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Flores P, Coelho E, Mourão-Carvalhal I, Forte P. Relationships between Math Skills, Motor Skills, Physical Activity, and Obesity in Typically Developing Preschool Children. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:1000. [PMID: 38131856 PMCID: PMC10740894 DOI: 10.3390/bs13121000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
There is evidence of a relationship between motor and cognitive development. The literature has shown that of all the motor skills, fine motor skills are those that contribute most to mathematical performance in preschool children. As this is a sensitive period in the development of motor skills, low levels of physical activity in this period can compromise their development and contribute to weight gain and obesity. The aim of this study was therefore to analyze the relationship between mathematical and motor skills, physical activity levels, and obesity. The sample consisted of 62 preschool children (32 males) with an average age of 4.63 ± 0.81. The Weschler preschool and primary scale of intelligence-revised arithmetic test was used to assess mathematical skills. The tests to assess fine motor skills were the "Adapted Threading Beads Test" and the "Adapted Visuomotor Integration Test". The movement assessment battery for children-2, band 1, "Aiming & Catching", and "Balance" tests were used to assess gross motor skills. Levels of physical activity were assessed using the "Preschool-age physical activity questionnaire" and obesity using the body mass index. The results indicated that only the fine motor skills of visuomotor integration were included in the multiple linear regression model (F < 0.001; r = 0.464; R2 = 0.215; p < 0.001), with the exclusion of gross motor skills, physical activity levels, and obesity levels. Thus, it was concluded that mathematical skills were only directly and significantly influenced by visuomotor integration. However, visuomotor integration was positively and significantly associated with gross motor skills (r = 0.269; p < 0.05) and not with levels of physical activity and obesity. Thus, gross motor skills could contribute to improving visuomotor integration directly and consequently mathematical skills indirectly. The results of this study suggest that the implementation of structured physical activity programs can contribute to mathematical performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Flores
- CI-ISCE, Higher Institute of Education and Sciences of the Douro, 4560-708 Penafiel, Portugal;
| | - Eduarda Coelho
- Department of Sports, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Research Center in Sports, Health and Human Development, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Isabel Mourão-Carvalhal
- Department of Sports, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Research Center in Sports, Health and Human Development, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Pedro Forte
- CI-ISCE, Higher Institute of Education and Sciences of the Douro, 4560-708 Penafiel, Portugal;
- Research Center in Sports, Health and Human Development, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
- Department of Sports, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-252 Bragança, Portugal
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Valentini NC, de Souza PS, de Souza MS, Nobre GC. Individual and environmental parameters in children with and without developmental coordination disorder: associations with physical activity and body mass index. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1202488. [PMID: 37920789 PMCID: PMC10619729 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1202488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Physical Activity (PA) is a complex behavior, and the relevance of other factors such as BMI, SES and children's behavior at school and home still lacks investigation for children, especially those at risk or with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). The objective of this study was to examine whether socioeconomic status (SES), school's spaces for children's movement, active play, screen time, motor skill proficiency, perceived motor competence, and engagement in the physical education lessons were associated with PA and BMI in children with typical development (TD), at risk of DCD (r-DCD), and with DCD. Methods Children (N = 352; 4-10-year-old) from six public schools in a major urban city, in southern of Brazil, were assessed regarding motor skill proficiency (locomotor and ball skills), perceived motor competence, and weight status. PA and engagement in the lesson were assessed using pedometers and a behavior checklist of motor experience of success. Parents recorded the daily time that children spent on screen and in active play. Results The hierarchical multivariate linear regressions showed that age, sex, SES, Schools with more favorable space for children's movement, locomotor and ball skills, and successful engagement, were associated with PA for children with TD. Age, screen time, locomotor, and successful engagement were associated with BMI. For children at r-DCD, age, sex, SES, with more favorable space for children's movement, and locomotor were associated with PA. Age, active play and screen time were associated with BMI. For children with DCD, sex, SES, Schools with more favorable space for children's movement, screen time, and successful engagement were associated with PA. Age, sex, active play, and screen time were associated with BMI. Conclusion Different factors were associated with PA and BMI for children with different levels of motor impairment (r-DCD and DCD) and children with TD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Priscila Silva de Souza
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Mariele Santayana de Souza
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Glauber Carvalho Nobre
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
