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NCT Number: NCT07491666

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.

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This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

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Key information

Conditions

Motor Skills Locomotor Activity Objective Control Skills

Age range

8 year–9 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad

Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia

About this study

The current study aims to determine the effects of eight-week integrated neuromuscular exercise implemented during physical education class in a primary school in lower elementary children on motor skills. The sample consisted of 52 second-grade students of the elementary school "Prva vojvodjanska brigada" from Novi Sad. Classes were randomly divided into the two groups: the intervention group (n=37) and the control group (n=35). The intervention group performed the integrated neuromuscular training program two times per week within the first ~15 min of physical education class consisting of a dynamic warm-up, basic exercises focused on increasing muscle strength and power, and secondary exercises focused on improving fundamental motor skills. The control group performed traditional physical education classes, also twice a week. To evaluate the effects of the experimental and control program, the following test batteries were used: for the assessment of motor skills Test of Gross Motor Development. Mixed model analysis of variance with repeated measures was used for statist analysis.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • female; second-grade of the elementary school; no injury or musculoskeletal disorders; without developmental disabilities.

Exclusion criteria

  • Presence of serious health conditions (including life-threatening diseases and developmental disabilities

Treatment and study plan

Training program

Other

Participants performed the integrated neuromuscular training program two times per week within the first ~15 min of physical education class consisting of a dynamic warm-up, basic exercises focused on increasing muscle strength and power, and secondary exercises focused on improving fundamental motor skills.

Primary outcomes

  1. Locomotor skills - Test of Gross Motor Development - 2nd edition

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    Test of Gross Motor Development-2nd Edition (TGMD-2). The TGMD-2 has been widely used in previous research due to its high reliability and low measurement error, providing strong support for its effectiveness (Ulrich, 2000).

    Locomotor skills (run and horizontal jump) is especial skills in this battery and of great importance for monitoring the motor development of girls.

    Each task was performed twice by the child; a score of 1 was awarded for correct execution, whereas a score of 0 was given for incorrect performance. Each performance criterion was scored separately across two trials, and the scores were subsequently summed to obtain the final result. This overall score reflects the individual's current level of fundamental motor development.

    Higher scores indicate more proficient locomotor skills, whereas lower scores may suggest the presence of motor deficits.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Manipulative skills - Test of Gross Motor Development

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    Test of Gross Motor Development-2 has been widely used in previous research due to its high reliability and low measurement error, providing strong support for its effectiveness (Ulrich, 2000). Each task was performed twice by the child; a score of 1 was awarded for correct execution, whereas a score of 0 was given for incorrect performance. Higher scores indicate more proficient manipulative skills (catch, stationary dribble), whereas lower scores may suggest the presence of motor deficits.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Novi Sad

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Integrative Neuromuscular Exercises on Gross Motor Skills in School Age Girls: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: MOVE-Girls

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Mar 24, 2026
Registry last updated
Mar 30, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

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This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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