Open Access
Assessing basic motor competences, physical fitness, and executive function in 4-5-year-old children: a longitudinal study in a primary care setting
(BMC, 2024) Legarra Gorgoñón, Gaizka; García Alonso, Yesenia; Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Alonso Martínez, Loreto; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; Alonso Martínez, Alicia; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
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.
Open Access
Effect of a gamified family-based exercise intervention on adherence to 24-hour movement behavior recommendations in preschool children: single-center pragmatic trial
(JMIR Publications, 2025-03-04) Legarra Gorgoñón, Gaizka; García Alonso, Yesenia; Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Alonso Martínez, Loreto; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; Alonso Martínez, Alicia; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Ciencias humanas y de la educación; Giza eta Hezkuntza Zientziak; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
Background: Adherence to 24-hour movement behavior recommendations, including physical activity (PA), sedentary time, and sleep, is essential for the healthy development of preschool children. Gamified family-based interventions have shown the potential to improve adherence to these guidelines, but evidence of their effectiveness among children is limited. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a gamified family-based exercise intervention in promoting adherence to 24-hour movement behavior recommendations among preschool-aged children. Methods: This 12-week study is a single-center, pragmatic randomized controlled trial that included 80 preschool children (56% boys) and their families, who were randomly assigned to either the gamification group (n=40) or the control group (n=40). The “3, 2, 1 Move on Study” incorporates family-oriented physical activities and gamification techniques to increase PA domains, reduce sedentary behavior, and improve sleep patterns. The primary outcome was to increase moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) by 5 minutes/day, as measured by accelerometer at follow-up. Accelerometer-determined daily time spent (PA domains, sedentary behavior, and sleep), physical fitness (cardiorespiratory, speed-agility, muscular, physical fitness z-score), basic motor competencies (self-movement and object movement), and executive function (memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control) were also included as secondary outcomes. Results: The 71 participants included in the per-protocol analyses (32 girls, 45%; 39 boys, 55%) had a mean (SD) age of 5.0 (0.5) years. Change in MVPA per day after the intervention (12 weeks) increased in both groups by +25.3 (SD 24.6) minutes/day in the gamification group and +10.0 (SD 31.4) minutes/day in the routine care group, but no significant between-group differences were observed (8.62, 95% CI –5.72 to 22.95 minutes/day, ηp2=.025; P=.23). The analysis of secondary outcomes showed significant between-group mean differences in the change in physical behaviors derived from the accelerometers from baseline to follow-up of 26.44 (95% CI 8.93 to 43.94) minutes/day in favor of light PA (ηp2=.138; P=.01) and 30.88 (95% CI 4.36 to 57.41) minutes/day in favor of total PA, which corresponds to a large effect size (ηp2=.087; P=.02). Likewise, the gamification group substantially increased their score in standing long jump and physical fitness z-score from baseline (P<.05). Conclusions: In the “3, 2, 1 Move on Study,” a gamified intervention showed a modest but relevant increase in MVPA and other domains of 24-hour movement behavior among preschool-aged children. Therefore, gamified family-based interventions may provide a viable alternative to improve adherence to 24-hour movement behavior recommendations.

Alonso Martínez, Loreto

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