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Trecroci A, Signorini G, Scurati R, Colella D, Raiola G, Rigon M, Invernizzi PL. Effects of Musical Classes on Motor Creativity According to Age, Sex, and Weight Status in Young Students: A Music-Oriented versus Conventional Education Plan. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10020200. [PMID: 36832329 PMCID: PMC9954799 DOI: 10.3390/children10020200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Motor creativity can be influenced by the specificity of the school-class environments (music-based education plans) and individual characteristics. This study aimed to investigate the effects of music oriented and conventional education plans on rhythmic perceptive capacity, motor creativity, and skill- and health-related fitness components in young students according to age, sex, and weight status. One hundred sixty-three young Italian students from elementary (second and fourth grade) and middle school (sixth and eighth grade) were enrolled in the study according to their education plan (music oriented or conventional). All participants were tested for rhythmic perceptive capacity (Stambak's test), motor creativity (Divergent Movement Ability test), skill-related (Körperkoordinationstest Für Kinder), and health-related (Multistage Fitness test) components. Individuals were also considered according to age (elementary and middle school), sex, and weight status. Significant age × education plan and sex × education plan interactions (p < 0.01) were found in motor creativity (locomotor and stability skills) and motor competence (balance and jumping-like activities). No significant weight status × education plan interaction was found. The predominant role of music in the music-oriented education plan appeared to foster the ability to enhance motor creativity in elementary and middle school students compared to the conventional plan. Moreover, music-oriented experience also seems relevant for expressing and exhibiting motor competence (i.e., balance) in relation to sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athos Trecroci
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Gabriele Signorini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Raffaele Scurati
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Dario Colella
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Gaetano Raiola
- Department of Political and Social Sciences, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Marta Rigon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Pietro Luigi Invernizzi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
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Wang N, Wang Q, Liu X, Mahfooz M, Savila Z. Examining the impact of physical education and physical skills development on preschoolers' physical and mental health. Front Psychol 2023; 13:1000653. [PMID: 36687947 PMCID: PMC9853891 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1000653] [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: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
With greater socio-economic development and the popularization of scientific child-rearing methods, education has become of primary importance in contemporary society. This study attempts to promote the physical and mental health of preschoolers and improve their comprehensive learning ability. To understand the impact of sports skills and Physical Education (PE) on preschoolers' physical and mental health, we utilized the Questionnaire Survey (QS) and expert evaluation. First, the development of sports skills and the basic connotation of sports were expounded. Second, the characteristics of preschoolers and the importance of preschool education were discussed. Finally, the physical and mental health of 60 preschoolers was evaluated based on physical skill development and sports. The results revealed that the respondent preschoolers were grouped reasonably, and the research results had high reference values. In the control group, the physical conditions of four preschoolers changed significantly in the best case. By comparison, in the experimental group, preschoolers with significant physical changes had reached nine at best. In addition, as high as nine respondents showed obvious improvement in their mental state in the best case. Therefore, this study demonstrates that physical skill development and PE significantly impact preschoolers' physical and mental health, which has an important impact on preschoolers' learning. This finding provides a reference for preschoolers' sports skills development and contributes to their comprehensive PE teaching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Wang
- Faculty of Education, Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Qinglei Wang
- Faculty of Sports and Exercise Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,*Correspondence: Qinglei Wang,
| | - Xiaohong Liu
- Faculty of Education, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, China,Xiaohong Liu,
| | - Masood Mahfooz
- Faculty of Sports and Exercise Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Zubia Savila
- Faculty of Sports and Exercise Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Parental Perceptions of Child's Play in the Post-Digital Era: Parents' Dilemma with Digital Formats Informing the Kindergarten Curriculum. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10010101. [PMID: 36670651 PMCID: PMC9857340 DOI: 10.3390/children10010101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Digital technology affordance has been recognized as a social and learning tool, and the requirements for digitalizing the kindergarten curriculum have been present for decades. Digitalization in a child's early years can present conflict with parents, as the societal and economic demands of digitalized society for a child's digital technology use are in dissonance with guidelines and recommendations of health organizations that caution against preschool children's technology use. Kindergarten curricular reform in Slovenia was conducted in the 1990s. In this period, the use of digital learning technology and digital play for the development of children learning predispositions and early literacy was already recognized. At the time of curriculum design, it integrated some elements of digital learning technology. Now, 30 years after the design of the new curriculum, we are facing the post-digital era. Learning technology in the early years is a matter of partnership with parents; accordingly, this descriptive survey study includes a non-randomized sample of 306 parents. We are considering how child's play is structured in the primary environment and how parents perceive digital technology in the current post-digital age of seamless, digitally saturated social practices. Parents are aware of the risks of technology and of its benefits for learning. The findings show correlations between a child's digital screen technology use and parents' attitudes and perceptions of digital play. Parents that offer digital screen technology to a child have less agreeable attitudes regarding its possible risks to a child.
