Clinical trial

Development of Human Motor Skills and the Promotion of Motivation for Physical Activity

Active, not recruiting · Not applicable · 1 countries · Registry ID NCT07485270

Active, not recruitingNot applicableInterventional

What this study is about

This study is conducted within the University Centre of Excellence for Studies of Human Motoric at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University. The project focuses on research investigating mechanisms that support motivation for participation in physical activity among children and youth. In recent decades, participation in physical activity has been declining globally, including among children and adolescents. Understanding the factors that influence motivation for physical activity is essential for developing effective strategies to support long-term engagement in physical activity. The study aims to contribute to knowledge about the role of physical activity and physical education in promoting children's long-term physical and mental development.

A promising-looking record is not the same as confirmed eligibility. The study team must review the full criteria and current recruitment status.

Basic eligibility

Age8 Years to 11 Years

SexAll

Healthy volunteersAccepted

ConditionPhysical Inactivity, Obesity & Overweight, Motor Development, Cognitive Development, Physical Activity, Physical Literacy

Full registry criteria

Inclusion Criteria: * Children enrolled in the 3rd grade of participating primary schools * Written informed consent from a parent or legal guardian * Willingness to participate in study assessments and the school-based intervention Exclusion Criteria: * Acute illness or injury at the time of enrollment or assessment * Recovery from illness or injury limiting participation in physical activity * Chronic medical condition limiting participation in physical activity * Atypical neurodevelopment or diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorder that may affect participation in the intervention or assessments * Any other condition judged by the investigators to prevent safe participation in study procedures

Treatments and study arms

E-MOVE - Emotional Movement Program for Physical Education

Behavioral

A school-based physical education intervention delivered through tandem teaching by a physical education teacher and a trained coach five times per week. The program is based on principles of Affective-Reflective Theory (ART) and aims to promote positive affective experiences during physical activity, supporting children's motivation, engagement, and long-term participation in physical activity.

Primary outcomes

Cardiorespiratory fitnessBaseline and annually during the 3-year intervention

Cardiorespiratory fitness assessed using the 20-m shuttle run test (Leger test). The outcome was expressed as the number of completed shuttle runs. Higher numbers of completed shuttle runs indicate better cardiorespiratory fitness.

Actual Motor CompetenceBaseline and annually during the 3-year intervention

Motor competence assessed using the Canadian Agility and Movement Skill Assessment (CAMSA). The Canadian Agility and Movement Skill Assessment (CAMSA) raw score consists of the sum of the skill score and the time score. The skill score and time score each have a maximum of 14 points, yielding a total raw score of 1 to 28. Higher scores indicate better motor competence.

Cognitive functionsBaseline and annually during the 3-year intervention

Selected cognitive functions is assessed using the Woodcock-Johnson cognitive test battery. For the present study, results are recommended to be reported as standard scores, which are age-normed with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15. Higher scores indicate better cognitive performance relative to age-matched peers.

Physical literacyBaseline and annually during the 3-year intervention

Physical literacy assessed using the Physical Literacy in Children Questionnaire (PLC-Q). The Physical Literacy in Children Questionnaire (PL-C Quest) consists of 30 items across four domains. Each item is scored on a 1-4-point scale, yielding a total score of 30-120. Higher scores indicate higher self-perceived physical literacy. Thus, higher total scores reflect a higher level of physical literacy.

Motivation for physical activityBaseline and annually during the 3-year intervention

Motivation for participation in physical activity is assessed using the AFFEXX questionnaire. The Affective Exercise Experiences Questionnaire (AFFEXX) consists of 22 items, each rated on a 1-5-point scale, yielding a total score ranging from 22 to 110. Higher scores indicate higher motivation for physical activity.

Body compositionBaseline and annually during the 3-year intervention

Body composition is assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BODYSTAT Quadscan 4000). The outcome variables included body fat percentage, intracellular water (ICW), and extracellular water (ECW). Higher body fat values indicate greater adiposity. ICW and ECW represent the relative distribution of body water between the intracellular and extracellular compartments, respectively. Body fat was interpreted using age- and sex-specific percentile cut-offs (\<2nd percentile = underfat, 2nd to \<85th percentile = normal, 85th to \<95th percentile = overfat, and ≥95th percentile = obese), whereas ICW and ECW were interpreted relative to age- and sex-specific reference values, as fixed clinical cut-offs are not established for healthy pediatric populations.

Physical activityBaseline and annually during the 3-year intervention

Physical activity monitored using ActiGraph GT3X accelerometers. Physical activity was objectively assessed using an ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer worn for 7 consecutive days during the week. Data were used to quantify time spent in sedentary behavior, light physical activity (LPA), moderate physical activity (MPA), and vigorous physical activity (VPA). In addition, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was calculated as the sum of moderate and vigorous physical activity. This 7-day ActiGraph protocol is consistent with common practice in pediatric accelerometer studies. The outcomes were expressed as time spent in each intensity category, typically reported in minutes per day. Sedentary time reflects the amount of time spent inactive, whereas LPA, MPA, VPA, and MVPA reflect increasing levels of movement intensity. Higher values of light, moderate, vigorous, or MVPA indicate that…

Perceived Motor CompetenceBaseline and annually during the 3-year intervention

Perceived Motor Competence is assessed using the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence (PMSC). The Pictorial Perceived Motor Competence (PMSC) instrument consists of 22 items, with each item rated on a 1-4-point scale. The total score, therefore, ranges from 22 to 88 points. Higher scores indicate higher perceived motor competence.