The proposed study uses a mHealth application "app" to help parents teach their preschool-age child motor skill (FMS) activities in the home environment. This app guides families to participate in 10-min activity breaks, 7 days/week for 12 weeks and the app includes weekly instructional lessons, peer modeling videos, behavioral scaffolding, and structured activities. This study builds on prior work by assessing whether improvements in FMS generalize to cognitive domains, including executive function skills such as working memory, attention, and inhibitory control. By examining both motor and cognitive outcomes, the project will provide essential evidence on whether enhanced FMS uniquely contributes to cognitive development. Based on findings from the proposed study, there may be a need to develop additional modules that address diverse needs of children or that contribute to broader, multifaceted improvement in both motor competence and cognitive function. Findings will inform the potential of technology-based motor skill interventions to support broader aspects of child development in diverse populations, guiding future practice and policy in education, health, and early intervention.
Children will be included if they are 3-5 years of age at the time of enrollment and their accompanying parents (Age 18 or above).
Child exclusion criteria: Physical or cognitive disability that parent feels will preclude participation in activity breaks or assessments (physical activity or gross motor skill activities).
University of Tennessee
Lead sponsor
Woodcock Institute for the Advancement of Neurocognitive Research and Applied Practice
Collaborator