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Zhang JY, Shen QQ, Wang DL, Hou JM, Xia T, Qiu S, Wang XY, Zhou SB, Yang WW, Heng SY, Lu CC, Cui L, Yin HC. Physical activity intervention promotes working memory and motor competence in preschool children. Front Public Health 2022; 10:984887. [PMID: 36225790 PMCID: PMC9549139 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.984887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study investigated the effects of 12 weeks of specifically designed physical activity intervention on working memory and motor competence in preschool children and explored the correlation between working memory changes and motor competence changes by the intervention. Methods Four classes of preschool children were grouped into an intervention group and a control group. Children in the intervention group received a 12-week physical activity intervention, while children in the control group followed their daily routine as usual. Before and after the intervention period, children were assessed with the 1-back task and Movement Assessment Battery for Children, second edition (MABC-2) to measure their working memory and motor competence, respectively. Results Regarding working memory, the accuracy on the 1-back task increased significantly in the intervention group relative to the control group. The intervention group demonstrated a greater decrease in response time from pre- to posttest than the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Regarding motor competence, children's manual dexterity, aiming and catching and total score increased significantly in the intervention group relative to the control group, while no significant difference in static and dynamic balance was observed between the two groups. Furthermore, the correlation results showed that changes in the efficacy and efficiency of working memory were positively related to changes in static and dynamic balance and the total score on the MABC-2. Conclusion These findings demonstrated that 12 weeks of specifically designed physical activity intervention could improve preschool children's efficacy of working memory as well as manual dexterity, aiming and catching and global motor competence. The improvement in the efficacy and efficiency of working memory was positively related to the improvement in static and dynamic balance and global motor competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Yi Zhang
- College of P.E. and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Qi-Qi Shen
- College of P.E. and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Dong-Ling Wang
- College of P.E. and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Mei Hou
- College of P.E. and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Xia
- College of P.E. and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Shou Qiu
- Branch School of Mingguang, Beijing Normal University Kindergarten, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Ye Wang
- Branch School of Mingguang, Beijing Normal University Kindergarten, Beijing, China
| | - Si-Bo Zhou
- Branch School of Mingguang, Beijing Normal University Kindergarten, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Wen Yang
- Branch School of Mingguang, Beijing Normal University Kindergarten, Beijing, China
| | - Si-Yu Heng
- Branch School of Mingguang, Beijing Normal University Kindergarten, Beijing, China
| | - Can-Can Lu
- Branch School of Mingguang, Beijing Normal University Kindergarten, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Cui
- College of P.E. and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Lei Cui
| | - Heng-Chan Yin
- College of P.E. and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China,Heng-Chan Yin
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Nobre JNP, Morais RLDS, Viegas ÂA, Fernandes AC, Scheidt Figueiredo PH, Costa HS, Peixoto MFD, de Alcântara MA, Mendonça VA, Lacerda ACR. Factors Associated with Motor Competence in Preschoolers from a Brazilian Urban Area. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2022; 52:721-736. [PMID: 36035450 PMCID: PMC9400000 DOI: 10.1007/s10566-022-09708-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Preschool is a crucial period for developing motor skills. Objective This study evaluated factors associated with motor competence in preschoolers from a Brazilian urban area. Methods A total of 211 preschoolers (51.2% girls and 48.8% boys) were evaluated. Body mass index was calculated; the Brazilian Economic Research Criterion, the Mini-Mental Scale (MMC) and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale®, Revised (ECERS-R™) were applied; the Habitual Physical Activity time was recorded; the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2) was performed. Univariate analysis was performed using simple linear regression for the independent variables, considering the motor test subscales as dependent variables. Variables with p < 0.20 in the univariate analysis were considered for the multiple linear regression model and were entered into the stepwise method. Results The independent variables remaining in the Standard Score Locomotor model were BMI, presence of park at school, and MMC (R2 = 0.16). The independent variables remaining in the Standard Object Control score were MMC and gender (R2 = 0.03). The variables associated with the highest scores of Gross Motor Quotient were MMC, body mass index, and presence of a park at school, respectively (R2 = 0.11). Conclusion Male eutrophic preschoolers who are physically active and attend schools with parks or courtyards in a Brazilian urban area have the highest scores for global cognitive function and motor competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Nogueira Pontes Nobre
