Physical Activity In Girls Research Articles

Relationship of Social-Emotional Learning, Resilience, Psychological Well-Being, and Depressive Symptoms with Physical Activity in School-Aged Children.

This study investigated the association of psychological well-being (PWB), resilience, depressive symptoms, and social-emotional learning (SEL) with physical activity (PA) in school-aged children. The objective was to understand how these psychosocial factors influence PA levels and identify gender-specific differences in these relationships. This cross-sectional study involved 534 fourth grade and sixth grade students from eight schools in the Midwest region of the United States, with data collected through a Qualtrics survey. Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the data, with gender-specific analyses conducted to identify differences between boys and girls. The models indicated that all psychosocial factors taken together are significantly associated with PA (F = 26.937, p < 0.001). Of the factors, PWB and resilience were associated with higher PA individually for the total sample (β = 0.383, p = 0.001; β = 0.146, p = 0.005). A gender-specific analysis revealed that all factors collectively were significantly associated with PA in boys and girls (F = 15.846, p < 0.001; F = 6.869, p < 0.001). Individually, PWB and resilience were significantly associated with PA in boys (β = 0.358, p = 0.001; β = 0.171, p = 0.013), while only PWB was significantly associated with PA in girls (β = -0.355, p = 0.001). This study highlights the necessity of promoting resilience and psychological well-being through structured physical activities, aiming to reduce the risk of obesity and improve mental health among children. Future research should consider longitudinal designs and objective measures to further elucidate these relationships and inform effective educational strategies.

The Effect of Pedagogical Approach on Physical Activity of Girls During Physical Education

ABSTRACT Purpose: Technical approaches (TAs) such as Direct Instruction are commonly utilized when teaching games in Physical Education (PE) classes, but game-based approaches (GBAs) such as Game Sense (GS) have gained greater interest over the past 30 years. However, little is known about which approach promotes more physical activity (PA). The aim of this study was to compare the PA of girls during single-gender PE classes in an invasion games unit utilizing either a GS approach or a TA. Methods: Two upper primary school PE classes were taught invasion games using a GS approach and two classes were taught using a TA. During each of the 7 lessons students wore a wearable GPS sensor (SPT2, Sport Performance Tracking, Australia) which measured total distance, distance in each speed zone, top speed and 3D load. Results: The GS group traveled a greater distance than the TA group (+203 m, p < .001). This result was explained mostly by a greater distance covered in zone 2 speeds (0.6–1.7 m/s). The 3D load was also significantly higher in the GS group, but there were no group differences in top speed. Conclusions: Findings suggested that a GS thematic invasion unit was more effective in promoting PA levels in all-girl primary PE classes than a traditional sport-based invasion unit.

Correlation Analysis of Middle School Students' Happiness and Sports in the Context of Big Data

Data mining has been applied to a large extent in various information application fields this year. In this paper, it is applied to the students' physical exercise for partial optimization and compared with some traditional algorithms for improvement. Different analysis results are obtained under different potential information analysis backgrounds, which improves the accuracy and results of clustering analysis. This study used the physical activity rating scale and the subjective well-being scale to assess the status, subjective well-being level, and interaction mechanism of middle school students in Sichuan Province participating in physical exercise. The physical activity of students is insufficient, and the physical activity of girls is seriously insufficient; the overall level is above average, and the average score of boys in the two dimensions of life satisfaction and emotional balance is higher than that of girls; the relationship between each dimension of physical exercise and life satisfaction and emotional balance is shown.

Triple jeopardy: The impact of race, class, and gender on girls and women in sport and physical activity.

Thirty-six million youth athletes participate in and benefit from sport each year in the United States. Along with developing sport skills, the lifelong benefits of physical activity for girls and women are significant and include improved dietary habits and quality sleep, decreased risk for breast cancer and osteoporosis, among other benefits (Erickson et al., 2019; Zarrett et al., 2018). In addition, girls and women that engage in sport are more likely to experience additional professional benefits with 94% of women business executives reporting they played sport in their youth (Kotschwar, 2014). However, as in many performance domains, the benefits are not experienced equally by all would-be participants. Research indicates that girls and women of color do not have the same access to quality sport and physical activity opportunities (National Collegiate Athletic Association [NCAA], 2021; Smith-Evans et al., 2014). In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic and the eruption of racial unrest have widened the participation gaps and the resulting psychosocial and health benefit gap for girls of color and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The purpose of this article is to signify the important role sport and physical activity play in socioemotional development, physical fitness, and health of girls and women. By centering the experiences of girls and women who are currently not equitably served by the existing youth sport environment (e.g., girls and women of color and girls from working-class backgrounds), the authors will identify barriers that prevent access to physical activity opportunities for everyone. In addition, strategies for change will be offered. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Qualitative study of the association between psychosocial health and physical activity/sleep quality in toddlers

