Enhancing Motor Competence and Physical Activity in Kindergarten

in Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Click name to view affiliation

Dimitrios Aivazidis
Search for other papers by Dimitrios Aivazidis in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Fotini Venetsanou
Search for other papers by Fotini Venetsanou in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Nikolaos Aggeloussis
Search for other papers by Nikolaos Aggeloussis in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Vassilios Gourgoulis
Search for other papers by Vassilios Gourgoulis in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
, and
Antonis Kambas
Search for other papers by Antonis Kambas in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2018-0260
Keywords:
movement skills; Körperkoordination Test für Kinder; physical activity program; young children
In Print:
Volume 16: Issue 3
Page Range:
184–190
Restricted access

Background: This study aimed at evaluating the effect of the “Walk,” an 8-month physical activity (PA) program led by classroom and physical education teachers, on the motor competence (MC) and PA of 5- to 6-year-old children. Methods: A total of 143 children (mean age = 61.51 [1.85] mo) participated in the study and were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. Children’s MC was assessed by the Körperkoordination Test für Kinder (KTK), and PA was objectively measured by Omron HJ-720IT-E2 pedometers. Measurements were performed at baseline, midintervention, and postintervention. A 1-sample t test computed at baseline step counts revealed that children presented significantly lower PA than recommended for their age (P < .001). To examine the effect of the intervention on children’s MC and PA, several repeated-measures analyses of variance were utilized on (1) KTK item scores and (2) pedometer data. Results: The results revealed that the Walk project led to practically significant changes in the experimental group compared with the control group in both MC (P < .001, η2 > .14 for all KTK items) and PA (P < .001, η2 = .23). Conclusions: This study highlights the efficacy of a PA project, involving both classroom and physical education teachers, for the enhancement of children’s MC and PA.

Aivazidis, Aggeloussis, Gourgoulis, and Kambas are with the School of Physical Education & Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Greece. Venetsanou is with the School of Physical Education and Sport Science, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.

Kambas (akampas@phyed.duth.gr) is corresponding author.
  • Collapse
  • Expand

Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Cover Journal of Physical Activity and Health
  • 1.

    Timmons BW, LeBlanc AG, Carson V, et al. Systematic review of physical activity and health in the early years (aged 0–4 years). Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2012;37(4):773–792. PubMed ID: 22765840 doi:10.1139/h2012-070

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 2.

    Venetsanou F, Kambas A, Giannakidou D, et al. The validity of two Omron pedometers in preschool children under different conditions. Sylwan. 2015;159(3):60–89.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 3.

    World Health Organization. Obesity and Overweight: Fact Sheet No. 3. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization; 2018.

  • 4.

    Bornstein DB, Beets MW, Byun W, Mclver K. Accelerometer-derived physical activity levels of preschoolers: a meta-analysis. J Sci Med Sport. 2011;14(6):504–511. PubMed ID: 21684809 doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2011.05.007

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 5.

    Hinkley T, Salmon J, Okely A, Crawford D, Hesketh K. Preschooler’s physical activity, screen time and compliance with recommendations. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2012;44(3):458–465. PubMed ID: 21900847 doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e318233763b

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 6.

    Beets MW, Bornstein D, Dowda M, Pate RR. Compliance with national guidelines for physical activity in U.S. preschoolers: measurement and interpretation. Pediatrics. 2011;127(4):658–664. PubMed ID: 21422082 doi:10.1542/peds.2010-2021

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 7.

    Dolinsky DH, Brouwer RJ, Evenson KR, Siega-Riz AM, Østbye T. Correlates of sedentary time and physical activity among preschool-aged children. Prev Chronic Dis. 2011;8(6):131. PubMed ID: 22005624

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 8.

    Hallal PC, Andersen LB, Bull FC, et al. Global physical activity levels: surveillance progress, pitfalls, and prospects. Lancet. 2012;380(9838):247–257. PubMed ID: 22818937 doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(12)60646-1

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 9.

    Hinkley T, Crawford D, Salmon J, Okely A, Hesketh K. Preschool children and physical activity: a review of correlates. Am J Prev Med. 2008;34(5):435–441.e7. PubMed ID: 18407012 doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2008.02.001

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 10.

    Kambas A, Venetsanou F, Avloniti A, et al. Pedometer determined physical activity and obesity prevalence of Greek children aged 4–6 years. Ann Hum Biol. 2015;42(3):233–238. PubMed ID: 25154501 doi:10.3109/03014460.2014.943286

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 11.

    Oliver M, Schofield GM, Kolt GS. Physical activity in preschoolers: understanding prevalence and measurement issues. Sports Med. 2007;37(12):1045–1070. PubMed ID: 18027993 doi:10.2165/00007256-200737120-00004

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 12.

    Williams H, Pfeiffer KA, O’Neill JR, et al. Motor skill performance and physical activity in preschool children. Obesity. 2008;16(6):1421–1426. PubMed ID: 18388895 doi:10.1038/oby.2008.214

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 13.

    Robinson LE, Stodden DF, Barnett LM, et al. Motor competence and its effect on positive developmental trajectories of health. Sports Med. 2015;45(9):1273–1284. PubMed ID: 26201678 doi:10.1007/s40279-015-0351-6

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 14.

    Castelli DM, Valley JA. Chapter 3: the relationship of physical fitness and motor competence to physical activity. J Teach Physic Edu. 2007;26(4):358–374. doi:10.1123/jtpe.26.4.358

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 15.

    Kambas A, Michalopoulou M, Fatouros I, et al. The relationship between motor proficiency and pedometer-determined physical activity in young children. Pediatr Exerc Sci. 2012;24:34–44. PubMed ID: 22433263 doi:10.1123/pes.24.1.34

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 16.

    Okely AD, Booth ML, Patterson JW. Relationship of physical activity to fundamental movement skills among adolescents. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2001;33(11):1899–1904. PubMed ID: 11689741 doi:10.1097/00005768-200111000-00015

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 17.

    Barnett LM, Van Beurden E, Morgan PJ, Brooks LO, Beard JR. Childhood motor skill proficiency as a predictor of adolescent physical activity. J Adolesc Health. 2009;44(3):252–259. PubMed ID: 19237111 doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2008.07.004

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 18.

    Cairney P. Implementation and the governance problem: a pressure participant perspective. Public Policy Adm. 2009;24(4):355–377. doi:10.1177/0952076709340508

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 19.

    Lopes VP, Rodrigues LP, Maia JA, Malina RM. Motor coordination as predictor of physical activity in childhood. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2011;21(5):663–669. PubMed ID: 21917017 doi:10.1111/j.1600-0838.2009.01027.x

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 20.

    Lloyd M, Saunders TJ, Bremer E, Tremblay MS. Long-term importance of fundamental motor skills: a 20-year follow-up study. Adapt Phys Activ Q. 2014;31(1):67–78. PubMed ID: 24385442 doi:10.1123/apaq.2013-0048

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 21.

    Venetsanou F, Kambas A. Can motor proficiency in preschool age affect physical activity in adolescence? Pediatr Exerc Sci. 2017;29(2):254–259. PubMed ID: 27705534 doi:10.1123/pes.2016-0119

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 22.

    World Health Organization. Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization; 2011.

  • 23.

    Haywood K, Getchell N. Life Span Motor Development. 6th ed. Champaign IL: Human Kinetics; 2009.

  • 24.

    Lingam R, Golding J, Jongmans MJ, Hunt LP, Ellis M, Emond A. The association between developmental coordination disorder and other developmental traits. Pediatrics. 2010;126(5):e1109–1118. PubMed ID: 20956425 doi:10.1542/peds.2009-2789

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 25.

    Larson N, Ward DS, Neelon SB, Story M. What role can child-care settings play in obesity prevention? A review of the evidence and call for research efforts. J Am Diet Assoc. 2011;111(9):1343–1362. PubMed ID: 21872698 doi:10.1016/j.jada.2011.06.007

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 26.

    Van Cauwenberghe E, De Craemer M, De Decker E, De Bourdeaudhuij I, Cardon G. The impact of a teacher-led structured physical activity session on preschooler’s sedentary and physical activity levels. J Sci Med Sport. 2013;16(5):422–426. PubMed ID: 23246443 doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2012.11.883

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 27.

    Boldemann C, Blennow M, Dal H, et al. Impact of preschool environment upon children’s physical activity and sun exposure. Prev Med. 2006;42(4):301–308. PubMed ID: 16448688 doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2005.12.006

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 28.

    Bower JK, Hales DP, Tate DF, Rubin DA, Benjamin CE, Ward DS. The childcare environment and children’s physical activity. Am J Prev Med. 2008;34(1):23–29. PubMed ID: 18083447 doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2007.09.022

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 29.

    Dowda M, Brown WH, McIver KL, et al. Policies and characteristics of the preschool environment and physical activity of young children. Pediatrics. 2009;123(2):e261–e266. PubMed ID: 19171578 doi:10.1542/peds.2008-2498

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 30.

