This study aims to explore and compare two distinct approaches to physical activity: functional training and dynamic play exercises, focusing on their effects on children's gross motor skills, physical fitness and balance.
A randomized clinical trial will be conducted. The study will be conducted at Primary school of Lahore in a total duration of 10 months. Sample size will be 38. There will be two groups. Non-probability convenient sampling techniques will be used. The sample having the following characteristics will be included; Age 7-10 years, Both genders, Cognition MMSE score \> 25, Class grades 2-5 , BMI between 5th - 85th percentiles, Able to stand and walk independently, PBBS score \> 40, TGMD-2 \> 13, TUDS \> 10 secs. The population having the following characteristics will be excluded from the study; Pes Planus \& Pes cavus, Scoliosis, Genu valgum, Genu varum, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Presence of Asthma, Acute orthopedic problem and any history of surgery past 6 months, visual, vestibular, or balance disorders. The tools that will be included in this study are: Pediatrics balance scale, Test for gross motor development (TGMD-2) and Time up and downstairs test (TUDS). SPSS version 27 will be used for data analyses.
Age 7-10 years
Both genders
Cognition MMSE score > 25
Class grades 2-5
Pes Planus & Pes cavus
Scoliosis
Genu valgum
Genu varum
Parallel
Functional Training
Other interventionEach training session includes a preparation phase (warm-up, neuromuscular activation, dynamic stretching, and core activation), followed by two main modules: motor skill development (walking, jumping, crawling, throwing, pushing, catching) and physical fitness (balance, agility, endurance). Sessions conclude with motor skill consolidation and static stretching. Training spans 12 weeks: once weekly during weeks 1-8, and twice weekly during weeks 9-12
Dynamic Play Exercise
Other interventionThis includes warm-up (for 3-5 mins), rhythmic exercise (5-10 mins), games (7-10 mins) and free play exercises (10-15 mins). This group will receive the lesson once a week during week 1-8 and twice a week during 9-12 weeks
Paediatric Balance Scale
The Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), adapted from the Berg Balance Scale, assesses balance in children through 14 items scored 0-4, with a maximum of 56. It shows excellent test-retest (ICC=0.998) and interrater reliability (ICC=0.997).
Test for Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2)
The Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2) assesses 12 fundamental movement skills-6 locomotor (e.g., running, hopping) and 6 object control (e.g., throwing, catching)-in children aged 3 to 10 years 11 months. It evaluates movement patterns essential for physical activity. The TGMD-2 shows good internal consistency (α = 0.73-0.87), strong inter-rater agreement (≥ 0.92), and high test-retest reliability (locomotor = 0.91, object control = 0.85).
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