Clinical Research Directory

Effects of a School-Based Physical Activity Intervention on 24-Hour Movement Behaviours and Motor Development in Preschool Children - Study Protocol

This protocol describes a quasi-experimental controlled study evaluating the effects of the Super Quinas in Preschool programme on 24-hour movement behaviours and motor development in preschool children aged 3-6 years. The intervention consists of one additional structured 60-minute physical activity session per week for 12 weeks, delivered by a qualified exercise professional in a public preschool in Maia, Portugal. Four classes (\~80 children) are allocated at the class level: two to the intervention condition and two to the control condition (usual curricular Physical Education). Baseline data collection (T0) was conducted between 23 February and 16 March 2026; the intervention commenced on 25 March 2026. Subsequent assessments are planned for early May (T1, mid-intervention), end of June (T2, post-intervention), and mid-September 2026 (T3, follow-up). Primary outcomes are 24-hour movement behaviours (ActiGraph GT3X accelerometry) and motor competence and physical fitness (Motor Competence Assessment + PREFIT subtests). Secondary outcomes include executive function (HTKS; Day-Night Stroop) and socioemotional regulation (SDQ). Statistical analyses will use longitudinal linear mixed-effects models under an intention-to-treat framework.

Developing and Optimizing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Motor Rehabilitation

This study aims to evaluate three different transcranial magnetic stimulation protocols and their impact on motor system neurophysiology and skill learning.

Effects of Neuromuscular Exercises on Motor Skills in Girls

This randomized controlled trial found that integrative neuromuscular exercises significantly improved gross motor skills in school-age girls compared to regular physical activity. The results support including structured neuromuscular training in physical education programs.

Motor-Focused Exercise and Brain Development in Preschool Children

This study will test whether a structured motor-focused exercise program can improve both brain function and gross motor skills in preschool children. About 110 children aged 4 to 6 years will be recruited from kindergartens in Changsha, China. Classes will be randomly assigned to receive either (1) motor-focused physical education three times per week for 16 weeks, or (2) ordinary physical education of the same frequency and duration. The motor-focused program includes playful, game-based activities designed to strengthen locomotor skills (such as running and hopping) and object-control skills (such as throwing and catching). The main outcome will be changes in children's gross motor skills, measured with a standardized motor test (TGMD-3). Brain activity will also be assessed using portable electroencephalography (EEG) during rest and simple tasks related to attention and memory. Parents and teachers will complete short questionnaires about children's behavior and executive function. The results of this study may provide new insights into how physical education influences both movement skills and brain development in early childhood.

A Mobile App to Improve 24-Hour Movement Guideline Adherence in Preschoolers

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether a home-based mHealth intervention can improve adherence to the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines in preschool-aged children (3-4 years old) who currently meet 0 or 1 of the guidelines for physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Can the intervention increase the proportion of children meeting all three 24-Hour Movement Guidelines (physical activity, screen-time, and sleep)? * Is the intervention feasible for parents to implement, as measured by a parent feedback survey? Researchers will compare an intervention group to a waitlist control group to assess whether the intervention leads to increased guideline adherence. Parents and Participants: * Children will wear an accelerometer to track physical activity and sleep patterns. * Parents will use a mobile app that delivers weekly lessons and behavior-related goals to encourage healthy movement behaviors in their children. * Parents will complete questionnaires on their child's movement behaviors and development at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. * Additionally, children will undergo motor skills assessments, and parents will provide feedback on cognitive development and behavioral changes.