Development and validation of a hip hop intervention programme for pre-school children: Crescer+ (Grow+)

Abstract

Physical inactivity and obesity in children are public health problems that can be fought through the practice of rhythmic activities such as hip hop. The aim of this study was to develop and validate the Crescer+ hip hop physical exercise programme, designed to promote increased physical activity and improved physical-motor skills in children aged 3 to 5 years old. The exercise programme was designed and validated by physical fitness and motor development specialists, following the Revised Guidelines for Reporting Criteria on the Development and Evaluation of Complex Health Interventions (CReDECI2), and the Consensus Guidelines on Physical Exercise Programme Reporting Model (CERT), and went through three phases: development, piloting and evaluation. This study presents an intervention proposal based on children's motor development, emphasizing foundational motor skills and drawn on hip hop's identity motor skills, as well as its exploration of various coordinative abilities. The Crescer+ programme proposal presents suggestions for adapting to the target population and choreographies that can be replicated by physical fitness professionals. Keywords: motor development, second childhood, foundational motor skills, complex intervention, fitness