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Motor activity and foreign language learning in preschool: A review of movement-based and total physical response interventions
Manuela Valentini1, Nausicaa Simone2, Alessandro Beretta31. Department of Humanities, University of Urbino Carlo Bo , IT2. Department of Humanities, University of Urbino Carlo Bo , IT3. Department of Humanities, University of Urbino Carlo Bo , IT2026-04-02|page 93-105AbstractBackground: Movement may support early foreign-language learning through embodied learning, but the preschool evidence base is fragmented.
Objective: To review empirical studies on movement-based and Total Physical Response (TPR) interventions for foreign-language learning in preschool children.
Method: This study employed a systematic review design based on PRISMA 2020 guidelines, involving database searches and citation tracking to identify empirical studies on movement-based and Total Physical Response (TPR) interventions in preschool foreign-language learning. Studies were screened using predefined eligibility criteria and appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Data from eligible studies were extracted and synthesized narratively due to methodological heterogeneity.
Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Across stronger controlled studies, semantically integrated movement generally produced more favorable vocabulary and verbal memory outcomes than sedentary teaching or less integrated movement. Evidence focused specifically on TPR was positive in terms of engagement and short-term learning, but methodologically heterogeneous and less robust.
Conclusion: Current preschool evidence supports the promise of integrated movement-based language teaching, particularly when movement is tightly aligned with instructional content. However, the evidence base remains small, largely limited to vocabulary-related outcomes, and further rigorous preschool trials are needed to clarify optimal implementation and the distinct contribution of TPR.APA Citation StyleValentini, M. , Simone, N. , & Beretta, A. (2026). Motor activity and foreign language learning in preschool: A review of movement-based and total physical response interventions. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 93-105. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v5i1.694 -
Association between ADHD symptom severity and motor activity in preschool children: A cross-sectional study
Adnan Faris Naufal1, Chevanya Diva Titania Davinci2, Anida Azkia Fitri31. Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta , ID2. Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta , ID3. Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta , ID2026-08-24|page 220-232AbstractBackground: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Objective measurement of motor activity may complement parent-reported assessment of ADHD symptoms.
Objectives: This study aimed to examine the association between ADHD Rating Scale-5 scores and step counts, used as an objective indicator of motor activity, among children aged 4–6 years.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 110 children aged 4–6 years selected through purposive sampling. ADHD symptoms were assessed using the parent-completed ADHD Rating Scale-5, while step counts were measured using a digital pedometer during a 15-minute school recess. Data normality was assessed using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Pearson's product–moment correlation was used to examine the association between total ADHD Rating Scale-5 scores and step counts, whereas Spearman's rank correlation was used for the Inattention and Hyperactivity–Impulsivity domain scores.
Results: Total ADHD Rating Scale-5 scores showed a very strong positive correlation with step counts (r = .865, p < .001). At the domain level, Inattention scores showed a strong positive correlation with step counts (ρ = .756, p < .001), while Hyperactivity–Impulsivity scores showed a very strong positive correlation (ρ = .818, p < .001).
Conclusions: Higher ADHD symptom scores were strongly associated with higher motor activity, as indicated by step counts, among preschool children. Step-count measurement may provide a simple objective measure that complements parent-reported assessment of ADHD symptoms; however, it should not be interpreted as a diagnostic measure for ADHD.
APA Citation StyleNaufal, A. F. , Davinci, C. D. T. , & Fitri, A. A. (2026). Association between ADHD symptom severity and motor activity in preschool children: A cross-sectional study. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 220-232. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v5i2.777 -
Enhancing locomotor skills in preschoolers through play jump rope
Nancy Trisari Schiff1, Andy Supriady21. Sekolah Tinggi Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan (STKIP) Pasundan , ID2. Sekolah Tinggi Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan (STKIP) Pasundan , ID2026-04-14|page 135-146AbstractBackground: Fundamental Motor Skills (FMS), particularly in the Locomotor Skills domain, are an essential prerequisite for lifelong physical participation. However, the dominance of a sedentary lifestyle threatens young children's mastery of these skills.
