Improve Motor Skills Research Articles

Finger Painting Revolutionizes Early Childhood Education by Boosting Fine Motor Skills

This classroom action research investigates the efficacy of finger painting activities in enhancing the fine motor skills of 5-6-year-old children at Ittihadul Ummah Ngoro Kindergarten. Conducted over two cycles with 20 students in Group B, the study employs observation, tests, interviews, and documentation for data collection. Results indicate a notable improvement in children's fine motor skills, with average achievements rising from 61% to 78% between Cycle I and Cycle II. The findings underscore the value of integrating sensory-rich, hands-on activities like finger painting into early childhood education to support holistic development and academic readiness. Highlight: Finger painting enhances fine motor skills. Integration of sensory-rich activities in early childhood education. Importance of holistic development for academic readiness. Keywoard: Fine motor Skills, Finger Painting, Early Childhood Education, Sensory-rich Activities, Academic Readiness.

Improved motor skills in autistic children after three weeks of neurologic music therapy via telehealth: a pilot study.

Many autistic children experience motor skill deficits which can impact other areas of functioning, and research on therapeutic interventions for motor skills in autism is in a preliminary stage. Music-based therapies have been used extensively to address motor skills in non-autistic populations. Though a handful of studies exist on the effects of music-based therapies for movement in autistic children, none have investigated the possibility of administering sessions via telehealth. This mixed-methods pilot study investigated whether nine Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT)® sessions via telehealth would improve motor and attention skills in autistic children. Five autistic children between five and 10 years of age participated in the study, with support from their caregivers. Motor skills were assessed using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency second edition, short form (BOT-2 SF), and a selective attention and sustained attention task were taken from the Test of Everyday Attention for Children, Second Edition (TEA-Ch2). Caregivers and the two neurologic music therapists involved in the study provided qualitative input about the perceived effectiveness of telehealth NMT for the children involved. Their responses were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Caregivers also filled out a Sensory Profile 2 assessment prior to the onset of sessions so that each child's sensory profile could be compared to their motor and attention results. Statistically significant improvements in motor skills were observed between pre-test assessment and a two-week follow-up assessment. Results from attention test scores were not significant. Caregivers and neurologic music therapists generally perceived sessions positively and noted the importance of having caregivers actively involved. When compared with individual progress on the BOT-2 SF assessment, sensory profile results revealed that children with fewer sensory sensitivities tended to improve the most on motor skills. The improvements in motor skills and positive caregiver and therapist views of telehealth indicate that NMT motor interventions administered via telehealth are a promising avenue of therapeutic support for movement skill development in autistic children.

Art therapy for children and adolescents with autism: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Background Children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience a variety of social, behavioural and motor symptoms that impact their daily life. The benefits of art therapy (AT) have been demonstrated with other populations. Aims: This review aimed to investigate the effectiveness of AT for children and adolescents with ASD. Methods Following best practice standards in the conduct of systematic reviews, a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Emcare, Embase, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, OTseeker and Education Resources Information Center databases and grey literature was conducted in February 2023. Two reviewers independently undertook a two-stage literature screening process. The McMaster critical appraisal tool was utilised to determine the methodological quality of the included studies. A narrative synthesis was used to synthesise the results. Results Seven studies of varying methodological quality were included in this review. The modality and parameters of AT varied between studies, as did measures of outcomes. However, improvements in social skills (communication, interpersonal relationships and social behaviour), behavioural skills (hyperactivity/inattention and assertion) and motor skills (fine motor skills, balance and flexibility) were reported in the literature. Conclusions While AT may offer positive improvements of ASD symptoms for children and adolescents, further methodologically rigorous research is required to substantiate these findings. Implications The use of AT in clinical practice should be underpinned by sound clinical reasoning and use of robust outcome measures to evaluate the impact of such interventions.