Physical activity and sleep are important factors of mental and physical health in children, with some reports indicating that their effects can persist into adulthood. However, there is limited research on the qualitative aspects of physical activity and sleep in preschool children, particularly in those aged < 3 years. Therefore, to elucidate the association between psychosocial health and physical activity/sleep in early childhood in terms of qualitative aspects, we conducted a retrospective cohort study in 2985 3-year-old children (37.2 ± 0.75 months) in Shanghai, China. An analysis using structural equation modeling indicated that current physical activity had a direct and moderate impact on current psychosocial health evaluated using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. In particular, past physical activity had an indirect and mild effect on current psychosocial health via current physical activity in girls. However, regardless of sex, past sleep quality had slight impact on current psychosocial health, not only indirectly via current sleep quality, but also directly. These findings highlight the importance of considering the qualitative aspects of physical activity and sleep quality as significant factors influencing the current and future psychosocial health of children, even at a very early age (< 3 years).

S14-2 Sports promotion in children and adolescents: analysis of good practice interventions in 7 countries

Abstract Purpose There are many interesting sports promotion interventions in European countries. Which ones are effective and can serve as good practice examples among children and adolescents? What should be considered when policies or programmes are transferred to other countries? This study has examined sports promotion interventions of seven European countries. It provides an overview of effective interventions and considers transferability to other countries. Project description The Swiss Federal Office of Sports assigned a study to identify effective sport promotion interventions in seven selected European countries with a potential to be transferred to Switzerland. The seven countries were: Austria, Germany, England, Finland, France, The Netherlands, and Norway. To identify the interventions, we conducted desk research and interviews with country representatives. In total, we identified 73 sport-promoting policies, action plans or programmes in the seven countries. As part of the detailed analysis of the most promising interventions, we have examined the national strategy “On the move” of Finland and the national action plan “School sport and activity action plan” of England. These superordinate interventions stand out for their clear objectives and comprehensive implementation. In addition, we have identified several interventions for which we consider a high added value in terms of sports promotion and a feasible implementation in Switzerland or other countries. These are “The Daily Mile” from Germany (15 minutes run or walk every day at school), “Girls Active” from England (enhancing of sport and physical activity in girls in the school setting), “Doorstep Sportclub” from England and “Community Sport Coaches” from the Netherlands (both address in particular children and adolescents with a migration background or low socio-economic status and are offered through the municipality and the associations). Conclusions This study gives an overview about effective sport promotion interventions targeting children and adolescents of seven European countries. Interventions that include comprehensive measures such as a national strategy or low-threshold programmes in schools or communities that address vulnerable groups such as girls, educationally disadvantaged families, children and youth with a migration background or low socio-economic status are particularly interesting from a Swiss perspective and certainly also for other European countries.

Assessment of executive functions and physical activity in girls and boys with normal weight, overweight and obesity.

To evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and performance of executive functions (EFs) in girls and boys with 9- and 10-year-old schoolchildren with moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behaviour. A total of 120 schoolchildren (61 girls and 59 boys) were evaluated anthropometrically. The MVPA was evaluated with a self-report questionnaire. EFs were measured using a neuropsychological battery of Executive Functions and Frontal Lobes-2 (BANFE-2). A high BMI was associated with longer delay in completing inhibitory control tests (p=0.00, rp =0.32) and working memory (p=0.00, rp =0.26). We observed correlations in time (p=0.00, rp =-0.43) and hits (p=0.04, rp =-0.27) of self-directed signalling test in boys; and girls in alphabetical words order (p=0.00, rp =-0.39). Active normal weight schoolchildren (ANw) performed better by successfully completed the working memory tasks (H=26.97, p=0.00) than sedentary schoolchildren with overweight and obesity. In addition, overweight-active schoolchildren (AOw) showed better performance on working memory tests in time (p=0.00) and hits (p=0.01) than their sedentary peers. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant association between BMI and EFs scores (F=2.41, df=98, p=0.001). EFs are affected by a high BMI and sedentary behaviour in school children. Boys and girls reflected differences to solve the same challenges. The MVPA has a positive effect on executive control skills mainly in overweight children.

