Effectiveness of a High‐Intensity Interval Games Program in Extra‐Curricular Context (MOVI‐daFIT!) on Gross Motor Competence and Health‐Related Quality of Life in Primary Schoolchildren: Cluster‐Randomized Trial

Abstract

High‐intensity interval training (HIIT) has emerged as a time‐efficient approach to improve aerobic capacity, cardiovascular health, and cognitive functioning in children and adolescents. However, evidence regarding the impact of school‐based HIIT programs on motor competence and health‐related quality of life in children is limited. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a HIIT intervention, based on playground games on gross motor competence and health‐related quality of life in schoolchildren aged 9–11 years. A cluster‐randomized controlled trial was conducted with 562 participants. The intervention involved four weekly 60 min sessions of extracurricular physical activity using traditional games adapted to a HIIT protocol. Gross motor competence and health‐related quality of life were assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children‐Second Edition (MABC‐2) and the KIDSCREEN‐27 questionnaire, respectively. Analyzes were conducted on an intention‐to‐treat basis using mixed linear regression models to compare changes from baseline to postintervention between the intervention and control groups. No significant improvements in gross motor competence or health‐related quality of life were observed after adjusting for baseline variables, age, sex, and school. The results suggest that this HIIT‐based program was not effective in enhancing gross motor competence or in improving health‐related quality of life. Future programs could improve effectiveness by optimizing the balance between movement intensity and quality, aligning activities with gross motor competence assessment tools, emphasizing health‐related quality of life components, training educators to enhance quality of life, extending intervention duration to impact self‐esteem and psychological well‐being, and improving adherence ratesThe Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness‐Carlos III Health Institute (FIS PI16/01919) funded this study. Additional funding was obtained from the Research Network on Preventative Activities and Health Promotion (RD12/0005/0009). Open Access funding was provided by the Universidad de Castilla‐La Mancha