Effects of indoor hockey intervention on motor proficiency and physical fitness in adolescents

This study aimed to determine the intervention of hockey games in improving motor skills and physical fitness in adolescents. The research method used in this study was an experiment involving a control group. This research uses a pre-test-post-test randomized control group design, with a total sampling of 30 adolescents divided into 2 groups, namely the experimental group and the control group, each comprising 15 people. The determination of group division is divided randomly, and all subjects involved are used. Instruments used Children's Psychomotricity and Aptitude Scales (MSCA, USA). Physical fitness using physical fitness test instruments, which have been adjusted to the characteristics of the research subjects. The results showed that the intervention for 12 weeks in indoor hockey activity, intervention, and gross motor intervention showed a significance value of 0.034. Because the significance value < 0.05, Ho was rejected, compared to the results of participants in the study who were given an independent intervention program. The physical fitness data shows that the pre-test standard deviation is 1.30440 compared to the post-test 1.61211, this means that there is an increase in adolescent physical fitness. Thus, indoor hockey intervention has a significant influence on the physical fitness of adolescents. These findings prove that interventions in the form of physically engaging activities focusing on floor hockey sports may be a viable option for improving Motor Proficiency and Physical Fitness in Adolescents.

Analysis of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Utilization for Improving Motor Skills Learning Outcomes among Elementary School Teacher Education (PGSD) Students

This study explores the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve motor skills learning outcomes for elementary school teacher education (PGSD) students. The research investigates how AI can provide timely feedback and personalized instruction in teaching motor skills. Data analysis methods include surveys, observations, and evaluations of learning outcomes. The research findings reveal the following: 1) Female students' motor skills are classified as moderate, with an average score of 200. The classification criteria for female students' motor skills are excellent (5.67%), good (24.33%), moderate (30.33%), poor (32.67%), and very poor (3%). 2) Male students' motor skills are also categorized as moderate, with an average score of 200. The percentage breakdown for male students' motor skills is as follows: excellent (7.32%), good (25.61%), moderate (37.80%), poor (29.39%), and very poor (4.88%). The results indicate that integrating AI into motor skills learning significantly enhances the academic performance of PGSD students. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating AI technology in teacher education, particularly to enhance the motor skills development of PGSD students. The research supports the concept that AI can effectively support motor skills learning at this educational level.

Changes in spinal motoneuron excitability during the improvement of fingertip dexterity by actual execution combined with motor imagery practice

Since there is an upper limit to skill improvement through the repetition of actual execution, we examined whether motor imagery could be used in combination with actual execution to maximize motor skill improvement. Fingertip dexterity was evaluated in 25 healthy participants performing a force adjustment task using a pinch movement with the left thumb and index finger. In the intervention condition, six sets of repetitions of combined actual execution and motor imagery were performed, while in the control condition, the same flow was performed, but with motor imagery replaced by rest. Changes in the excitability of spinal motoneurons during motor imagery compared to rest were compared in terms of the F/M amplitude ratio. Motor skill changes were compared before and after repeated practice and between the conditions, respectively, using the absolute amount of adjustment error between the target pinch force value and the delivered pinch force value (absolute error) as an index. The results showed that the repetition of exercise practice and motor imagery decreased the absolute error, which was greater than that of exercise practice alone in terms of motor skill improvement. The F/M amplitude ratio for motor imagery compared to rest did not increase. This suggests that motor imagery is involved in the degree of the increase of spinal motoneuron excitability based on the real-time prediction of motor execution and that there may be no need for an increase in excitability during motor skill control.