Effect of a Fundamental Motor Skills Intervention on Fundamental Motor Skill and Physical Activity in a Preschool Setting: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

To determine the effect of a 12-week fundamental motor skill (FMS) program on FMS and physical activity (PA) on preschool-aged children. A cluster randomized controlled trial. The intervention (PhysicaL ActivitY and Fundamental Motor Skills in Pre-schoolers [PLAYFun] Program) was a 12-week games-based program, delivered directly to the children in childcare centers by exercise physiologists. Children in the control arm received the usual preschool curriculum. Outcomes included FMS competence (Test of Gross Motor Development-2) and PA (accelerometer) assessed at baseline, 12weeks, and 24weeks (12-wk postintervention). Fifty children (mean age = 4.0 [0.6]y; 54% male) were recruited from 4 childcare centers. Two centers were randomized to PLAYFun and 2 centers were randomized to the waitlist control group. Children attended on average 2.0 (1.0) 40-minute sessions per week. The PLAYFun participants demonstrated significant increases in object control (P < .001) and total FMS (P = .010) competence at week 12, compared with controls in a group × time interaction. Girls, but not boys, in PLAYFun significantly increased moderate to vigorous PA after the intervention (P = .004). These increases were not maintained 12-week postcompletion of PLAYFun. The PLAYFun Program is effective at improving FMS competence in boys and girls and increasing PA in girls. However, improvements are not maintained when opportunities to practice are not sustained.

Weekday and Weekend Physical Activity of Preschool Children in Relation to Selected Socioeconomic Indicators.

Physical activity (PA) is as vital for improving the health of young children as it is positively associated with a broad range of psychological, cognitive, and cardio-metabolic outcomes. The aims of this study were to: (1) to assess the level of PA and meeting the WHO recommendations: moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and the number of steps in Polish preschool boys and girls on weekdays and on weekends; (2) to investigate the relationship between selected socioeconomic indicators (self-reported by parents) and PA, including meeting the WHO recommendation for daily MVPA and the number of steps on weekdays and on weekends among Polish preschoolers. Data were collected in the 2017/2018 school year. The study included a total of 522 boys and girls both aged between 5 and 6 years. The ActiGraph GT3X-BT tri-axial accelerometer was used to measure PA. Selected socioeconomic indicators as well as parental body weight and body height were self-reported by parents/caregivers using a questionnaire. In most of the PA indicators analyzed for girls (moderate, vigorous, total MVPA, and steps/day), the averages were higher during the week than during the weekend. Moreover, significantly more boys met the criteria of MVPA, both on weekdays and over the weekend (32.3% boys and 19.2% girls on weekdays and 31.1% boys and 18.1% girls on weekends). Additionally, more boys met the step recommendations, but only on weekends (15.5% boys and 6.6% girls). It was found that if there were two people in a household, there was an almost a three-fold greater chance (adj. OR = 2.94, p = 0.032) of meeting the MVPA criterion with an even stronger association (over fivefold greater chance) in meeting the step recommendation (adj. OR = 5.56, p = 0.033). The differences in the day schedule may potentially contribute with the level of PA in girls. Among the analyzed selected socioeconomic indicators, only the number of people in a household had a significant association on PA.

Longitudinal association of biological maturation with physical activity behaviors in girls transitioning from 5th to 7th grade.

IntroductionThis longitudinal study determined if social cognitive variables influence physical activity in girls stratified on the basis of maturity status.MethodsParticipants attended South Carolina public schools (Mage in 5th grade = 11.1 years) and included a cohort of 529 girls who provided physical activity data in the 5th grade and in 6th and/or 7th grade. The measure of maturity status was age at peak height velocity (APHV) estimated from maturity offset when the children were in the 5th grade. The Earlier Maturity (EM) group included girls whose APHV was one standard deviation or more below the mean APHV for the full sample. All other girls were placed in the Later Maturity (LM) group. Physical activity was assessed at each time point via accelerometry. Social‐cognitive variables were assessed at each time point by a questionnaire measuring self‐efficacy, enjoyment, competence, appearance, fitness, and social motives for physical activity. Growth curves for the total, Earlier Maturing, and Later Maturing groups assessed relationships between physical activity over time and time‐varying social cognitive variables.ResultsPhysical activity was lower in the Earlier Maturing group and was positively associated with self‐efficacy and enjoyment motivation in the total group. These relationships were observed in the 5th grade and maintained through 7th grade. In the Later Maturing group, we observed positive relationships between physical activity and self‐efficacy, enjoyment and competence motivation.ConclusionsStrategies to increase confidence, skills, and enjoyment of physical activity may only be effective for promoting activity among later maturing girls.

