Effect of age-appropriate play on promoting motor development of preschool children

ABSTRACT

This study aim was to determine whether a structured age-appropriate playing programme with involvement of parents could promote healthy motor skills in preschool children. In this two group randomization pre-posttest quasi-experimental study, 160 children 3–5 years-old with their mothers were selected and equally allocated in two groups. For intervention group, four theoretical and 20 practical sessions in five groups of 6–8 participants, consisting of mothers and children of the same age, was conducted. After intervention, the gross and fine motor skills of intervention group were promoted (p < 0.05). The study results provide positive evidence about creating opportunities to practice of age-appropriate play in childhood, especially with parental engagement and support, on motor development.

KEYWORDS:

• Children preschool
• play
• motor skill
• parents

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Declaration of interest

Human and Animal Rights:

No Animals were used for current study. The purpose of the study was explained to the participant parents and the preschool children. Parents or children had right to decide not to continue to participate. Written informed consents were obtained from the participant parents. It is also important to note that the results of the study were anonymously reported to comply with the ethical criteria.

Consent for publication

The results were anonymously reported to comply with the ethical criteria. Therefore, we did not ask for an informed consent for publication from the participant parents. All authors have read the final version of the paper. Paper presented has been confirmed by all authors. All authors had access to data and a role in writing and approving the submitted version.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Fatemeh Cheraghi

Fatemeh Cheraghi is PhD - Associated professor - Department of Pediatric Nursing - School of Nursing and Midwifery - Chronic Disease (Home Care) Research center- Hamadan University of Medical Science.

Zhila Shokri

Zhila Shokri is MSc Student of Pediatric Nursing - School of Nursing and Midwifery - Hamadan University of Medical Science.

Ghodratollah Roshanaei

Ghodratollah Roshanaei is PhD - Associated professor - Department of Biostatistics - School of Public Health - Hamadan University of Medical Science.

Arash Khalili

Arash Khalili (Corresponding Author) is MSc - Educator - Department of Pediatric Nursing - School of Nursing and Midwifery - Hamadan University of Medical Science.