspects of physical health, but there has been no synthesis of longitudinal associations with cognitive and social-emotional health. OBJECTIVES The first aim was to present a conceptual model that positions motor competence as a mediator between physical activity and cognitive and social-emotional outcomes. The second aim was to synthesize the association of motor competence and cognitive and social-emotional development using longitudinal observational and experimental evidence, in particular to (i) identify the role of task, individual, and environmental characteristics in moderating the association between motor and cognitive and social-emotional outcomes and (ii) synthesize the strength of evidence pertaining to domain-specific relationships. METHODS This systematic review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) and adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus) were systematically searched. Following study screening and risk-of-bias assessment by two authors, 49 eligible studies were identified for inclusion and grouped by study design. Evidence for domain-specific paths between motor competence and cognitive and social-emotional outcomes was synthesized by calculating the significant analyses in the hypothesized direction, divided by the total number of analyses for that path. These percentages were then collated for each domain outcome. This collated influence was classified as either no association (0-33%), written as '0', or indeterminate/inconsistent (34-59%), written as '?' If there were fewer than three studies in the domain, the strength of evidence was classified as insufficient (I). RESULTS Of the 49 studies, 35% were able to satisfy six or more of the seven risk-of-bias criteria. Longitudinal observational evidence about domain-specific and global associations of motor competence and cognitive and social-emotional development is indeterminate. The included studies also did not provide evidence for a consistent moderating role of age and sex. Some preliminary experimental evidence does support the role of motor competence in moderating the influence of cognitively enriched physical activity on cognitive outcomes, especially working memory and social-emotional skills. However, too few studies were appropriately designed to acknowledge the moderating role of contextual mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS Between-study heterogeneity means it was not possible to identify definitive domain- and construct-specific relationships between motor competence and cognitive and social-emotional outcomes. To further develop our understanding, it is important that researchers acknowledge the complexity of these relationships within rigorous study designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip J Hill
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, SA1 8EN, Wales, UK
| | - Melitta A Mcnarry
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, SA1 8EN, Wales, UK
| | - Kelly A Mackintosh
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, SA1 8EN, Wales, UK.
| | - Maeve Aine Murray
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Dublin, D09 F8Y6, Ireland
| | - Caterina Pesce
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | | | - Nancy Getchell
- Developmental Motor Control Laboratory, 157 Human Performance Lab, University of Delaware, 540 S College Ave, Newark, 19713, DE, UK
| | | | - Leah E Robinson
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, SKB 1054; 830 North University, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-1048, USA
| | - Lisa M Barnett
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Faculty of Health, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Building BC, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, Melbourne, 3125, Australia
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Biino V, Giustino V, Gallotta MC, Bellafiore M, Battaglia G, Lanza M, Baldari C, Giuriato M, Figlioli F, Guidetti L, Schena F. Effects of sports experience on children's gross motor coordination level. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1310074. [PMID: 38186401 PMCID: PMC10766855 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1310074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Gross motor coordination (GMC) development could be influenced by age, gender, weight status, geographical area, living setting, home environment, socio-economic status, sports practice. Purpose To verify whether practicing sports and practicing different sports could influence children's GMC level. Methods A total of 295 children aged 8-11 years were involved in the study and divided into 5 groups in relation to the sport they practiced: gymnastics group (n = 67; 51F, 16M), cycling group (n = 64; 15F, 49M), athletics group (n = 47; 22F, 25M), swimming group (n = 35; 20F, 15M), control group (n = 82; 42F, 40M). The four subtests of the Körperkoordinations Test für Kinder (KTK) assessed children's GMC level. The scores from each of the four subtests were summed into the KTK total raw score (RS) and then converted into a gender- and age-specific motor quotient (MQ). Results Children practicing sports showed significantly higher RS and MQ score than children of control group (203.14 ± 38.55 vs. 163.63 ± 43.50 and 98.56 ± 15.79 vs. 83.01 ± 16.71, respectively; p < 0.001). Children practicing gymnastics had a significantly higher RS and MQ than children of cycling, swimming, and control groups (p < 0.05), children of control group had a significantly lower RS and MQ than children of all other groups (p < 0.05). Children practicing gymnastics performed better walking backwards subtest than all other children's groups (p < 0.001). Children of control group performed worse jumping sideways subtest than children of gymnastics, athletics and swimming groups (p < 0.01). Children practicing gymnastics performed better moving sideways subtest than children of athletics, cycling and control groups (p < 0.01); children of control group performed worse than children of all other groups (p < 0.01). Children of control group performed worse hopping for height subtest than children of gymnastics, athletics and cycling groups (p < 0.05); children practicing gymnastics performed better than children of swimming and control groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions The performance model and therefore the specialized training that each sport discipline required, could justified the differences in children's GMC level among sports groups. Thus, coaches should plan individualized interventions and choose activity contents to support children's GMC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Biino
- Department of Human Sciences, Università degli Studi di Verona, Verona, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Università degli Studi di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Valerio Giustino
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Gallotta
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Marianna Bellafiore
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Battaglia
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Massimo Lanza
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Università degli Studi di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Carlo Baldari
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Università Telematica eCampus, Novedrate, Italy
| | - Matteo Giuriato
- Department of Human Sciences, Università degli Studi di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Flavia Figlioli
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Laura Guidetti
- Department of Humanities, Movement, and Education Sciences, Università Telematica degli Studi Niccolò Cusano, Roma, Italy
| | - Federico Schena
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