- Centro Integrado de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa em Saúde (CIPq-Saúde), Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil
- Programa Multicêntrico de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas (PMPGCF), Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Rosane Luzia De Souza Morais
- Faculdade de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Ângela Alves Viegas
- Centro Integrado de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa em Saúde (CIPq-Saúde), Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil
- Programa Multicêntrico de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas (PMPGCF), Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Amanda Cristina Fernandes
- Centro Integrado de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa em Saúde (CIPq-Saúde), Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Reabilitação e Desempenho Funcional (PPGReab), Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Pedro Henrique Scheidt Figueiredo
- Centro Integrado de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa em Saúde (CIPq-Saúde), Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil
- Faculdade de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Reabilitação e Desempenho Funcional (PPGReab), Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Henrique Silveira Costa
- Centro Integrado de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa em Saúde (CIPq-Saúde), Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil
- Faculdade de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Reabilitação e Desempenho Funcional (PPGReab), Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Marco Fabrício Dias Peixoto
- Centro Integrado de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa em Saúde (CIPq-Saúde), Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil
- Faculdade de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Reabilitação e Desempenho Funcional (PPGReab), Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil
- Programa Multicêntrico de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas (PMPGCF), Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Marcus Alessandro de Alcântara
- Centro Integrado de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa em Saúde (CIPq-Saúde), Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil
- Faculdade de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Reabilitação e Desempenho Funcional (PPGReab), Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Vanessa Amaral Mendonça
- Centro Integrado de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa em Saúde (CIPq-Saúde), Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil
- Faculdade de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Reabilitação e Desempenho Funcional (PPGReab), Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil
- Programa Multicêntrico de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas (PMPGCF), Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Ana Cristina Rodrigues Lacerda
- Centro Integrado de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa em Saúde (CIPq-Saúde), Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil
- Faculdade de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Reabilitação e Desempenho Funcional (PPGReab), Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil
- Programa Multicêntrico de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas (PMPGCF), Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, Minas Gerais Brazil
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Escolano-Pérez E, Sánchez-López CR, Herrero-Nivela ML. Teacher-Rated Executive Functions, Gender and Relative Age: Independent and Interactive Effects on Observed Fundamental Motor Skills in Kindergarteners. Front Psychol 2022; 13:848525. [PMID: 35273547 PMCID: PMC8904136 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.848525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fundamental motor skills (FMS) of children can be affected by different variables, such as executive functions (EF), gender and relative age. However, the effects of these variables on FMS have been scarce studied, especially in early childhood, and show inconsistent results. To clarify these relationships, this study was carried out. Its aim was to analyze whether EF, gender and relative age influenced FMS in 43 Spanish kindergarteners. A multimethod and mixed methods approach was used. Kindergarteners' teachers completed the Childhood Executive Functioning Inventory to know the children level of EF (working memory and inhibition control). Kindergarteners' parents complimented ad hoc questionnaire reporting the children gender and birth data (to know their relative age). A Nomothetic/Punctual/Multidimensional observational design was used to observe children FMS in their habitual motor sessions at school. Two-way ANOVAs were performed to know the independent and interactive effects of working memory level (lower/higher), inhibition control level (lower/higher), gender (boys/girls) and relative age (according to the birth semester in the year) on FMS. Results showed these variables have independent and interactive effects on some FMS, but not on others. FMS influenced by these variables vary depending what independent variable(s) is/are considered. Therefore, it can be concluded that the influences of teacher-rated EF, gender and relative age on observed FMS in kindergarteners are complex and specific. Results obtained must be taken into to design and implement instructional and intervention strategies, as well as educational and sport policy changes, especially in early childhood, when FMS are more malleable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Escolano-Pérez
