Effectiveness of motor intervention programs on fundamental motor skill performance: a meta-analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to use the aggregate data meta-analytic approach to assess the effectiveness of motor intervention programs on motor skill performance and analyze possible moderating variables. Randomized trials of motor program interventions published up to 2015 were included by searching fourteen databases, cross-referencing and expert review. Studies were selected and extracted by the two authors independently. Risk of bias was assessed using a self-developed instrument (5-point maximum). Random effects model using the standardized mean difference effect size (ES) were used to pooled results. Heterogeneity was examined using the Q statistic and inconsistency using I-squared (I2). Of 72 studies screened, 32 studies representing 2607 boys and girls, with ages between 4to X and up to 17.5 ES were included. Risk of bias was M±DS = 6.35 ±0.93. Intervention group significantly improved performance between pretest and posttest (ES= 0.972 p = 0.01 IC95%= 0.84 a1.09; Q= 1467, I2= 88,7%), while the no intervention (ES= 0,072, p = 0,63 IC95%= -0.13 to 0.27, Q= 18.1, I2= 55.9%). Moderating analysis was conducted for different factors. The overall ES suggest that motor intervention programs enhance the performance on fundamental motor skills.