A 12-week afterschool game-based physical activity program improves physical fitness of 9-10-year-old children: a randomized controlled study

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This study aimed to examine the effects of a 12-week afterschool game-based physical activity program (AGPAP) on the physical fitness (PF) of children. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 120 children aged 9-10 years from a state school in Eskisehir, Turkey, following the CONSORT guidelines. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (EG), which participated in AGPAP, or a control group (CG), which continued with regular physical education classes. Physical fitness was assessed using handgrip strength, curl-ups, sit-and-reach, standing long jump, and 10-meter running speed tests. Baseline comparisons indicated no significant differences between groups in age, body weight, height, or body mass index. Following the intervention, the experimental group showed significant improvements in sit-and-reach, right and left handgrip strength, curl-ups, standing long jump, and 10-meter running speed performance. In contrast, no significant changes were observed in the control group. These findings suggest that a 12-week AGPAP can effectively enhance multiple components of physical fitness in 9-10-year-old children, underscoring the potential value of incorporating game-based physical activity into school curricula to promote overall health and well-being.Trial registration. NCT06919146, Registration date 07 April 2025.