A Comprehensive Analysis of AI/ML-enabled Predictive Maintenance Modelling for Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems

Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) are changing driver-vehicle interactions to improve road safety and reduce distractions. Technological advances like ADAS and AI in cars present societal challenges and opportunities. It shows how AI aids human-machine communication by improving motor skills. The auto industry is interested in ADAS because it can increase energy efficiency, safety, and comfort. Numerous studies have shown its benefits. ADAS and vehicle networking show promise, but establishing a sound control system is challenging. Model Predictive Control (MPC) is one answer to these problems. To manage higher-level connectivity and automation, the paper analyses and implements key research. It also finds issues and recommends solutions. The latest driverless car ADAS improvements have dramatically increased passenger safety. These systems are safer and more automated using sensors and ECUs. Most ADAS have RADAR, cameras, ultrasonic, and LiDAR. This work uses AI/ML-enabled Predictive Maintenance modelling to improve ADAS safety and longevity. AI and ML in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are significant vehicle safety and reliability advances. AI/ML-enabled predictive maintenance detects and fixes ADAS component faults. ADAS predictive maintenance using AI/ML can detect issues, improve driver safety, and boost vehicle efficiency. Advanced sensor arrays and control units are needed for adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and lane-keeping assistance. AI/ML algorithms discover issues and enable early interventions in predictive maintenance models. Predictive maintenance is examined utilizing classical machine learning, deep learning, and reinforcement learning. Integration of numerous AI/ML models, real-time data processing, customization based on vehicle usage patterns, scalability, and adaptability of predictive maintenance models to new ADAS technologies are research gaps.

Haptic Feedback, Performance and Arousal: A Comparison Study in an Immersive VR Motor Skill Training Task.

This article investigates the relationship between fine motor skill training in VR, haptic feedback, and physiological arousal. To do so, we present the design and development of a motor skill task (buzzwire), along with a custom vibrotactile feedback attachment for the Geomagic Touch haptic device. A controlled experiment following a between-subjects design was conducted with 73 participants, studying the role of three feedback conditions - visual/kinesthetic, visual/vibrotactile and visual only - on the learning and performance of the considered task and the arousal levels of the participants. Results indicate that performance improved in all three feedback conditions after the considered training session. However, participants reported no change in self-efficacy and in terms of presence and task load (NASA-TLX). All three feedback conditions also showed similar arousal levels. Further analysis revealed that positive changes in performance were linked to higher arousal levels. These results suggest the potential of haptic feedback to affect arousal levels and encourage further research into using this relationship to improve motor skill training in VR.

MOVEMENT REINFORCEMENT FACTORS RELATED TO CHILDREN'S MOTOR SKILLS: A REVIEW STUDY IN SPORTS EDUCATION

Background and Study Aim. Children's motor development is one of the important aspects in shaping children's health and quality of life. Good motor skills not only enable children to participate in various physical activities, but also play a role in their social, emotional and cognitive development. Therefore, it is important for sports educators to understand the factors that influence children's motor development. This study aims to present a comprehensive review of the factors that reinforce children's motor development in the context of sport education. Materials and Methods. This study used a literature review design following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The data used in this study were published articles published in national and international journals. The search for publication articles was carried out using several journal database websites such as ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. Through the literature review, these articles identified key factors related to improving children's motor skills. After the exclusion criteria, only 4 articles were categorized. Results. These factors include physical, psychological and environmental aspects that influence children's motor development. In this study, we investigated the relationship between factors such as physical exercise, children's psychological understanding of movement, the role of teachers in providing appropriate guidance, a supportive learning environment, and external factors such as healthy diet and lifestyle. The findings from this review highlight the importance of a holistic approach in supporting children's motor development. Conclusions. Through a better understanding of the factors that influence children's motor movements, sport educators can design more effective and sustainable programs to improve motor skills as well as overall health at important developmental stages in children's lives.

Efficacy of Early Intervention for Infants With Cerebral Palsy in an LMIC: An RCT.

