Psychomotor intervention to stimulate motor development in 8-10-year-old schoolchildren

Abstract

The human being does not have static development throughout life. From conception to death, there are physical, psychological, social transformations and modifications, being vulnerable to restrictions. Interventions seek to reduce the effects of these restrictions, as children and adolescents are influenced by impoverished motor experiences in the family and school environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an intervention program on 8-10-year-old schoolchildren in the public school system of Matinhos/PR, Brazil. Ninety-one 8-10-year-old schoolchildren from the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades were evaluated by the Motor Development Scale (MDS). Fifty-four of them presented risk of delay. Of these, 27 who performed weekly physical education classes were randomized into Control Group (CG), and 27 (Experimental Group - EG) to a psychomotor intervention program twice a week for four weeks. After interventions, EG and CG were reassessed. In the analysis of the General Motor Quotient (GMQ), it was verified that in all grades, EG presented a significant increase compared to the moment of evaluation, which was not observed among children in the CG. There was a significant increase in the averages in the reevaluation of CG and GE, however, EG presented significant differences in the Fine Motor and Balance dimensions. Intervention improved GMQ, Fine Motor and Balance compared to traditional Physical Education class.