Objectives: This study aims to test and prove the effectiveness of the jump rope play intervention program in improving locomotor skills in 5–6-year-old children.
Methods: This research uses a quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design. The sample consisted of 19 males and 11 females, for a total of 30 children. Locomotor skills are measured objectively using the Locomotor subtest of the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2). The Jump Rope Game intervention was implemented in a structured manner over 8 weeks (3 sessions/week). The data were analyzed using the Paired-Samples T-Test.
Results: The research results show a highly significant improvement in locomotor skills scores after the intervention. The average score increased from 23.30 on the pretest to 27.87 on the posttest, reflecting a 19.61% increase. The paired-samples t-test yielded a p-value of 0.000 (p<0.05), confirming that the difference between the two measurements was statistically significant.
Conclusions: Jump rope games have proven to be an effective, efficient, and enjoyable intervention for significantly improving young children's locomotor skills. This research recommends integrating inexpensive, easily accessible play-based activities into the early childhood education curriculum as a practical strategy to support physical literacy and address basic movement deficits.
APA Citation StyleSchiff, N. T. , & Supriady, A. (2026). Enhancing locomotor skills in preschoolers through play jump rope. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 135-146. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v5i1.652 -
Fun game–based learning improves gross motor skills in early primary school children
Ahmad Muttaqin Darussalam1, Sugiharto Sugiharto2, Sapto Adi31. State University of Malang , ID2. State University of Malang , ID3. State University of Malang , ID2025-11-23|page 236-249AbstractBackground: Children who face difficulties in gross motor skill development may withdraw from physical activities, experience low self-esteem, and suffer from social anxiety. Physical education plays a vital role in fostering gross motor development, especially when delivered through enjoyable and engaging activities such as fun games.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of fun game–based learning on the development of gross motor skills in early primary school children.
Methods: The study employed a quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent control group. A total of 36 second-grade students from SDIT Mutiara Hati in Malang participated in this study. Participants were assigned to one of three groups: a control group, a group-based fun games intervention, and an individual-based fun games intervention. The interventions were implemented three times a week for 30 minutes over a period of seven weeks. Gross motor skills were measured before and after the intervention using the Test of Gross Motor Development–Third Edition (TGMD-3), a reliable and validated instrument. Data were analyzed using homogeneity and normality tests, paired-sample t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey's HSD post hoc tests, with a significance level set at p < 0.05 (SPSS version 25).
Results: Both the individual and group fun game–based learning interventions produced significant improvements in gross motor skills compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, a significant difference was found between the two intervention types, indicating that the mode of fun game delivery influences outcomes (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: Fun game–based learning, whether delivered individually or in groups, effectively enhances gross motor skills among early primary school children. Additionally, individual fun game–based learning demonstrated a significantly greater improvement compared to group-based learning.APA Citation StyleDarussalam, A. M. , Sugiharto, S. , & Adi, S. (2025). Fun game–based learning improves gross motor skills in early primary school children. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 236-249. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v4i3.613 -
Associations between physical activity intensity and motor balance in elementary school students: A sequential explanatory mixed-methods study
Fahrurrohman Firdaus1, Indra Safari2, Rizal Ahmad Fauzi31. Indonesian University of Education , ID2. Indonesian University of Education , ID3. Indonesian University of Education , ID2026-04-01|page 47-56AbstractBackground: Children in primary school are becoming more sedentary due to advances in digital technology, which may reduce their physical activity levels. The development of motor skills, especially balance, which is an essential feature of children's motor abilities, can be impacted by a lack of physical activity.
Objectives: This study aimed to examine the association between physical activity intensity and motor balance in elementary school students.
Methods: This study used a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. The quantitative phase involved 50 students selected using saturated sampling, while the qualitative phase involved teachers and students selected purposively. Physical activity intensity was measured using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C), while motor balance was assessed using the Balance Beam Test. Quantitative data were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation, and qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis in NVivo.
Results: With a correlation coefficient of r = 0.687 and p < 0.05, the analysis demonstrated a strong, substantial positive link between motor balance levels and physical activity intensity. The intensity of physical activity accounted for 47.2% of motor balance. Qualitative research revealed that students with high levels of physical activity were more likely to engage in active play, such as running outside, cycling, and soccer, which, in turn, indirectly improve balance and postural stability.