Place of residence, physical activity, use of electronic devices and health consequences in girls with scoliosis.

Physical activity has been reduced in the 21st century and is a phenomenon which is now an important problem. The study focuses on the reasons for this lack of physical activity in adolescent girls diagnosed with scoliosis, and the possibility of preventing and effectively promoting a healthy lifestyle. The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between place of residence (rural and urban) and physical activity in girls with scoliosis. A group of 43 girls aged 16-18 years (x = 16.97 ± 0.88) with AIS (mean Cobb angle = 16.32 ± 3.55) who were rural inhabitants were examined. The control group included 39 young girls in the same age group and AIS who were living in towns (mean Cobb angle = 18.53 ± 4.3). BMI was calculated in percentiles and the IPAQ (International Physical Activity Questionnaire s) was administered. The results showed decreased physical activity and a reduction in total sedentary time each week, which was higher in girls living in the countryside than in those living in towns (P<.001). Electronic devices were commonly used in both groups of girls. The global weekly physical activity in girls living in the countryside was higher than that in girls living in the towns. A lower level of physical activity was noted in the girls exempted from PE at school. Body acceptance and fewer body image issues were noted in girls living in the countryside.

Стан мотивації до саморозвитку і самоосвіти під час фізичного виховання дівчат у різних закладах вищої освіти

At the present stage, the problem of implementing a personalized approach during the physical activity of girls and boys in higher education in order to solve various tasks in terms of content, including the implementation of physical self-development. The purpose of the study was to determine the characteristics of students of different institutions of higher education in the motivation of their activities to physical self-development for implementation indivsdual approach. Material and research methods. This goal achived using a set of adequate research methods. Analysis, synthesis, systematization were used to process sources of information; the necessary empirical data were obtained by the method of psychodiagnostic testing (L. Berezhnov’s test “Reflection on self-development”); to organize the study used the method of experiment, to process the data – adequate methods of mathematical statistics. The study involved 168 girls who were students of various higher education institutions, their age was 18,5±1,3. Results. The education of girls in various institutions of higher education to some extent affects the state of formation of their motivation for physical self-development and self-education. High and medium levels of such motivation are found in almost the same number of girls – future officers and future teachers of physical education; the former have a significantly higher number of low-level results dsfferent than the last one. The number of respondents who spend less than one and more than 2 hours on self-development differed significantly: girls – future officers, respectively, more and less than girls – future specialists in physical education. Conclusion. Using the results of last one as model values іs impractical. It is necessary to increase the attention of physical education teachers to the practical provision of girls with self-development and self-education, taking into account the tasks of physical education.

Analysis of developmental trends in physical activity, BMI and muscles in children and adolescents with mild-to-moderate intellectual disability

IntroductionThere is a lack of longitudinal research of physical activity (PA) of pupils with intellectual disability (ID). The aim of the research was to identify the trends in PA, BMI and muscles in children and adolescents with ID in the Czech Republic over 2-year period and find whether 2-month summer holidays have effect on developmental trends. The aim was also to find out the level of PA of children and its correlation with BMI and muscles and the correlation between postural balance and children's muscles. MethodsParticipants were pupils aged 8–19 (in each measurement was n = 23, n = 37, n = 36, n = 33). They wore a movband for 1 week. InBody analyser and a test of Single leg stance with eyes open were used. ResultsThe trend of PA in girls and boys is convex and the trend of their BMI is unbalanced. In pupils with mild and moderate ID, the trend of PA, the trend of BMI and the trend of muscles is unbalanced. Summer holidays cause a decrease in BMI values for all categories. In pupils with moderate ID, summer holidays cause an increase in PA and an increase in muscle (both statistically significant). The correlation between PA and muscle and BMI is ambiguous. Also, the correlation between postural balance and muscles is ambiguous. ConclusionsChildren's PA reaches 74–122% of the norm. Girls, boys, pupils with mild and moderate ID have normal weight. In the Czech Republic children with ID have many opportunities to participate in sport events during the year.

