This randomized controlled trial found that integrative neuromuscular exercises significantly improved gross motor skills in school-age girls compared to regular physical activity. The results support including structured neuromuscular training in physical education programs.
The current study aims to determine the effects of eight-week integrated neuromuscular exercise implemented during physical education class in a primary school in lower elementary children on motor skills. The sample consisted of 52 second-grade students of the elementary school "Prva vojvodjanska brigada" from Novi Sad. Classes were randomly divided into the two groups: the intervention group (n=37) and the control group (n=35). The intervention group performed the integrated neuromuscular training program two times per week within the first \~15 min of physical education class consisting of a dynamic warm-up, basic exercises focused on increasing muscle strength and power, and secondary exercises focused on improving fundamental motor skills. The control group performed traditional physical education classes, also twice a week. To evaluate the effects of the experimental and control program, the following test batteries were used: for the assessment of motor skills Test of Gross Motor Development. Mixed model analysis of variance with repeated measures was used for statist analysis.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
42
Participants performed the integrated neuromuscular training program two times per week within the first \~15 min of physical education class consisting of a dynamic warm-up, basic exercises focused on increasing muscle strength and power, and secondary exercises focused on improving fundamental motor skills.
Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad
Novi Sad, Serbia
Locomotor skills - Test of Gross Motor Development - 2nd edition
Test of Gross Motor Development-2nd Edition (TGMD-2). The TGMD-2 has been widely used in previous research due to its high reliability and low measurement error, providing strong support for its effectiveness (Ulrich, 2000). Locomotor skills (run and horizontal jump) is especial skills in this battery and of great importance for monitoring the motor development of girls. Each task was performed twice by the child; a score of 1 was awarded for correct execution, whereas a score of 0 was given for incorrect performance. Each performance criterion was scored separately across two trials, and the scores were subsequently summed to obtain the final result. This overall score reflects the individual's current level of fundamental motor development. Higher scores indicate more proficient locomotor skills, whereas lower scores may suggest the presence of motor deficits.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Manipulative skills - Test of Gross Motor Development
Test of Gross Motor Development-2 has been widely used in previous research due to its high reliability and low measurement error, providing strong support for its effectiveness (Ulrich, 2000). Each task was performed twice by the child; a score of 1 was awarded for correct execution, whereas a score of 0 was given for incorrect performance. Higher scores indicate more proficient manipulative skills (catch, stationary dribble), whereas lower scores may suggest the presence of motor deficits.
Time frame: 8 weeks
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