Efficacy of interventions to improve motor development in young children: a systematic review.

Full Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to systematically review evidence from controlled trials on the efficacy of motor development interventions in young children. METHODS: A literature search of interventions was conducted of 14 electronic databases. Three reviewers independently evaluated studies to determine whether they met the inclusion criteria. Studies were compared on 5 components: design, methodologic quality, intervention components, efficacy, and alignment with the Consolidated Standard of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) and Transparent Reporting of Evaluation with Nonrandomized Designs (TREND) statements. RESULTS: Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. More than half (65%) were controlled trials and delivered at child care settings or schools (65%). Three studies had high methodologic quality. Studies were approximately 12 weeks in duration and delivered by teachers, researchers, and students. Parents were involved in only 3 studies. Nearly 60% of the studies reported statistically significant improvements at follow-up. Three studies aligned with the CONSORT and TREND statements. CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the limited quantity and quality of interventions to improve motor development in young children. The following recommendations are made: (1) both teachers and researchers should be involved in the implementation of an intervention; (2) parental involvement is critical to ensuring transfer of knowledge from the intervention setting to the home environment; and (3) interventions should be methodologically sound and follow guidelines detailed in the CONSORT or TREND statement.

Author information

Author/s: Riethmuller, Annaleise M (AM); Jones, Rachel (R); Okely, Anthony D (AD);

Affiliation: Child Obesity Research Centre, Faculty of Education, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Pediatrics (Pediatrics), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Oct; vol 124 (issue 4) : pp e782-92

Dates: Created 2009/10/05; Completed 2009/10/23;

PMID: 19736263, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/23/2009, IMS Date: )

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