Effects of different types of structured physical activity courses on gross motor development in preschool children: a 12-week comparative intervention study

A 12-week engagement in roller skating, basketball, or physical training courses was associated with enhancements in locomotor skills, object control skills, and overall gross motor skill levels among 3-6-year-old children. Further comparison indicated that, although no significant group differences were observed in the overall gain in total locomotor scores, the basketball and physical training groups exhibited positive changes across all individual locomotor tasks. In contrast, while the roller skating group was associated with positive changes in most locomotor skills, less pronounced gains were observed in gallop and skip. Regarding object control skills, children in the basketball and physical training groups showed greater gains than those in the roller skating group in both overall object control performance and specific tasks such as two-hand strike of a stationary ball, two-hand catch, and underhand throw.