The effect of Stickygym games on motor development of children during Covid-19 lockdown

Background: Children s motor skills are inversely related to sedentary screen time. COVID-19-lockdown during the pandemic has caused a further increasing on screening time. Aim: The current research aims at investigating the impact of Stickygym games on motor development of children. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight eligible subjects (4-6 years old) were chosen and randomly grouped into control group (n=13) and experimental group (n=15). Using TGMD-2 test, gross motor development was measured. The experimental group performed online Stickygym games for 8 weeks. Stickygym kit includes Hook Loop strips, with two linear polyester strips being easily but firmly attached together. Trained instructors performed online training sessions. In the end, TGMD-2 test was conducted again in person. Data analysis was done using Shapiro-Wilk, Levene and the analysis of covariance tests were with the significance level of 0.05 in SPSS 24. Results: Some locomotion skills were significantly improved by Stickygym games: bound (P=0.005), galloping (P=0.012), and running (P=0.003), as well as object control skills: overhand throw (P=0.004), underhand roll (P=0.01), and striking a stationary ball (P=0.021). Conclusion: This play kit can be utilized by pre-school educators and parents for improving object control and locomotion skills in preschool children.