Physical Activity for Motor Skills in Preschoolers
(P-MAC Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new program called the Movement and Cognition Intervention, which uses physical activities to help preschoolers enhance their thinking and movement skills. The researchers aim to determine if teacher-guided activities can improve children's memory and problem-solving abilities, particularly in those from lower-income backgrounds. The study involves two groups: one participating in the activities and another using a health tracker for comparison. Suitable candidates are children between 3 and 5 years old who attend a preschool with at least 40 kids and two classrooms. The trial will only include children who can actively participate in physical activities and are not planning to move away soon. As an unphased study, this trial provides a unique opportunity for children to boost their cognitive and physical development through innovative activities.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.
What prior data suggests that this intervention is safe for preschoolers?
Research shows that physical activity programs, like the Movement and Cognition Intervention, are generally safe for young children. These programs aim to improve motor skills and may also enhance thinking skills, such as memory and problem-solving.
Past studies have found that children participating in these activities often benefit without major safety concerns. Specifically, organized motor skill activities have been linked to better cognitive abilities, including improved memory and flexible thinking, without reports of harm.
While this study does not involve testing a new drug, introducing any new routine should be done carefully. Since the program involves physical activity, typically part of a healthy lifestyle, it is expected to be well-tolerated. Consulting a healthcare provider is advisable to ensure it suits a child's health needs.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Movement and Cognition Intervention for preschoolers because it takes a unique approach to improving motor skills by combining physical activity with cognitive tasks. Unlike traditional methods that often focus solely on physical exercises, this intervention integrates mental challenges to enhance both movement and thinking abilities simultaneously. This dual-action method could potentially lead to more significant improvements in motor skills and cognitive development than current standard practices.
What evidence suggests that this movement and cognition intervention is effective for improving motor skills in preschoolers?
Research shows that physical activity programs can greatly improve basic movement skills and may also boost thinking abilities in preschoolers. Studies have found that learning motor skills enhances important mental functions, like memory and flexible thinking, in young children. Most studies report positive effects of these programs on both cognitive and school skills. Movement activities, including exercise, are crucial for early childhood development, aiding both physical and mental growth. Overall, this evidence suggests that the Movement and Cognition Intervention, which participants in this trial may receive, could effectively improve thinking skills and physical abilities in preschoolers from low-income families.12467
Who Is on the Research Team?
Sofiya Alhassan, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for preschool-age children (3-5 years old) from low socio-economic backgrounds. They must be enrolled in a childcare center with at least 40 kids and two full-day classrooms, not involved in other PA or motor skills programs, and plan to stay in the Springfield, MA area for the next 6 months.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Implementation of a teacher-taught gross motor skill-based physical activity intervention for preschoolers, conducted 4 days per week
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in cognitive function, gross motor skills, and physical activity levels
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Movement and Cognition Intervention
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Lead Sponsor