    Raustorp A, Pagels P, Boldemann C, Cosco N, Söderström M, Mårtensson F. Accelerometer measured level of physical activity indoors and outdoors during preschool time in Sweden and the United States. J Phys Act Health. 2012;9(6):801–808. PubMed ID: 21952100 doi:10.1123/jpah.9.6.801

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 31.

    Ridgers ND, Salmon J, Parrish AM, Stanley RM, Okely AD. Physical activity during school recess: a systematic review. Am J Prev Med. 2012;43(3):320–328. PubMed ID: 22898126 doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2012.05.019

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 32.

    Tonge K, Jones R, Okely A. Correlates of children’s objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behavior in early childhood education and care services. Prev Med. 2016;89:129–139. PubMed ID: 27235604 doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.05.019

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 33.

    Cardon G, De Craemer M, De Bourdeaudhuij I, Verloigne M. More physical activity and less sitting in children: why and how? Sci Sports. 2014;29(suppl):S3–S5. doi:10.1016/j.scispo.2014.08.002

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 34.

    Bellows L, Davies PL, Anderson J, Kennedy C. Effectiveness of a physical activity intervention for Head Start preschoolers: a randomized intervention study. Am J Occup Ther. 2013;67(1):28–36. PubMed ID: 23245780 doi:10.5014/ajot.2013.005777

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 35.

    Bonvin A, Barral J, Kakebeeke TH, et al. Effect of a governmentally-led physical activity program on motor skills in your children attending child care centers: a cluster randomized controlled trial. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2013;10:90. PubMed ID: 23835207 doi:10.1186/1479-5868-10-90

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 36.

    Jones RA, Riethmuller A, Hesketh K, Trezise J, Batterham M, Okely AD. Promoting fundamental movement skill development and physical activity in early childhood settings: a cluster randomized controlled trial. Pediatr Exerc Sci. 2011;23(4):600–615. PubMed ID: 22109783 doi:10.1123/pes.23.4.600

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 37.

    Jones R, Okely A, Hinkley T, Batterham M, Burke C. Promoting gross motor skills and physical activity in childcare: a translational randomized controlled trial. J Sci Med Sport. 2016;19(9):744–749. PubMed ID: 26774378 doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2015.10.006

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 38.

    Reilly JJ, Kelly L, Montgomery C, et al. Physical activity to prevent obesity in young children: cluster randomized controlled trial. BMJ. 2006;333(7577):1041–1046. PubMed ID: 17028105 doi:10.1136/bmj.38979.623773.55

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 39.

    Roth K, Kriemler S, Lehmacher W, Ruf K, Graf C, Hebestreit H. Effects of a physical activity intervention in preschool children. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2015;47(12):2542–2551. PubMed ID: 25970667 doi:10.1249/MSS.0000000000000703

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 40.

    Cole TJ, Bellizzi MC, Flegal MK, Dietz WH. Establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: international survey. BMJ. 2000;320(7244):1240–1240. PubMed ID: 10797032 doi:10.1136/bmj.320.7244.1240

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 41.

    Kiphard E, Schilling F. Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder: KTK, Manual. Gesellschaft Göttingen: Beltz; 2007.

  • 42.

    Fransen J, D’Hondt E, Bourgois J, Vaeyens R, Philippaerts RM, Lenoir M. Motor competence assessment in children: convergent and discriminant validity between the BOT-2 short form and KTK testing batteries. Res Dev Disabil. 2014;35(6):1375–1383. PubMed ID: 24713517 doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2014.03.011

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 43.

    Bruininks RH, Bruininks BD. Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency. 2nd ed. Minneapolis, MN: NCS Pearson; 2005.

  • 44.

    Pavlidou S, Karagiannopoulou S, Gounelas G, et al. Test-retest reliability of the body coordination test (Koerper Koordination test fur kinder) for children between 4.5 and 5.5 years of age. Short paper of the 23rd International Congress of Physical Education & Sport; 2015. Komotini, Greece. http://www.phyed.duth.gr/undergraduate/images/files/congress/2015/poster15.pdf. Accessed October 20, 2017

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 45.

    De Craemer N, De Decker E, De Bourdeaudhuij I, Verloigne M, Manios Y, Cardon G. The translation of preschooler’s physical activity guidelines into a daily step count target. J Sports Sci. 2015;33(10):1051–1057. PubMed ID: 25524541 doi:10.1080/02640414.2014.981850

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 46.

