RESUMEN
High competence in fundamental motor skills (FMS) and adequate physical fitness (PF) levels are a solid foundation for acquiring an active and healthy lifestyle during childhood and adolescence. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to compare gender and age groups and identify correlations between FMS and PF in young elementary school students. We used a structured questionnaire to gather sociodemographic information from parents, and we characterized the children's economic profile with the Brazil Social Economic Status Criterion. We collected FMS data using the Furtado-Gallagher Children Observational Movement Pattern Assessment System (FG-COMPASS), and we used the Brazil Sports Project Battery Test to measure PF levels. Statistical analyses involved descriptive data and inferential tests to determine group differences in FMS and PF levels. Hierarchical regression helped identify the associations between FMS and PF, as controlled by sociodemographic factors. Participants were 720 students (and parents) of both genders (383 girls, 337 boys; M age = 8.8, SD = 1.52 years) from grades 1 to 5 in an elementary school in a municipality in the western region of the Paraná state in Brazil. The results showed significant differences in children's motor skills and PF based on gender and age. The hierarchical regression model showed different combinations of flexibility, abdominal resistance, upper limb strength, agility, speed, and lower limb strength, which explained 33.7% of the variability in the global FMS index, 41% of the variability in manipulative skills, and 12.7% of the variability in locomotor skills. In addition, there was a positive association between FMS and PF related to neuromuscular development for both sexes, regardless of age.
RESUMEN
ABSTRACT The low fundamental movement skills, physical activity and enjoyment students in the COVID-19 era are gaps in this study. This study aims to examine the effects of exergame on fundamental movement skills, physical activity and enjoyment in among inactive students during the COVID-19 era. Quantitative research with experimental methods was used in this study. There were 26 children allocated to the exergame group (n=13; age: 7.20±1.30 years; height: 1.38±2.38 cm; weight: 31.60±4.50 kg and a control group n=13; age: 7.40±1.14 years; height: 1.36±3.08 cm; weight: 28.40±3.43 kg). The intervention program was conducted for nine weeks. Fundamental movement skills children were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development-Third Edition and physical activity was measured using the ActiGraph GT9X Link accelerometer, while enjoyment was assessed using the physical education curriculum enjoyment scale. The results showed that the implementation of exergame was proven to improve fundamental movement skills, physical activity and enjoyment significantly, however there was no increase in the control group. This research is evidence that exergame is an effective tool to improve fundamental movement skills, physical activity and enjoyment in students during the COVID-19 era.
RESUMO As baixas habilidades fundamentais de movimento, atividade física e diversão dos alunos da era COVID-19 são lacunas neste estudo. Este estudo tem como objetivo examinar os efeitos do exergame nas habilidades fundamentais de movimento, atividade física e diversão em alunos inativos durante a era COVID-19. Pesquisa quantitativa com métodos experimentais foi utilizada neste estudo. Havia 26 crianças alocadas no grupo exergame (n = 13; idade: 7,20 ± 1,30 anos; altura: 1,38 ± 2,38 cm; peso: 31,60 ± 4,50 kg e um grupo controle n = 13; idade: 7,40 ± 1,14 anos; altura : 1,36 ± 3,08 cm; peso: 28,40 ± 3,43 kg). O programa de intervenção durou nove semanas. As crianças com habilidades fundamentais de movimento foram avaliadas usando Test of Gross Motor Development-Third Edition e a atividade física foi medida usando o acelerômetro ActiGraph GT9X Link, enquanto o prazer foi avaliado usando a escala de prazer do currículo de educação física. Os resultados mostraram que a implementação do exergame demonstrou melhorar significativamente as habilidades fundamentais de movimento, atividade física e prazer. No entanto, não houve aumento no grupo controle. Esta pesquisa é uma evidência de que o exergame é uma ferramenta eficaz para melhorar as habilidades fundamentais de movimento, atividade física e diversão em alunos durante a era COVID-19.