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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06834620

School-Based Physical Education Program and Its Effects on Motor Fitness in Malaysian Children

The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to compare the effects of a standard school physical education program (SPEP) and a rhythmic and gymnastic activities-based school physical education program (RGPEP) on the physical and motor fitness parameters of Malaysian primary school children.

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Key information

Conditions

Physical Fitness Body Weight Child Development Childhood Obesity Exercise Intervention Nutrition Disorders Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases Obesity Overnutrition Overweight Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Pediatric Obesity Physical Inactivity in Children Signs and Symptoms

Age range

8 year–8 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

About this study

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the impact of two distinct physical education programs on the physical and motor fitness of Malaysian primary school children. The intervention group participates in a rhythmic and gymnastic activities-based physical education program (RGPEP), designed to enhance balance, coordination, flexibility, and agility through structured, progressive activities. The control group follows the standard school physical education program (SPEP) in line with the national curriculum, which emphasizes general fitness and physical activity without specific rhythmic or gymnastic components.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Children aged 8 years at the time of enrollment.
  • Both boys and girls.
  • Regular school attendance during the academic year.
  • No diagnosed health conditions or chronic diseases that could interfere with physical activity.
  • Not involved in extracurricular sports activities outside the school environment.
  • Not engaged in extra traveling to and from school on foot or by bicycle.
  • Parents or legal guardians provided written informed consent.
  • The child provided verbal assent to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria

  • Children missing more than 20% of scheduled physical education classes.
  • Overweight children with a BMI ≥ 23 kg/m².
  • Underweight children with a BMI < 18.5 kg/m².
  • Children involved in regular sports training or participation in extracurricular sports activities during the intervention period.
  • Children with any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries that could limit participation in physical activities.
  • Children with developmental or motor impairments affecting their ability to perform the required fitness activities.
  • Children on any medication that could interfere with their performance or physical fitness evaluation.

Treatment and study plan

Rhythmic and Gymnastic Activities-Based School Physical Education Program

Behavioral

A structured, year-long school-based physical education program integrating rhythmic movements, gymnastics, and small equipment exercises designed to enhance motor and physical fitness. The program included 80 sessions (two per week) focusing on rhythmic activities such as twisting, partner balance, animal walks, tumbling, and rope exercises. The intervention aimed to improve strength, flexibility, agility, and cardiovascular endurance compared to traditional physical education classes.

Primary outcomes

  1. Standing Broad Jump

    Time frame: Baseline (Month 0) and Post-Intervention (Month 12).

    The standing broad jump test measures lower body power in centimeters. Participants will perform a jump from a standing position, and the longest distance recorded will be used for analysis.

  2. 20-Meter Sprint

    Time frame: Baseline (Month 0) and Post-Intervention (Month 12).

    Sprint speed will be assessed using a 20-meter sprint test. The time taken (in seconds) to complete the distance will be recorded.

  3. 4 × 10-Meter Shuttle Run

    Time frame: Baseline (Month 0) and Post-Intervention (Month 12).

    Agility and speed will be measured using a 4 × 10-meter shuttle run test. Time to complete the test (in seconds) will be recorded.

  4. Push-Ups

    Time frame: Baseline (Month 0) and Post-Intervention (Month 12).

    Upper body endurance will be assessed using the push-up test. The number of correctly executed push-ups performed will be recorded.

  5. Sit and Reach Test

    Time frame: Baseline (Month 0) and Post-Intervention (Month 12).

    Flexibility will be assessed using the sit and reach test. The maximum reach distance (in centimeters) will be recorded.

  6. Multistage Shuttle Run Test

    Time frame: Baseline (Month 0) and Post-Intervention (Month 12).

    Cardiovascular endurance will be measured using the multistage shuttle run test. VO₂max (mL/kg/min) will be estimated based on performance.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Height

    Time frame: Baseline (Month 0) and Post-Intervention (Month 12).

    Standing height will be measured using a stadiometer and recorded in centimeters.

  2. Weight

    Time frame: Baseline (Month 0) and Post-Intervention (Month 12).

    Body weight will be measured using a digital scale and recorded in kilograms.

  3. Body Mass Index

    Time frame: Baseline (Month 0) and Post-Intervention (Month 12).

    BMI will be calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Hellenic Naval Academy

Other

Collaborators

  • Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University

Registry information

Official study title

Impact of a Novel Primary School-based Physical Education Program on Physical and Motor Fitness of Malaysian Children: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: SPEP-FIT

Important dates

Study start
2015
Primary completion
2016
Study completion
2016
First posted
Feb 19, 2025
Registry last updated
Feb 19, 2025

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

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

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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