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Biino V, Pellegrini B, Zoppirolli C, Lanza M, Gilli F, Giuriato M, Schena F. Gross motor coordination in relation to weight status: a longitudinal study in children and pre-adolescents. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1242712. [PMID: 38235161 PMCID: PMC10792555 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1242712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Gross Motor Coordination (GMC) is crucial for the adequate development of motor competence. Our purpose in this semi-longitudinal study was to evaluate the influence of BMI on GMC in children and pre-adolescents of both sexes, across school years (classes). Methods We evaluated 117 subjects (aged 8-13 years) belonging to three different cohorts for 4 consecutive years, providing data over 6 years (classes). GMC was assessed through the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK) test. Class and weight status effects were then evaluated by dividing the subjects into a normal weight group and an overweight group based on their weight status. Results A significant increase across classes was found for BMI (p < 0.001) and KTK raw score (p < 0.001) and a decrease was found for KTK normalized score (MQ) (p = 0.043). Significantly lower MQ values were found for girls. Absolute GMC increased across the years and there was no difference between boys and girls. Correlations between GMC scores and BMI were negative and significant in 5 of 6 classes. It was confirmed that overweight subjects had lower MQ and RAW values than normal-weight subjects, with no class-by-weight status interaction. Discussion The level of competence and its development are strictly dependent on weight status during childhood and pre-adolescence. The present investigation suggests that the adequate development of GMC requires not only targeted physical education programs but also the promotion of healthy habits aimed at maintaining a normal weight status during childhood and pre-adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Biino
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Department of Human Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Barbara Pellegrini
- CeRiSM, University of Verona, Rovereto, Italy
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Chiara Zoppirolli
- CeRiSM, University of Verona, Rovereto, Italy
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Massimo Lanza
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Giuriato
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Federico Schena
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- CeRiSM, University of Verona, Rovereto, Italy
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Lorås H, Sandseter EBH, Sando OJ, Storli L. Distinct clusters of movement entropy in children's exploration of a virtual reality balance beam. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1227469. [PMID: 37915527 PMCID: PMC10616470 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1227469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Although assessing motor competence is vital to advancing current understandings of motor development and its significance in various fields, no consensus exists on how the construct should be operationalised and measured. Existing approaches to assessing motor competence in children typically involve applying qualitative and/or quantitative scoring procedures in which children's performance is evaluated according to certain levels of assessment-specific task performance dependent upon predefined sets of instructions and procedures. Building upon ecological dynamics as a framework, different levels of motor competence can be identified in children's attempts to coordinate their degrees of freedom while trying to complete the interactive task and environmental constraints. Given the dynamic, nonlinear features of that coordinating process, assessments need to consider the inherit structure of inter- and intra-individual variability in patterns of movement. Against that background, we investigated 7-10-year-old children's (n = 58) whole-body joint kinematics as they freely explored a balance beam in a virtual reality playground. Specifically, we used exploratory cluster analysis to examine the discriminatory capability of utilising joint-specific sample entropy as a window into individual differences in movement coordination that emerged from children's exploration of the constraints embedded in the virtual task. Among the results, three clusters of children with distinct profiles of movement variability emerged, all of which showed heterogeneous levels of repeatability in joint movements in combination with the level of spatiotemporal exploration on the balance beam that could not be explained by between-cluster differences in age and gender distributions. Those findings suggest that entropy from whole-body movements can be used to cluster children into distinct groups with different profiles regarding the structure of movement variability, which can inform new understandings and the development of gross motor competence assessments for children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Håvard Lorås
- Department of Teacher Education, Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Physical Education and Health, Queen Maud University College of Early Childhood Education, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ellen Beate Hansen Sandseter
- Department of Physical Education and Health, Queen Maud University College of Early Childhood Education, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ole Johan Sando
- Department of Physical Education and Health, Queen Maud University College of Early Childhood Education, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Lise Storli
- Department of Physical Education and Health, Queen Maud University College of Early Childhood Education, Trondheim, Norway
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Yin L, Caceres M, Skowronski J, Muramatsu N. Assessing Motor Function in Frail Older Adults in Their Home Settings: Challenges, Strategies and Recommendations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6515. [PMID: 37569055 PMCID: PMC10418993 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20156515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Assessing motor competence is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of physical activity interventions that aim to maintain or improve older adults' function. However, assessing motor competence in older adults who have difficulties walking or standing is challenging, because few instruments or guidelines are appropriate for these frail older adults. This article aims to describe challenges in evaluating motor function among frail older adults, discuss strategies for adapting motor function assessments to their home settings, and provide recommendations for future clinical trials so that older adults with ambulatory difficulties can benefit from motor function assessment and physical activity programs. Data came from the baseline assessment of 116 participants of an ongoing clinical trial, "Promoting Seniors' Health with Home Care Aides (Pro-Home)". Our results demonstrated that the Pro-Home study involved participants who would be typically excluded from clinical trials and that the two instruments selected or developed for Pro-Home (Short Physical Performance Battery, Pro-Home Ankle Range of Motion Measure) captured a wide range of lower extremity motor competence with no or few missing data. Recommendations for future studies include knowing the target population thoroughly, developing trust and rapport with all parties involved, and continuously collaborating with interviewers who conduct assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Yin
- Institute for Health Research and Policy, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60608, USA; (M.C.); (J.S.)
