Effects of interventions on fundamental motor skills and physical activity in preschoolers: Systematic review

Abstract

Preschoolers with greater development of fundamental motor skills (FMS) are related to more time in physical activity (PA). However, little is known about whether participation after an intervention causes positive changes in FMS and PA in preschool age. The objective of this article is to analyze the published evidence on the effectiveness of interventions on FMS and PA in preschool children. Four databases (Pubmed, Sportsdiscus, Web of Science, and Psycinfo) were searched. Studies published between 2017 and 2021 were included. Studies that consider preschool (3 to 6 years) were included; experimental study design that will implement an intervention; assess and report fundamental motor skills and physical activity and report associations between fundamental motor skills and physical activity. A total of 4 studies were included with a strong level of evidence supporting that the interventions improve fundamental motor skills and greater participation in physical activity. One study observed no changes in the experimental group in physical activity. Interventions in preschoolers could be an effective approach to improve fundamental motor skills and physical activity; however, it is necessary to complete more studies with standardized intervention protocols.