# Motor coordination in school-aged children with different nutritional statuses following a non-immersive virtual reality intervention

## TL;DR

This study examined how a non-immersive virtual reality game affected motor coordination in children with different nutritional statuses, but found no significant improvements.

## Contribution

The study contributes a quasi-experimental evaluation of virtual reality's impact on motor coordination in children with varying nutritional statuses.

## Key findings

- The virtual reality intervention did not significantly improve motor coordination in children.
- Younger children showed better motor coordination than older children at baseline and post-intervention.
- Sedentary behavior time remained high and similar across all groups.

## Abstract

Children with low motor coordination tend to engage in less physical activity. They are more likely to gain weight, establishing a bidirectional relationship, as weight gain may further restrict their participation in physical activity. When opportunities for physical activity are enjoyable, the likelihood of children’s engagement increases, which may lead to higher levels of physical activity.

To examine the effects of a non-immersive virtual reality game protocol on gross motor coordination in children with different nutritional statuses, and specifically, to compare sedentary behavior time between groups.

In a quasi-experimental study, a non-immersive virtual reality game protocol was implemented for eight weeks in children aged 5 to 9 years from municipal public schools. Socioeconomic, anthropometric, motor coordination, and sedentary behavior time data were assessed.

Fifty-six children from five schools completed the study, with a mean age of 6.86 ± 1.51 years; 26 were girls (46.42%). Repeated-measures ANOVA showed no significant effect between groups (p = 0.149, η2p = 0.149). A negative Spearman correlation was observed between age and motor coordination at baseline (r = −0.627; p < 0.001) and at post-intervention assessment (r = −0.538; p < 0.001). Sedentary behavior time did not differ between groups (Welch’s ANOVA: p = 0.568).

The intervention did not affect motor coordination. Younger children demonstrated better motor coordination, and sedentary behavior time was high and similar among the children. These findings highlight the importance of public health strategies that provide regular and adequate motor stimulation during childhood.