To test efficacy of a parent-delivered multidomain early intervention (Learning through Everyday Activities with Parents [LEAP-CP]) for infants with cerebral palsy (CP) compared with equal-dose of health advice (HA), on (1) infant development; and (2) caregiver mental health. It was hypothesized that infants receiving LEAP-CP would have better motor function, and caregivers better mental health. This was a multisite single-blind randomized control trial of infants aged 12 to 40 weeks corrected age (CA) at risk for CP (General Movements or Hammersmith Infant Neurologic Examination). Both LEAP-CP and HA groups received 15 fortnightly home-visits by a peer trainer. LEAP-CP is a multidomain active goal-directed intervention. HA is based on Key Family Practices, World Health Organization. Primary outcomes: (1) infants at 18 months CA: Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT mobility); and (2) caregiver: Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale. Of eligible infants, 153 of 165 (92.7%) were recruited (86 males, mean age 7.1±2.7 months CA, Gross Motor Function Classification System at 18 m CA: I = 12, II = 25, III = 9, IV = 18, V = 32). Final data were available for 118 (77.1%). Primary (PEDI-CAT mobility mean difference = 0.8 (95% CI -1.9 to 3.6) P = .54) and secondary outcomes were similar between-groups. Modified-Intention-To-Treat analysis on n = 96 infants with confirmed CP showed Gross Motor Function Classification System I and IIs allocated to LEAP-CP had significantly better scores on PEDI-CAT mobility domain (mean difference 4.0 (95% CI = 1.4 to 6.5), P = .003) compared with HA. Although there was no overall effect of LEAP-CP compared with dose-matched HA, LEAP-CP lead to superior improvements in motor skills in ambulant children with CP, consistent with what is known about targeted goal-directed training.

Alteration of LARGE1 abundance in patients and a mouse model of 5q-associated spinal muscular atrophy

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disorder caused by recessive pathogenic variants affecting the survival of motor neuron (SMN1) gene (localized on 5q). In consequence, cells lack expression of the corresponding protein. This pathophysiological condition is clinically associated with motor neuron (MN) degeneration leading to severe muscular atrophy. Additionally, vulnerability of other cellular populations and tissues including skeletal muscle has been demonstrated. Although the therapeutic options for SMA have considerably changed, treatment responses may differ thus underlining the persistent need for validated biomarkers. To address this need and to identify novel marker proteins for SMA, we performed unbiased proteomic profiling on cerebrospinal fluid derived (CSF) from genetically proven SMA type 1–3 cases and afterwards performed ELISA studies on CSF and serum samples to validate the potential of a novel biomarker candidates in both body fluids. To further decipher the pathophysiological impact of this biomarker, immunofluorescence studies were carried out on spinal cord and skeletal muscle derived from a 5q-SMA mouse model. Proteomics revealed increase of LARGE1 in CSF derived from adult patients showing a clinical response upon treatment with nusinersen. Moreover, LARGE1 levels were validated in CSF samples of further SMA patients (type 1–3) by ELISA. These studies also unveiled a distinguishment between groups in improvement of motor skills: adult patients do present with lowered level per se at baseline visit while no elevation upon treatment in the pediatric cohort can be observed. ELISA-based studies of serum samples showed no changes in the pediatric cohort but unraveled elevated level in adult patients responding to future intervention with nusinersen, while non-responders did not show a significant increase. Additional immunofluorescence studies of LARGE1 in MN and skeletal muscle of a SMA type 3 mouse model revealed an increase of LARGE1 during disease progression. Our combined data unraveled LARGE1 as a protein dysregulated in serum and CSF of SMA-patients (and in MN and skeletal muscle of SMA mice) holding the potential to serve as a disease marker for SMA and enabling to differentiate between patients responding and non-responding to therapy with nusinersen.