Examining the Relationship Between Parental Stress and Girls' and Boys' Physical Activity Among Racially/Ethnically Diverse and Immigrant/Refugee Populations.

Given the high prevalence of overweight/obesity and the low prevalence of engaging in physical activity in children, it is important to identify barriers that impede child physical activity. One potential barrier is parental stress. The current study examined the association between parental stress levels and girls' and boys' moderate to vigorous physical activity. Children aged 5-7years and their families (n = 150) from 6 racial/ethnic groups (n = 25 each Black, Hispanic, Hmong, Native American, Somali, and White families) were recruited for the Family Matters mixed-methods study in 2015 through primary care clinics in Minneapolis and St Paul, MN. Two in-home visits were carried out with families 10 days apart for data collection, with an 8-day observational period in between when children wore accelerometers. Higher parental stress levels were associated with fewer minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity in girls (P < .05) compared with boys. On average, girls with a parent reporting a stress rating of 10 engaged in 24minutes less of physical activity per day than girls with a parent with a stress rating of 1. The results suggest that parental stress may reduce girls' engagement in physical activity. The implications of these results include targeting parental stress and coping skills in future physical activity interventions. In addition, when addressing child physical activity in health care visits with parents and daughters, providers may want to focus their anticipatory guidance on parental stress and coping skills in addition to providing resources to help parents manage stress.

Adolescents' Physical Activity and the Association With Perceived Social Support of Parents and Peers in Indonesia.

This study examined the trends of adolescents' physical activity (PA) and its association with parental and peer support, based on the Indonesia Global School-Based Health Survey. Between 2007 and 2015, prevalence of PA in adolescents declined from 24.4% to 16.5%. Prevalence of active transportation (AT) decreased from 47.2% to 32.3%. Prevalence of sedentary leisure behavior (SLB) declined from 33.6% to 27.2%. Girls' SLB was inversely associated with parental supervision SLB in 2007 (odds ratio [OR] = 0.49; 95% CI = 0.30-0.80) and in 2015 (adjusted OR [AOR] = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.43-0.71), and so was boys' SLB in 2015 (OR = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.59-0.95). Boys' AT was inversely associated with peer support in 2015 (OR = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.59-0.91). Parental control was associated with PA in girls (OR = 1.71; 95% CI = 1.23-2.37), in boys (OR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.07-2.54), and with SLB among girls in 2015 (OR = 1.28; 95% CI = 1.11-1.47). Hence, adolescents' PA was associated with perceived social support.

Health behaviour of women with Turner Syndrome.

AimThis study assessed lifestyle‐related risk factors for cardiovascular disease in young women with Turner syndrome.MethodsIn 2012, we sent a questionnaire to women with Turner syndrome aged ≥18 years and living in Switzerland with questions on socio‐demographic and medical data as well as health behaviour. We compared the reported lifestyle with that of women from the Swiss Health Survey 2012, a representative survey of the general population.ResultsFifty‐seven per cent (45/79) of women with Turner syndrome answered the questionnaire (mean age: 24 years). Eighty per cent (36/45) had never smoked compared with 58% (1156/1972) of the general population (p < 0.01). Women with Turner syndrome engaged less often in binge drinking (34% vs. 71%) (p < 0.001), but consumed alcohol equally often as the general population (p = 0.327). They performed sports as often as the general population (p = 0.34), but only one quarter (11/45) of women with Turner syndrome adhered to official physical activity recommendations.ConclusionAlthough most women with Turner syndrome had a healthy lifestyle, only a minority had sufficient physical activity. Paediatricians should promote structured physical activity in girls with Turner syndrome from early childhood onwards to reduce their cardiovascular risk in adulthood and to increase long‐term health‐related quality of life.

Fostering Innovation in Prevention and Treatment of Obesity in Youth: Digitally Mediated Physical Play as an Exemplar

Novel approaches to obesity prevention among youth are needed. Accordingly, the Office of Women's Health, Department of Health and Human Services, sponsored a challenge to create an interactive video game for obesity prevention. Our team took a theory-based, evidence-informed approach to increasing physical activity in girls. Our approach-digitally mediated physical play-allowed us to include computing-based strategies that promote activity without keeping players in front of a screen. Our prize-winning prototype app, Frolic, helps girls choose the perfect game to play in any context, engaging parents for support. The app is used to highlight some opportunities and challenges for interdisciplinary collaboration. However, much work remains to be done to deploy innovative digital obesity interventions and fully capture the contributions of these tools. In order to accelerate advances, funding is needed for projects that combine engineering design principles with traditional obesity research paradigms.

