The effect of free play on preschoolers’ physical activity level and motor, cognitive, and socioemotional competences: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

References

• Aboud, Frances E. 2006. “Evaluation of an early childhood preschool program in rural Bangladesh.” Early Childhood Research Quarterly 21 (1): 46–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecresq.2006.01.008.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Alhassan, Sofiya, John R. Sirard, and Thomas N. Robinson. 2007. “The effects of increasing outdoor play time on physical activity in Latino preschool children.” International Journal of Pediatric Obesity 2 (3): 153–158. https://doi.org/10.1080/17477160701520108.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Asalla Venegas, S. 2007. “¿Que es la educación?” Escuela de educación. file:///C:/Users/inigo/OneDrive/Escritorio/art03.pdf.
   Google Scholar
• Bertram, Tony, Julia Formosinho, Colette Gray, Chris Pascal, and Margy Whalley. 2016. “EECERA ethical code for early childhood researchers.” European Early Childhood Education Research Journal 24 (1): iii–xiii. https://doi.org/10.1080/1350293X.2016.1120533.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Bidzan-Bluma, Ilona, and Małgorzata Lipowska. 2018. “Physical Activity and Cognitive Functioning of Children: A Systematic Review.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 15 (4): 800. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15040800.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Black, M. M., S. P. Walker, L. C. H. Fernald, C. T. Andersen, A. M. DiGirolamo, C. Lu, D. C. McCoy, et al. 2017. “Early Childhood Development Coming of age: Science Through the Life Course.” The Lancet 389 (10064): 77–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(16)31389-7.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Chatzopoulos, D., G. Doganis, and I. Kollias. 2019. “Effects of Creative Dance on Proprioception, Rhythm and Balance of Preschool Children.” Early Child Development and Care 189 (12): 1943–1953. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004430.2017.1423484.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Deli, E., I. Bakle, and E. Zachopoulou. 2006. “Implementing Intervention Movement Programs for Kindergarten Children.” Journal of Early Childhood Research 4 (1): 5–18. https://doi.org/10.1177/1476718X06059785.
   Google Scholar
• Dimond, D., C. S. Rohr, R. E. Smith, T. Dhollander, I. Cho, C. Lebel, D. Dewey, A. Connelly, and S. Bray. 2020. “Early Childhood Development of White Matter Fiber Density and Morphology.” NeuroImage 210: 116552. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.116552.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Donnelly, J. E., C. H. Hillman, D. Castelli, J. L. Etnier, S. Lee, P. Tomporowski, K. Lambourne, and A. N. Szabo-Reed. 2016. “Physical Activity, Fitness, Cognitive Function, and Academic Achievement in Children: A Systematic Review.” Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 48 (6): 1197–1222. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000000901.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Ekerdt, C. E. M., C. Kühn, A. Anwander, J. Brauer, and A. D. Friederici. 2020. “Word Learning Reveals White Matter Plasticity in Preschool Children.” Brain Structure and Function 225 (2): 607–619. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00429-020-02024-7.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Fu, Y., R. D. Burns, N. Constantino, and P. Zhang. 2018. “Differences in Step Counts, Motor Competence, and Enjoyment Between an Exergaming Group and a Non-Exergaming Group.” Games for Health Journal 7 (5): 335–340. https://doi.org/10.1089/g4h.2017.0188.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Garner, P. W. 2010. “Emotional Competence and its Influences on Teaching and Learning.” Educational Psychology Review 22 (3): 297–321. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-010-9129-4.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Gil-Moreno, J., and M. Rico-González. 2023. “The Effects of Physical Education on Preschoolers’ Emotional Intelligence: A Systematic Review.” Sustainability.
   Google Scholar
• Gilmore, J. H., R. C. Knickmeyer, and W. Gao. 2018. “Imaging Structural and Functional Brain Development in Early Childhood.” Nature Reviews Neuroscience 19 (3): 123–137. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn.2018.1.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Giordano, G., and M. Alesi. 2022. “Does Physical Activity Improve Inhibition in Kindergarteners? A Pilot Study.” Perceptual and Motor Skills 129 (4): 1001–1013. https://doi.org/10.1177/00315125221109216.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Group, C. C. C. R. 2016. Data Extraction Template for Included Studies.
   Google Scholar
• Jason, C. C., K. Majeika, and A. Sheaffer. 2021. “Language Skills of Children With and Without Mathematics Difficulty.” Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research 64 (9): 3571–3577. https://doi.org/10.1044/2021_JSLHR-20-00378.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kirk, S. M., C. R. Vizcarra, E. C. Looney, and E. P. Kirk. 2014. “Using Physical Activity to Teach Academic Content: A Study of the Effects on Literacy in Head Start Preschoolers.” Early Childhood Education Journal 42 (3): 181–189. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-013-0596-3.