Influence of Peer Feedback on Motor Skill Learning and Self-Efficacy among Adolescents in Kenya

Purpose: The aim of the study was to influence of peer feedback on motor skill learning and self-efficacy among adolescents in Kenya
 Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
 Findings: The study on the influence of peer feedback on motor skill learning and self-efficacy among adolescents in Kenya found that peer feedback had a significant positive impact on motor skill learning. Adolescents who received feedback from their peers demonstrated improved motor skill performance compared to those who did not. Additionally, the study revealed that peer feedback also had a positive influence on self-efficacy, with adolescents reporting increased confidence in their motor skill abilities after receiving feedback from their peers
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social cognitive theory, self-determination theory & feedback intervention theory may be used to anchor future studies on influence of peer feedback on motor skill learning and self-efficacy among adolescents in Kenya. Peer mentorship programs can create a structured framework for peer feedback and skill development, facilitating a sense of camaraderie and cooperation among adolescents. Educational policymakers should consider incorporating guidelines for peer feedback into curriculum standards for physical education.

Inhibition of leukocyte migration after ischemic stroke by VE-cadherin mutation in a mouse model leads to reduced infarct volumes and improved motor skills.

To distinguish between the genuine cellular impact of the ischemic cascade by leukocytes and unspecific effects of edema and humoral components, two knock-in mouse lines were utilized. Mouse lines Y731F and Y685F possess point mutations in VE-cadherin, which lead to a selective inhibition of transendothelial leukocyte migration or impaired vascular permeability. Ischemic stroke was induced by a model of middle cerebral artery occlusion. Analysis contained structural outcomes (infarct volume and extent of brain edema), functional outcomes (survival analysis, rotarod test, and neuroscore), and the extent and spatial distribution of leukocyte migration (heatmaps and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis). Inhibition of transendothelial leukocyte migration as in Y731F mice leads to smaller infarct volumes (52.33±4719 vs. 70.43±6483mm3 , p=.0252) and improved motor skills (rotarod test: 85.52±13.24s vs. 43.06±15.32s, p=.0285). An impaired vascular permeability as in Y685F mice showed no effect on structural or functional outcomes. Both VE-cadherin mutations did not influence the total immune cell count or spatial distribution in ischemic brain parenchyma. Selective inhibition of transendothelial leukocyte migration by VE-cadherin mutation after ischemic stroke in a mouse model leads to smaller infarct volumes and improved motor skills.

A Pilot Study Comparing the Efficacy, Fidelity, Acceptability, and Feasibility of Telehealth and Face-to-Face Creative Movement Interventions in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

We compared the efficacy, fidelity, acceptability, and feasibility of a creative movement (CM) intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), delivered face-to-face (F2F) or through telehealth (TH). Fifteen children with ASD received the CM intervention F2F or through TH. Motor assessments were used to evaluate effects of F2F and TH interventions on children's motor skills, while video coding was used to assess affect, socially directed verbalization, interpersonal synchrony, and motor coordination during training. Stakeholder feedback and training fidelity data on the intervention were also collected. Children in both subgroups showed similar baseline performance and training-related improvements in motor skills, positive/interested affect, socially directed verbalization, interpersonal synchrony, and dual/multilimb coordination. Parents in the TH subgroup considered the intervention feasible and acceptable; however, they reported greater effort to supervise and redirect their child's attention compared to the F2F subgroup. Trainers for the TH subgroup reported more communication difficulties, technological issues, and longer session lengths, but found greater parental involvement compared to the F2F subgroup. CM interventions are consistent, acceptable, feasible, and effective in improving social, behavioral-affective, and motor skills of children with ASD, regardless of the method of delivery. Clinicians should make efforts to reduce communication/technological issues and parental burden when delivering CM interventions through TH. ClinicalTrials.Gov Study ID-NCT04258254.

Improvement of Motor Skills and Motivation to Learn Physical Education Through the Use of Traditional Games

Study purpose. This study aims to investigate motor skills and motivation to learn physical education through traditional games. Materials and methods. The study was conducted using an experimental method and involved 60 students from primary schools in Purwodadi District, Grobogan Regency, Indonesia. Data were collected by measuring motor skills and learning motivation through affective, cognitive and psychomotor tests that were examined for validity and reliability. In addition, students' character was also measured through observational tests of students' basic movement skills. The measurement of basic movement skills was carried out before and after the intervention, which lasted for 8 sessions over one month. Data analysis was carried out using the ANOVA technique, reinforced by regression of research results using SPSS 22 software. Results. The results showed that the traditional game approach had a significant effect on increasing students' motivation to learn physical education. The traditional games approach also contributed positively to students' learning outcomes. Through hands-on experience in these traditional games, students can develop motor skills, coordination, speed, strength, as well as cognitive aspects such as strategy, spatial intelligence and situation analysis. Conclusions. By participating in traditional games, students can understand and respect cultural heritage and broaden their horizons about cultural diversity. Suggestions for future investigations include extending the research and development activities by including a larger sample, which may provide greater statistical power to support research findings in the area of traditional games.

Characteristics of specific training in elite handball players specialized in goalkeeper position

Background and Study Aim. Elite handball goalkeepers undergo intensive training for reflexes and advanced techniques. They develop mental toughness to handle the pressure and responsibility at key moments of the game. Thus, they protect the goal of the team. This study aims to investigate and highlight the specific training characteristics of elite handball players specialized in the goalkeeper position. Material and Methods. The best 4 goalkeepers specialized in elite handball in Romania, aged between 22 and 33 years, were selected. Specific motor tests were used: Test 1 - Jumps 15 seconds; Test 2 – Reaction speed to visual stimulus; Test 3 – Execution speed. Technical tests were used: Test specific to goalkeeper, Triangle moving, The Ten Jump, Ball throwing, Standing long jump, Passes to a fixed point; The Cooper test. To improve specific training, there were applied strategies for training optimization which include stretching for mobility, segmental muscle strength, goalkeeping specific exercises and plyometrics. The nonparametric Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relationship between technical training and motor skills parameters. The statistical significance level was set at p<0.05. Results. The performance of elite handball players specializing in goalkeeper position highlighted significant improvements in the Jumps 15 sec test. Contact time decreased by 0.13 seconds while the jump height increased by 0.55 cm, showing improved efficiency and power. In the Reaction speed to visual stimulus test, waiting time and reaction time decreased considerably, while the foot rising height increased. In the right and left leg Execution speed test, the differences observed reveal individual adaptations. The overall time is low in the right foot and there is a significant increase in the left foot. The nonparametric Spearman correlation analysis showed the relationship between the indices of technical fitness tests and the strength and speed motor skills. During Test 1 - Jumps 15 sec - 49 correlations were identified, of which 5.36% were statistically significant, highlighting strong connections between certain parameters. The analysis of Test 2 showed 56 correlations, but the lack of statistical significance reveals the absence of connections between the technical tests and the parameters of reaction speed manifestation. Regarding Test 3, a number of 28 correlations were identified. The lack of statistical significance suggests the absence of significant correlations between the technical tests and the execution speed. Conclusions. The performances of elite handball goalkeepers show significant improvements in motor and technical skills, highlighting the effectiveness of specific training and its adaptability. The progress in jumping and reaction speed indicates essential improvements for goalkeeping success, emphasizing the necessity for personalized and holistic training.

Jumping Motor Skills in Typically Developing Preschool Children Assessed Using a Battery of Tests.

The preschool period is characterised by the improvement in motor skills. One of the developmental tasks in children is the ability to jump. Jumping plays an important role in the development of leg strength and balance. It is the gateway to more complex movements. In the physiotherapy clinic, we see a lot of difficulties in jumping performance in 5-7-year-old children. The aim of this study is to present the jumping ability, assessed by the Motor Proficiency Test (MOT) and the G-sensor examination of the vertical countermovement jump (CMJ) and countermovement jump with arms thrust (CMJAT) parameters. A total of 47 children (14 boys and 33 girls) were randomly recruited. The mean age was 5.5 years. The mean height was 113 cm and the mean weight was 19.7 kg. The children were divided into two groups according to their results. Children with low basic motor skills have the greatest difficulty with jumping tasks. In the CMJ jump, the take-off force was lower than in the CMJAT (p = 0.04). Most CMJAT parameters correlate with age, weight, and height. Height correlates most with children's jumping performance. This study may be useful for sport educators and developmental researchers. The topic should be further explored and the CMJ and CMJAT parameters may be established as a basis.