Implementing telehealth support to increase physical activity in girls and women with Rett syndrome—ActivRett: protocol for a waitlist randomised controlled trial

IntroductionIndividuals with Rett syndrome (RTT) experience impaired gross motor skills, limiting their capacity to engage in physical activities and participation in activities. There is limited evidence of the effectiveness of...

Impact of Educational Level and Family income on Breast Cancer Awareness among College-Going Girls in Shillong (Meghalaya), India.

Background:Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women in India and shows an increasing trend. The mammography screening seems unfeasible as a public health service in India. Thus, breast self-examination (BSE), followed by clinical breast examination (CBE), is the affordable method to downstage BC. A cross-sectional study was conducted with senior school and college-going girls in Shillong (Meghalaya) to study the impact of girls’ academic level and family income on breast cancer knowledge and the prevalence of BC’s known risk factors in girls. Methods:A self-administered questionnaire was employed to collect relevant information. The data were analysed using statistical software SPSS version 22. The categorical data presented as frequency (%) and the comparison made using Chi-square or Fisher exact test. Results:(i) 78.2% girls knew about breast cancer, 19.2% of these were aware of BSE, and 22.9% of BSE knowing ever performed it (ii) Awareness of breast cancer and BSE, and its practice is significantly associated with their academic level and family income (iii) The consumption of alcohol beverages and physical activity of girls was positively associated with educational level and family income (iv) Body mass index (BMI) was weakly associated with family income with an insignificant relationship with academic level (v) oily food consumption related inversely with the level of education irrespective of family income (vi) there was a positive correlation between parents education and family income. Conclusions:The results show a severe lack of breast cancer knowledge in senior school and college-going girls under the survey. To spread community awareness, we suggest a public health policy-driven educational intervention through culturally relevant mass/social media on the risk factors of breast cancer and practice of BSE. It is also recommended that dedicated facilities be created for breast cancer early diagnosis in the public health system.

An Intervention For Fundamental Motor Skills And Physical Activity In Pre-schoolers: A Cluster-randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE: Physical activity (PA) is important for health and development in preschool-aged children yet only 34% of Australian pre-schoolers achieve the recommended levels. Fundamental motor skill (FMS) interventions have been shown to improve FMS proficiency and PA levels, however, whether these changes are maintained post-intervention is unknown. We aimed to determine if a 12-week FMS program improved FMS and PA in pre-schoolers; and if so, whether these improvements were maintained 12 weeks post-intervention. METHODS: The PhysicaL ActivitY and Fundamental Motor Skills in Pre-schoolers (PLAYFun) Program was a cluster randomized controlled trial. Participants were recruited from 4 University pre-schools. The PLAYFun Program was a 12-week, games-based, FMS program delivered directly into the centers by an exercise physiologist. Primary outcomes included FMS proficiency, objective PA and parent perceived PA assessed at baseline, 12 weeks and 12 weeks after the completion of the intervention (week 24). Differences within and between groups were assessed via a one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: Forty-nine participants (mean age 4.0±0.6; 54% male) were recruited. Children attended on average 2.0±1.0 sessions per week for 40 minutes per session. Participants in the PLAYFun Program demonstrated a significantly greater increase in object control (p=0.003) and total FMS (p=0.019) proficiency at week 12 compared to controls. Locomotor skills score (M 14.83 95% confidence interval (95%CI) [3.90 to 25.75]; p=0.012), object control skills (M 24.11 [9.93 to 38.29]; p=0.003) and gross motor quotient (M 20.14 [8.33 to 31.96]; p=0.003) all significantly improved when children attended twice a week, but these improvements were not maintained at 24 weeks. Girls in PLAYFun significantly increased objective moderate to vigorous PA after the intervention (P=0.015), but not boys. This increase was also not maintained 12 weeks post-completion of PLAYFun. No significant relationships between FMS and PA outcomes were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Motor skill programs delivered directly to preschool children by an exercise physiologist within their preschool is effective at improving FMS proficiency in boys and girls and PA in girls. However, these improvements are not maintained when the practice is not ongoing.