A Guided Active Play Invention Focused on Selectively Improving Locomotor and Object Control Motor Skills During Early Childhood

The relationship between level of proficiency in motor skill (MS) (for either locomotor (LOC) and/or object control (OC)) and increased physical activity (PA) participation in children aged 5 to 7 years is lacking in literature. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a guided active play intervention program targeting LOC or OC skill development on MS proficiency and percent moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The LOC focused MS intervention group showed improvements for all sub-types (LOC, OC, and GMQ), however, the OC focused intervention group only showed significant improvements in LOC score. Minimal changes in MS scores were observed for the comparative group (SAS) that did not receive any specific intervention program. It is concluded that the relationship between PA and MS proficiency during early childhood needs to reflect the notion that PA intensity (>40% MVPA) is an important component influencing MS development.