De invloed van Monkey Moves op motorisch functioneren en sociale acceptatie.

Abstract

Background. 12% of the Dutch children between the ages of four and twelve have trouble with overweight. More physical activities seem to correlate with less overweight. Besides, children who are more physically active, report higher psychological well-being. To stimulate physical activities, several motor interventions, such as Monkey Moves have been set up for children. Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate if Monkey Moves influences motor development and social acceptance in children aged four to nine years. Monkey Moves offers sports lessons with the aim to improve the self-esteem and the motor skills of children and to let them experience the fun of sports. Method. In a multiple case-study quantitative data were collected. 36 children between four and nine years old, participating in the Monkey Moves programme were tested on physical activity, motor competence and social acceptance. To investigate physical activity, we asked parents to fill in a physical diary. For testing the motor competence we used the Athletic Skills Movement track and the Dutch version of the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire. Social acceptance was measured with the Dutch version of the Self-Perception Profile for Children. Results. On group level, both motor development and social acceptance showed no significant change after nine weeks. Conclusion. There was no impact on both motor development and social acceptance after nine weeks of Monkey Moves. Future research should focus on larger samples and more longitudinal research to improve movement interventions for children.