Child Development, Childhood Obesity, Exercise Intervention, Physical Fitness, Physical Inactivity in Children
Conditions
Keywords
Physical Education, Motor Fitness, Exercise Program
Brief summary
The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to compare the effects of a standard school physical education program (SPEP) and a rhythmic and gymnastic activities-based school physical education program (RGPEP) on the physical and motor fitness parameters of Malaysian primary school children.
Detailed description
This randomized controlled trial evaluates the impact of two distinct physical education programs on the physical and motor fitness of Malaysian primary school children. The intervention group participates in a rhythmic and gymnastic activities-based physical education program (RGPEP), designed to enhance balance, coordination, flexibility, and agility through structured, progressive activities. The control group follows the standard school physical education program (SPEP) in line with the national curriculum, which emphasizes general fitness and physical activity without specific rhythmic or gymnastic components.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALRhythmic and Gymnastic Activities-Based School Physical Education Program
A structured, year-long school-based physical education program integrating rhythmic movements, gymnastics, and small equipment exercises designed to enhance motor and physical fitness. The program included 80 sessions (two per week) focusing on rhythmic activities such as twisting, partner balance, animal walks, tumbling, and rope exercises. The intervention aimed to improve strength, flexibility, agility, and cardiovascular endurance compared to traditional physical education classes.
Sponsors
Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Hellenic Naval Academy
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
8 Years to 8 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Children aged 8 years at the time of enrollment. * Both boys and girls. * Regular school attendance during the academic year. * No diagnosed health conditions or chronic diseases that could interfere with physical activity. * Not involved in extracurricular sports activities outside the school environment. * Not engaged in extra traveling to and from school on foot or by bicycle. * Parents or legal guardians provided written informed consent. * The child provided verbal assent to participate in the study.
Exclusion criteria
* Children missing more than 20% of scheduled physical education classes. * Overweight children with a BMI ≥ 23 kg/m². * Underweight children with a BMI \< 18.5 kg/m². * Children involved in regular sports training or participation in extracurricular sports activities during the intervention period. * Children with any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries that could limit participation in physical activities. * Children with developmental or motor impairments affecting their ability to perform the required fitness activities. * Children on any medication that could interfere with their performance or physical fitness evaluation.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Multistage Shuttle Run Test | Baseline (Month 0) and Post-Intervention (Month 12). | Cardiovascular endurance will be measured using the multistage shuttle run test. VO₂max (mL/kg/min) will be estimated based on performance. |
| 4 × 10-Meter Shuttle Run | Baseline (Month 0) and Post-Intervention (Month 12). | Agility and speed will be measured using a 4 × 10-meter shuttle run test. Time to complete the test (in seconds) will be recorded. |
| Push-Ups | Baseline (Month 0) and Post-Intervention (Month 12). | Upper body endurance will be assessed using the push-up test. The number of correctly executed push-ups performed will be recorded. |
| Sit and Reach Test | Baseline (Month 0) and Post-Intervention (Month 12). | Flexibility will be assessed using the sit and reach test. The maximum reach distance (in centimeters) will be recorded. |
| Standing Broad Jump | Baseline (Month 0) and Post-Intervention (Month 12). | The standing broad jump test measures lower body power in centimeters. Participants will perform a jump from a standing position, and the longest distance recorded will be used for analysis. |
| 20-Meter Sprint | Baseline (Month 0) and Post-Intervention (Month 12). | Sprint speed will be assessed using a 20-meter sprint test. The time taken (in seconds) to complete the distance will be recorded. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Baseline (Month 0) and Post-Intervention (Month 12). | Body weight will be measured using a digital scale and recorded in kilograms. |
| Body Mass Index | Baseline (Month 0) and Post-Intervention (Month 12). | BMI will be calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²). |
| Height | Baseline (Month 0) and Post-Intervention (Month 12). | Standing height will be measured using a stadiometer and recorded in centimeters. |
Outcome results
None listed