Conclusions: This study demonstrates that physical activity intensity plays an important role in the development of motor balance among elementary school students. These findings highlight the importance of integrating active movement-based learning strategies in physical education programs.
APA Citation StyleFirdaus, F. , Safari, I. , & Fauzi, R. A. (2026). Associations between physical activity intensity and motor balance in elementary school students: A sequential explanatory mixed-methods study. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 47-56. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v5i1.706 -
Preschool Age Fundamental Movement Skills Level
Elok Ludyana1, Imam Hariadi2, Nurrul Riyad Fadhli31. State University of Malang , ID2. State University of Malang , ID3. State University of Malang , ID2022-07-01|page 63-78AbstractBackground: Teachers and parents need to know and understand the importance of fulfilling motor skills in pre-school-aged children to develop these habits and help reduce the rate of decline associated with motor delays in children's gross motor development.
Objectives: This study aims to determine the level of fundamental movement skills of pre-school-age children at PAUD Tunas Bangsa in Bakalan Krajan, Malang City.
Methods: This non-experimental study utilizes a descriptive research design with a survey method as its approach. The participants in this study were 15 children aged 3-5 years old from PAUD Tunas Bangsa Bakalan Krajan in Malang City. This study is a population study because all subjects were included in the study. The instrument used to determine the basic movements of pre-school-age children uses TGMD-2 (Test of Gross Motor Development). This study analyzed data using a table of norms for the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2) and percentages.
Results: The study's final findings revealed that the level of fundamental movement or gross motor skills of children aged 3-5 years at PAUD Tunas Bangsa in Malang City showed an average Gross Motor Quotient (GMQ) score of 124, establishing them in the high category.
Conclusion: The level of fundamental movement skills of pre-school age children at PAUD Tunas Bangsa Bakalan Krajan in Malang City is in a good category, as evidenced by two measuring indicators, namely locomotor motion, and manipulative motion, so it can be said that children's gross motor skills develop by their level age.
APA Citation StyleLudyana, E. , Hariadi, I. , & Fadhli, N. R. (2022). Preschool Age Fundamental Movement Skills Level. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 63-78. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v1i2.117 -
Psychosocial predictors of academic achievement in physical education among Indonesian university students: Testing the mediating role of mental toughness
Muhad Fatoni1, Agam Akhmad Syaukani2, Pungki Indarto3, Imron Nugroho Saputro4, Ismi Husniyah Musyfiroh51. Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta , ID2. University of Technology Malaysia , MY3. Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta , ID4. Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta , ID5. Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta , ID2025-12-12|page 291-301AbstractBackground: Academic performance in this context is conceptualized holistically, encompassing the integration of cognitive, affective, psychomotor, and physical achievements. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory and Social Cognitive Theory, the study posits that physical activity interest and social skills serve as predictors of both mental toughness and academic outcomes.
Objectives: This study examines the mediating role of mental toughness in the relationship between physical activity interest, social skills, and academic performance among university students enrolled in physical education programs.
Methods: A quantitative approach was employed, involving the administration of structured questionnaires to 235 active students. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling with a Partial Least Squares approach to assess construct validity and the relationships among variables.
Results: The results reveal that interest in physical activity and social skills has a significant influence on both mental toughness and academic performance. However, mental toughness did not serve as a substantial mediator within the proposed model.
Conclusions: These findings underscore the critical direct roles of affective and social factors in predicting academic success in physical education contexts. Theoretically, this study clarifies the functional position of mental toughness, while practically, it promotes the development of instructional strategies that enhance intrinsic motivation and collaborative skills within physical education curricula.APA Citation StyleFatoni, M. , Syaukani, A. A. , Indarto, P. , Saputro, I. N. , & Musyfiroh, I. H. (2025). Psychosocial predictors of academic achievement in physical education among Indonesian university students: Testing the mediating role of mental toughness. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 291-301. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v4i3.624












