Motor-Focused Exercise and Brain Development in Preschool Children
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age4-6
SponsorHunan Normal University
About this trial
This study will test whether a structured motor-focused exercise program can improve both brain function and gross motor skills in preschool children. About 110 children aged 4 to 6 years will be recruited from kindergartens in Changsha, China. Classes will be randomly assigned to receive either (1) motor-focused physical education three times per week for 16 weeks, or (2) ordinary physical education of the same frequency and duration.
The motor-focused program includes playful, game-based activities designed to strengthen locomotor skills (such as running and hopping) and object-control skills (such as throwing and catching). The main outcome will be changes in children's gross motor skills, measured with a standardized motor test (TGMD-3). Brain activity will also be assessed using portable electroencephalography (EEG) during rest and simple tasks related to attention and memory. Parents and teachers will complete short questionnaires about children's behavior and executive function.
The results of this study may provide new insights into how physical education influences both movement skills and brain development in early childhood.
Eligibility criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
Children aged 4 to 6 years enrolled in participating kindergartens in Changsha, China
Physically healthy and able to safely participate in structured physical education activities
Written informed consent provided by a parent or legal guardian
Disqualifiers
Diagnosed neurological, developmental, or musculoskeletal disorders that may interfere with motor performance or EEG measurement
Currently enrolled in specialized sports or motor-training programs outside of the kindergarten curriculum
Unable to comply with EEG assessment procedures due to behavioral or sensory intolerance
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Motor-Focused Physical Education
BehavioralChildren will receive structured, motor-focused physical education sessions (30-40 minutes, 3 times per week, for 16 weeks), emphasizing locomotor and object-control skills through playful, game-based activities.
Ordinary Physical Education
BehavioralChildren will continue with their regular kindergarten physical education curriculum (30-40 minutes, 3 times per week, for 16 weeks), focusing on rhythmic movement, free play, and group games.
Treatment groups
110 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: Motor-Focused Exercise TrainingExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Ordinary Physical EducationActive comparator 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Gross Motor Competence (TGMD-3)
Change in children's gross motor skills measured by the Test of Gross Motor Development-Third Edition (TGMD-3).
Time frame
Baseline (week 0) and immediately post-intervention (week 16).Secondary outcomes
1
EEG Spectral Power
Change in resting-state EEG spectral power.
Time frame
Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 16).2
Event-Related Potentials (ERP)
Change in N2 and P3 amplitudes and latencies recorded during Go/No-Go and working memory tasks.
Time frame
Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 16).3
Inhibitory Control
Accuracy and reaction time on inhibitory control via Go/No-Go.
Time frame
Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 16).4
Working Memory
Working memory will be assessed according to picture recognition.
Time frame
Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 16).Locations
Sponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov
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