Play-Based Motor Programme and Child Development Outcomes in Pre-Adolescent Boys

This is a parallel-group, randomized controlled trial (RCT) following CONSORT 2010 reporting guidelines. The study evaluates whether an 8-week play-based motor programme can improve motor proficiency, cognitive processing, and executive functioning (EF) in pre-adolescent boys.

Participants and Randomization: A total of 80 boys aged 10-12 years (Grades 4-6) from two single-sex primary schools will be recruited. Students will be block-randomized (block size 4) to the intervention group or the control group in a 1:1 ratio. Allocation will be generated using a computer-based sequence. The primary outcome is motor proficiency, with cognitive processing and EF as secondary outcomes.

Intervention: The intervention group will receive an 8-week play-based motor programme delivered by trained physical education teachers three times per week (60 min per session; 24 sessions in total). Each session includes a 10-min warm-up (dynamic stretching and locomotor games), a 40-min main activity phase (animal-imitation locomotion, ball-skill circuits, and cooperative balance challenges), and a 10-min cool-down. The control group will continue their regular physical education curriculum with no additional motor programming.

Outcome Measures: Motor proficiency will be assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2). Cognitive processing will be measured using the Kay Cognitive-Diagnostic Test. Executive functioning will be indexed using the parent-report Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). All instruments will be administered at pre-test (Week 0) and post-test (Week 9).

Statistical Analysis Plan: All analyses will be conducted in IBM SPSS Statistics version 25. A one-way multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) will be used, with pre-test scores as covariates, to examine the simultaneous multivariate group effect. Follow-up separate one-way ANCOVAs, each controlling for the respective pre-test score, will be conducted for all outcome variables. Effect sizes will be reported as partial eta-squared (ηp²).

Participants receive an 8-week play-based motor programme (3 times per week, 60 min/session). Sessions include a 10-min warm-up, a 40-min main activity phase with motor-enriched games (animal-imitation locomotion, ball-skill circuits, cooperative balance challenges), and a 10-min cool-down. Progressive overload is achieved by increasing task complexity and reducing external support.

Behavioral: Structured Play-Based Motor Programme

Participants continue their regular physical education curriculum with no additional motor programming.

Behavioral: Standard Physical Education Curriculum

An 8-week play-based motor programme delivered three times per week (24 sessions in total, 60 min per session). Focuses on motor-enriched games including animal-imitation locomotion, ball-skill circuits, and cooperative balance challenges.

The standard physical education curriculum delivered in schools, without additional motor programming.

Plazo: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 9)

Motor proficiency is assessed with the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) Age Band 2. It yields three component scores (Manual Dexterity, Aiming \& Catching, Balance) and a Total Standard Score. Higher scores indicate better motor proficiency.

Plazo: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 9)

Cognitive processing is measured with the Kay Cognitive-Diagnostic Test (Concept Formation, Symbolic Thinking, Socialization of Thought, Attention/Psychomotor Speed). Executive functioning is indexed by the parent-report Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), yielding eight subscales and three composite indices (BRI, MI, GEC). For the BRIEF, lower scores indicate better EF.

Play-Based Motor Intervention Improves Motor Proficiency, Cognitive Processing, and Executive Functioning in Pre-Adolescent Boys: A Randomised Controlled Trial With Sub-Scale Profiling