   Google Scholar
• Lee, R., S. Lane, A. Tang, C. Leung, S. Kwok, L. Louie, G. Browne, and S. Chan. 2020. “Effects of an Unstructured Free Play and Mindfulness Intervention on Wellbeing in Kindergarten Students.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17 (15): 5382. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17155382.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Lorås, H. 2020. “The Effects of Physical Education on Motor Competence in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Sports 8 (6): 88. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports8060088.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Luchs, A., and M. Fikus. 2018. “Differently Designed Playgrounds and Preschooler’s Physical Activity Play.” Early Child Development and Care 188 (3): 281–295. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004430.2016.1213726.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Mas, M., L. Jiménez, and C. Riera. 2018. “Systematization of the Psychomotor Activity and Cognitive Development.” Psicología Educativa 24 (1): 38–41. https://doi.org/10.5093/psed2018a5.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Moore, J. B., L. M. Guy, and T. G. Reeve. 1984. “Effects of the Capon Perceptual-Motor Program on Motor Ability, Self-Concept, and Academic Readiness.” Perceptual and Motor Skills 58 (3): 711–714. https://doi.org/10.2466/pms.1984.58.3.711.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Mulvey, K. L., S. T. Miedema, A. Stribing, E. Gilbert, and A. Brian. 2020. “SKIPing Together: A Motor Competence Intervention Promotes Gender-Integrated Friendships for Young Children.” Sex Roles 82 (9–10): 550–557. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-019-01079-z.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Owen, M. B., W. B. Curry, C. Kerner, L. Newson, and S. J. Fairclough. 2017. “The Effectiveness of School-Based Physical Activity Interventions for Adolescent Girls: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Preventive Medicine 105: 237–249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2017.09.018.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Page, M. J., J. E. McKenzie, P. M. Bossuyt, I. Boutron, T. C. Hoffmann, C. D. Mulrow, L. Shamseer, … D. Moher. 2021. “The PRISMA 2020 Statement: An Updated Guideline for Reporting Systematic Reviews.” BMJ n71), https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71.
   Google Scholar
• Palma, M. S., B. O. Pereira, and N. C. Valentini. 2014. “Guided Play and Free Play in an Enriched Environment: Impact on Motor Development.” Motriz: Revista de Educação Física 20 (2): 177–185. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1980-65742014000200007.
   Google Scholar
• Palmer, K. K., A. L. Matsuyama, and L. E. Robinson. 2017. “Impact of Structured Movement Time on Preschoolers’ Physical Activity Engagement.” Early Childhood Education Journal 45 (2): 201–206. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-016-0778-x.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Piaget, J. 1962. The Language and Thought of the Child. 3rd ed. Pennsylvania State University: Routledge& Kegan-Paul.
   Google Scholar
• Piaget, J. 1977. The Development of Thought. Equilibration of Cognitive Structures. Oxford: Basil Blackwell.
   Google Scholar
• Razak, L. A., S. L. Yoong, J. Wiggers, P. J. Morgan, J. Jones, M. Finch, R. Sutherland, et al. 2018. “Impact of Scheduling Multiple Outdoor Free-Play Periods in Childcare on Child Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity: A Cluster Randomised Trial.” International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 15 (1): 34. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-018-0665-5.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Rico-González, M. 2023a. “Developing Emotional Intelligence Through Physical Education: A Systematic Review.” Perceptual and Motor Skills, 003151252311651. https://doi.org/10.1177/00315125231165162.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Rico-González, M. 2023b. “The Effect of Primary School-Based Physical Education Programs: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.” Journal of Physical Activity and Health 20: 1–31. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2022-0452.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Rico-González, M., J. Pino-Ortega, F. M. Clemente, and A. Los Arcos. 2022. “Guidelines for Performing Systematic Reviews in Sports Science.” Biology of Sport 39 (2): 463–471. https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2022.106386.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Riga, V., and E. Chronopoulou. 2014. “Applying MacKinnon’s 4Ps to Foster Creative Thinking and Creative Behaviours in Kindergarten Children.” Education 3-13 42 (3): 330–345. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004279.2012.692700.
   Google Scholar
• Ruiz-Esteban, C., J. Terry Andrés, I. Méndez, and Á Morales. 2020. “Analysis of Motor Intervention Program on the Development of Gross Motor Skills in Preschoolers.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17 (13): 4891. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17134891.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Sarid, M., and Z. Breznitz. 1997. “Developmental Aspects of Sustained Attention among 2- to 6-Year-old Children.” International Journal of Behavioral Development 21 (2): 303–312. https://doi.org/10.1080/016502597384884.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Tortella, P., M. Haga, J. E. Ingebrigtsen, G. F. Fumagalli, and H. Sigmundsson. 2019. “Comparing Free Play and Partly Structured Play in 4-5-Years-Old Children in an Outdoor Playground.” Frontiers in Public Health 7: 197. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2019.00197.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Tortella, P., M. Haga, H. Lorås, G. F. Fumagalli, and H. Sigmundsson. 2022. “Effects of Free Play and Partly Structured Playground Activity on Motor Competence in Preschool Children: A Pragmatic Comparison Trial.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19 (13): 7652. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19137652.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Tortella, P., M. Haga, H. Loras, H. Sigmundsson, and G. Fumagalli. 2016. “Motor Skill Development in Italian Pre-School Children Induced by Structured Activities in a Specific Playground.” PLOS ONE 11 (7): e0160244. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0160244.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Tuerk, C., V. Anderson, A. Bernier, and M. H. Beauchamp. 2021. “Social Competence in Early Childhood: An Empirical Validation of the SOCIAL Model.” Journal of Neuropsychology 15 (3): 477–499. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnp.12230.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Veiga, G., C. Neto, and C. Rieffe. 2016. “Preschoolers’ free play—Connections with emotional and social functioning.” International Journal of Emotional Education 8 (1): 48–62.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Verdine, B. N., C. M. Irwin, R. M. Golinkoff, and K. Hirsh-Pasek. 2014. “Contributions of Executive Function and Spatial Skills to Preschool Mathematics Achievement.” Journal of Experimental Child Psychology 126: 37–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jecp.2014.02.012.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar