Exploring the Effects of Acute Digital Sports Dance Intervention on Children’s Gross Motor Development, Executive Function, and Muscle Coordination Using Electromyography Sensors: A Randomized Repeated-Measures Study

<b>Objective:</b> This paper examines how rhythm-enhanced digital dance affects children's motor abilities, cognitive performance, and neuromuscular synchronization. <b>Methods:</b> In a randomized repeated-measures study, 38 children (7-12 years) underwent three conditions: groove music-accompanied dance (GODA), conventional music dance (CODA), and non-musical physical activity (CON). Assessments of gross motor skills (using TGMD-3), executive function (using BRIEF and Stroop Test), and muscle coordination (using sEMG) were conducted. <b>Results:</b> Gross motor skills: GODA showed significantly higher TGMD scores in locomotor (<i>p</i> = 0.03) and ball skills (<i>p</i> = 0.02) compared to both CODA and CON (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Executive function: Inhibition and shifting dimensions showed significant post-intervention condition differences (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Muscle coordination: GODA exhibited greater β- and γ-band COH areas in the standing long jump compared to both CODA (<i>p</i> = 0.02) and CON (<i>p</i> < 0.001), and increased γ-band COH areas in single-leg balance compared to CODA (<i>p</i> = 0.02) and CON (<i>p</i> < 0.001). <b>Conclusions:</b> Combining rhythmic auditory stimulation with movement training offers a promising approach for integrated motor-cognitive development in children.