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Faculty of Education, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Carmen R. Sánchez-López
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychobiology and Methodology, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
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Tesfay H, Sebsibe G, Tesfaye T. Practice of Early Childhood Developmental Milestone Assessment and Its Determinants Among Health Professionals Working at Public Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Pediatric Health Med Ther 2021; 12:521-532. [PMID: 34866960 PMCID: PMC8638751 DOI: 10.2147/phmt.s300397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Early childhood developmental assessment refers to the continual process of observing, gathering, recording, and interpreting information to make developmental and instructional decisions and measure young children’s performance over time. Significant changes in the physical and neuropsychomotor developmental milestones take place in the first 2 years of life. Children younger than 3 years of age (36 months) who are at risk of having developmental delays may be eligible for early intervention treatment services. The study aimed to assess practice in early childhood developmental assessment and its determinants among health professionals working in public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods This facility-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from September to April 2018, with a total sample size of 268 health professionals from six public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The data were entered into EpiData software version 4.2, and analyzed by SPSS version 23 software for bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Significant associations were taken as p<0.05 and the strength of associations was expressed using odds ratios. Results The practice of early childhood developmental milestone assessment was found to be 27.8%. Being a general practitioner (AOR=23.826, 95% CI: 6.77–83.9, p=0.000) or health officer (AOR=11.02, 95% CI: 2.1–58.812, p=0.005), and work experience greater than 11 years (AOR=20.897, 95% CI: 1.5–291.49, p=0.024) were significantly associated with good practice of early childhood developmental milestone assessment. Conclusion Practice of early childhood developmental milestone assessment remains poor. Training and sharing experiences among different professions, and assigning professionals with the highest levels of work experience in the service could improve the practice levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haileslassie Tesfay
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Birhan University, Debre Birhan, Ethiopia
| | - Girum Sebsibe
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tewodros Tesfaye
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Correspondence: Tewodros Tesfaye Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 4412, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaTel +251 913 69 80 81 Email
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Escolano-Pérez E, Sánchez-López CR, Herrero-Nivela ML. Early Environmental and Biological Influences on Preschool Motor Skills: Implications for Early Childhood Care and Education. Front Psychol 2021; 12:725832. [PMID: 34484085 PMCID: PMC8414646 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.725832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Early motor skills underpin the more complex and specialized movements required for physical activity. Therefore, the design of interventions that enhance higher levels of early motor skills may encourage subsequent participation in physical activity. To do so, it is necessary to determine the influence of certain factors (some of which appear very early) on early motor skills. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of some very early environmental variables (delivery mode, feeding type during the first 4 months of life) and some biological variables (sex and age in months) on preschool motor skills, considered both globally and specifically. The sample was composed by 43 preschool students aged 5-6 years. The participant's parents completed an ad hoc questionnaire, reporting on delivery mode, feeding type, sex, and age in months. The children's motor skills were assessed using observational methodology in the school setting, while the children participated in their regular motor skills sessions. A Nomothetic/Punctual/Multidimensional observational design was used. Results revealed that certain preschool motor skills were specifically influenced by delivery mode, feeding type, sex, and age. Children born by vaginal delivery showed higher scores than children born via C-section in throwing (p = 0.000; d = 0.63); total control of objects (p = 0.004; d = 0.97); total gross motor skills (p = 0.005; d = 0.95); and total motor skills (p = 0.002; d = 1.04). Children who were exclusively breastfed outperformed those who were formula-fed in throwing (p = 0.016; d = 0.75); visual-motor integration (p = 0.005; d = 0.94); total control of objects (p = 0.002; d = 1.02); total gross motor skills (p = 0.023; d = 0.82); and total motor skills (p = 0.042; d = 0.74). Boys outperformed girls in throwing (p = 0.041; d = 0.74) and total control of objects (p = 0.024; d = 0.63); while the opposite occurred in static balance (p = 0.000; d = 1.2); visual-motor coordination (p = 0.020; d = 0.79); and total fine motor skills (p = 0.032; d = 0.72). Older children (aged 69-74 months) obtained higher scores than younger ones (aged 63-68 months) in dynamic balance (p = 0.030; d = 0.66); visual-motor integration (p = 0.034; d = 0.63); and total balance (p = 0.013; d = 0.75). Implications for early childhood care and education are discussed since this is a critical period for motor skill development and learning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carmen Rosa Sánchez-López
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychobiology and Methodology, University of La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
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Navarro-Patón R, Martín-Ayala JL, Martí González M, Hernández A, Mecías-Calvo M. Effect of a 6-Week Physical Education Intervention on Motor Competence in Pre-School Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10091936. [PMID: 33946206 PMCID: PMC8124766 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10091936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this research was to analyze the impact of an intervention program performed by a specialist in physical education (PE) to contribute to the development of motor competence (MC) in pre-school children with motor development problems. The sample consisted of 28 children (12 from the intervention group and 16 from the control group) aged between 4.1 and 5.9 years (mean = 4.71 ± 0.54) who were in the fifth and sixth grades of pre-school education in two schools from Lugo, Spain. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) was used for data collection. The data revealed that, in the pre- and post-test intervention groups, there are statistically significant differences in manual dexterity (p < 0.001; d = 2.63), aiming and catching (p < 0.002; d = 1.13), balance (p < 0.001; d = 1.68), total test score (p < 0.001; d = 3.30) and total percentile score (p < 0.001; d = 1.88). Between the control and intervention post-test groups, significant differences were found in manual dexterity (p = 0.015; η2 = 0.22), aiming and catching (p = 0.003; η2 = 0.32), balance (p = 0.050; η2 = 0.15), total test score (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.47) and total percentile score (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.48). Based on the results obtained, a specific MC program implemented by a PE specialist contributed to the improvement of manual dexterity, aiming and catching and balance, as well as a better percentile in the general MC of pre-school children diagnosed with motor skill problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Navarro-Patón
- Facultad de Formación del Profesorado, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27001 Lugo, Spain;
| | - Juan Luis Martín-Ayala
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, 39011 Santander, Spain; (J.L.M.-A.); (M.M.G.); (A.H.)
- Departamento de Educación, Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana, Campeche 24560, Mexico
| | - Mariacarla Martí González
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, 39011 Santander, Spain; (J.L.M.-A.); (M.M.G.); (A.H.)
| | - Alba Hernández
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, 39011 Santander, Spain; (J.L.M.-A.); (M.M.G.); (A.H.)
| | - Marcos Mecías-Calvo
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, 39011 Santander, Spain; (J.L.M.-A.); (M.M.G.); (A.H.)
- Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Industrial de Cantabria (CITICAN), 39011 Santander, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-942-244-244 (ext. 5125)
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Martínez-Bello VE, Estevan I. Physical Activity and Motor Competence in Preschool Children. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8040305. [PMID: 33923383 PMCID: PMC8071540 DOI: 10.3390/children8040305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir E. Martínez-Bello
- COS Research Group, Body, Movement, Music and Curricular Practices, University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Teaching of Musical, Visual and Corporal Expression, University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain;
- Correspondence:
| | - Isaac Estevan
- Department of Teaching of Musical, Visual and Corporal Expression, University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain;
- Activitat Física i Promoció de la Salut (AFIPS) Research Group, University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain
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