Assessing basic motor competences, physical fitness, and executive function in 4-5-year-old children: a longitudinal study in a primary care setting.

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.

Gamified family-based health exercise intervention to improve adherence to 24-h movement behaviors recommendations in children: "3, 2, 1 Move on Study".

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that movement patterns, including physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep duration, throughout a 24-h period, have a significant impact on biological processes and health outcomes for both young and adult populations. However, 80% of adolescents worldwide are not sufficiently active, and many children do not meet international physical activity recommendations for their age. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of a 12-week gamified family-based health and exercise intervention on physical fitness, basic motor competencies, mental and behavioral health, and adherence to 24-h movement guidelines in children aged 4 to 5 years old. The study will evaluate changes in sedentary levels, physical fitness, basic motor competencies, mental and behavioral disorders, adherence to the exercise program, and compliance with physical activity recommendations. In addition, the aim of this protocol is to describe the scientific rationale in detail and to provide information about the study procedures. METHODS/DESIGN: A total of 80 children, aged 4 to 5 years old, will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to one of two groups: the exercise group and the routine care group. The exercise group will undergo a 12-week exercise intervention, followed by a 12-week follow-up period. On the other hand, the routine care group will undergo a 12-week period of routine care, followed by a 12-week follow-up control period. The exercise program will be implemented in a family setting and facilitated through a gamified web platform with online supervision, with the hypothesis that it will have a positive impact on physical fitness, anthropometric measures, basic motor competencies, and adherence to 24-h movement guidelines. DISCUSSION: The results of this study will provide valuable insights into the impact of a gamified, family-oriented health and exercise program on various aspects of health, including physical fitness, basic motor competencies, mental and behavioral well-being, and adherence to 24-h movement guidelines. The findings will contribute to closing the gap in current knowledge on the effectiveness of these types of interventions for children and their parents. These findings will also contribute to  the development of future guidelines for promoting physical activity in children who do not meet the World Health Organization's recommended levels. An online "3, 2, 1 Move on Study" is believed to increase accessibility, promoting health equity, and reducing economic barriers for all children and their families across diverse social groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration: NCT05741879 . Registered February 14, 2023, Version 1.