    Cohen A. Instructional alignment: searching for a magic bullet. SAGE J. 1987;16(8):16–20. doi:10.3102/0013189X016008016

  • 47.

    Gallahue DL, Ozmun JC, Goodway JD. Understanding Motor Development: Infants, Children, Adolescents, Adults. 7th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2011.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 48.

    Deli E, Bakle I, Zachopoulou E. Implementing intervention movement programs for kindergarten children. J Early Child Res. 2006;4(1):5–18. doi:10.1177/1476718X06059785

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 49.

    Zachopoulou E, Tsapakidou A, Derri V. The effects of a developmentally appropriate music and movement program on motor performance. Early Child Res Q. 2004;19(4):631–642. doi:10.1016/j.ecresq.2004.10.005

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 50.

    Livonen S, Sääkslahti AK. Preschool children’s fundamental motor skills: a review of significant determinants. Early Child Dev Care. 2013;184(7):1107–1126. doi:10.1080/03004430.2013.837897

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 51.

    True L, Pfeiffer K, Dowda M, et al. Motor competence and characteristics within the preschool environment. J Sci Med Sport. 2017;20(8):751–755. PubMed ID: 28169154 doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2016.11.019

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 52.

    Dowda M, Pate RR, Trost SG, Almeida MJ, Sirard JR. Influences of preschool policies and practices on children’s physical activity. J Community Health. 2004;29(3):183–196. PubMed ID: 15141894 doi:10.1023/B:JOHE.0000022025.77294.af

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 53.

    Logan SW, Robinson LE, Wilson AE, Lucas WA. Getting the fundamentals of movement: a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of motor skill interventions in children. Child Care Health Dev. 2011;38:305–315. PubMed ID: 21880055 doi:10.1111/j.1365-2214.2011.01307.x

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 54.

    Faucette N, Nugent P, Sallis JF, McKenzie TL. “I’d rather chew on aluminum foil:” overcoming classroom teachers’ resistance to teaching physical education. J Teach Phys Educ. 2002;21(3):287–308. doi:10.1123/jtpe.21.3.287

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 55.

    Rink JE, Hall TJ. Research on effective teaching in elementary school physical education. Elem Sch J. 2008;108(3):207–218. doi:10.1086/529103

  • 56.

    Voukia C, Voutsina I, Venetsanou F, Kambas A. Child and parental physical activity: is there an association with young children activity? Cent Eur J Public Health. 2018;26(2):144–148. doi:10.21101/cejph.a5043

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 57.

    Ross SM. Pre-K physical education: universal initiatives and teacher preparation recommendations. Quest. 2013;65(1):1–13. doi:10.1080/00336297.2012.727368

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 58.

    Hardman K. Physical education in schools: a global perspective. Kinesiology. 2008;40(1):5–28.

  • 59.

    Hassapidou M, Daskalou E, Tsofliou F, et al. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in preschool children in Thessaloniki, Greece. Hormones. 2015;14(4):615–622. PubMed ID: 26188232 doi:10.14310/ horm.2002.1601

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 60.

    Manios Y, Kourlaba G, Kondaki K, Grammatikaki E, Anastasiadou A, Roma-Giannikou E. Obesity and television watching in preschoolers in Greece: the GENESIS study. Obesity. 2009;17(11):2047–2053. PubMed ID: 19282823 doi:10.1038/oby.2009.50

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 61.

    Afthentopoulou AE, Kaioglou V, Venetsanou F. Overweight and obesity prevalence in young children living in Athens. Public Health Open J. 2017;2(1):26–32. doi:10.17140/PHOJ-2-117

    • Crossref
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 62.

    Cattaneo A, Monasta L, Stamatakis E, et al. Overweight and obesity in infants and pre-school children in the European Union: a review of existing data. Obes Rev. 2010;11(5):389–398. PubMed ID: 19619261 doi:10.1111/j.1467-789X.2009.00639.x

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 63.

    Olds T, Maher C, Zumin S, et al. Evidence that the prevalence of childhood overweight is plateauing: data from nine countries. Int J Pediatr Obes. 2011;6(5–6):342–360. PubMed ID: 21838570 doi:10.3109/17477166.2011.605895

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 64.

    Skinner A, Ravanbakht S, Skelton JA, Perrin EM, Armstrong SC. Prevalence of obesity and severe obesity in US children, 1999–2016. Pediatrics. 2018;141(3):e20173459. PubMed ID: 29483202 doi:10.1542/peds.2017-3459

    • Crossref
    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 3776 960 35
Full Text Views 94 30 6
PDF Downloads 61 16 1