KEGIATAN KETERAMPILAN MELIPAT KERTAS (ORIGAMI) PADA LANSIA DI RUMAH BAHAGIA BINTAN

There are various simple methods that can be adopted to improve both the motor and cognitive skills of an individual. One option is to engage in activities that require both physical engagement and thinking. Some of the activities that can be undertaken include coloring, playing puzzles, and making different types of crafts. For example, NERS Professional Students have adopted the activity therapy of making crafts from origami as an effective way to practice fine motor skills. The process of folding, cutting, and pasting colorful paper not only encourages finger movements, but also helps improve hand-eye coordination. Moreover, this activity is not only a form of motor development, but also promotes aspects of creativity through making unique shapes out of the paper. Furthermore, playing origami also brings cognitive benefits by involving accuracy, focus, and the ability to understand instructions. Seniors participating in this activity are required to listen carefully to instructions and apply them, thus helping to train memory and comprehension. Overall, the goal of origami activity therapy is not only to improve motor skills and creativity, but also to reduce the impact of hospitalization on the elderly and delay any cognitive decline that may occur.

High-intensity acute exercise impacts motor learning in healthy older adults

Healthy aging is associated with changes in motor sequence learning, with some studies indicating decline in motor skill learning in older age. Acute cardiorespiratory exercise has emerged as a potential intervention to improve motor learning, however research in healthy older adults is limited. The current study investigated the impact of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIT) on a subsequent sequential motor learning task. Twenty-four older adults (aged 55–75 years) completed either 20-minutes of cycling, or an equivalent period of active rest before practicing a sequential force grip task. Skill learning was assessed during acquisition and at a 6-hour retention test. In contrast to expectation, exercise was associated with reduced accuracy during skill acquisition compared to rest, particularly for the oldest participants. However, improvements in motor skill were retained in the exercise condition, while a reduction in skill was observed following rest. Our findings indicate that high-intensity exercise conducted immediately prior to learning a novel motor skill may have a negative impact on motor performance during learning in older adults. We also demonstrated that exercise may facilitate early offline consolidation of a motor skill within this population, which has implications for motor rehabilitation.

Influence of Virtual Reality and Gamification Combined with Practice Teaching Style in Physical Education on Motor Skills and Students’ Perceived Effort: A Mixed-Method Intervention Study

This mixed-method study examined the impact of combining virtual reality (VR) and gamification (GAM) with the practice teaching style (PTS) on students’ motor skills and perceived effort in physical education. Participants (n = 75) were divided into three groups: PTS (control), PTS + GAM and PTS + GAM + VR. Each group had two one-hour sessions per week for six weeks. Participants’ motor skills and perceived effort were evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively using tests such as the SportComp Motor, flamingo and plate-tapping tests, as well as the handgrip strength test and the Pictorical Children’s Effort Rating Table. The results indicate that the PTS group reported a higher perceived effort compared to the other groups (p < 0.001). All study groups exhibited improvements in the handgrip strength (p < 0.001) and flamingo (p < 0.05) tests, while lateral jump test improvements were observed only in the two GAM groups (p < 0.001). The VR group showed an improvement in the plate-tapping tests (p < 0.001), while the PTS group exhibited a decline in the displacement with support test (p < 0.05). Participant perceptions suggest that the activity nature, motivation from competition and rewards influenced the perceived effort and motor skills. In conclusion, GAM techniques are effective in reducing perceived effort in physical education programs, and combining GAM with VR enhances improvements in motor skills.