| | - Maria Caceres
- Institute for Health Research and Policy, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60608, USA; (M.C.); (J.S.)
| | - Jordan Skowronski
- Institute for Health Research and Policy, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60608, USA; (M.C.); (J.S.)
- School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Naoko Muramatsu
- Institute for Health Research and Policy, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60608, USA; (M.C.); (J.S.)
- School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Sandseter EBH, Sando OJ, Lorås H, Kleppe R, Storli L, Brussoni M, Bundy A, Schwebel DC, Ball DJ, Haga M, Little H. Virtual Risk Management-Exploring Effects of Childhood Risk Experiences through Innovative Methods (ViRMa) for Primary School Children in Norway: Study Protocol for the ViRMa Project. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e45857. [PMID: 37285210 DOI: 10.2196/45857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research indicates that risky play benefits children's risk assessment and risk management skills and offers several positive health effects such as resilience, social skills, physical activity, well-being, and involvement. There are also indications that the lack of risky play and autonomy increases the likelihood of anxiety. Despite its well-documented importance, and the willingness of children to engage in risky play, this type of play is increasingly restricted. Assessing long-term effects of risky play has been problematic because of ethical issues with conducting studies designed to allow or encourage children to take physical risks with the potential of injury. OBJECTIVE The Virtual Risk Management project aims to examine children's development of risk management skills through risky play. To accomplish this, the project aims to use and validate newly developed and ethically appropriate data collection tools such as virtual reality, eye tracking, and motion capturing, and to provide insight into how children assess and handle risk situations and how children's past risky play experiences are associated with their risk management. METHODS We will recruit 500 children aged 7-10 years and their parents from primary schools in Norway. Children's risk management will be measured through data concerning their risk assessment, risk willingness, and risk handling when completing a number of tasks in 3 categories of virtual reality scenarios: street crossing, river crossing, and playing on playground equipment. The children will move around physically in a large space while conducting the tasks and wear 17 motion-capturing sensors that will measure their movements to analyze motor skills. We will also collect data on children's perceived motor competence and their sensation-seeking personality. To obtain data on children's risk experiences, parents will complete questionnaires on their parental style and risk tolerance, as well as information about the child's practical risk experience. RESULTS Four schools have been recruited to participate in data collection. The recruitment of children and parents for this study started in December 2022, and as of April 2023, a total of 433 parents have consented for their children to participate. CONCLUSIONS The Virtual Risk Management project will increase our understanding of how children's characteristics, upbringing, and previous experiences influence their learning and ability to handle challenges. Through development and use of cutting-edge technology and previously developed measures to describe aspects of the children's past experiences, this project addresses crucial topics related to children's health and development. Such knowledge may guide pedagogical questions and the development of educational, injury prevention, and other health-related interventions, and reveal essential areas for focus in future studies. It may also impact how risk is addressed in crucial societal institutions such as the family, early childhood education, and schools. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/45857.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Beate Hansen Sandseter
- Department of Physical Education and Health, Queen Maud University College of Early Childhood Education, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ole Johan Sando
- Department of Physical Education and Health, Queen Maud University College of Early Childhood Education, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Håvard Lorås
- Department of Physical Education and Health, Queen Maud University College of Early Childhood Education, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Teacher Education, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Rasmus Kleppe
- Department of Physical Education and Health, Queen Maud University College of Early Childhood Education, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Lise Storli
- Department of Physical Education and Health, Queen Maud University College of Early Childhood Education, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Mariana Brussoni
- Department of Pediatrics, Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Anita Bundy
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - David C Schwebel
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - David J Ball
- Department of Science and Technology, Centre for Decision Analysis and Risk Management, Middlesex University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Monika Haga
- Department of Teacher Education, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Helen Little
- School of Education, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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