The promoting effect of biomechanics-based optimization strategies for preschool sports on mental health
Abstract
Background: Early childhood is crucial for physical and mental development. Incorporating sports into preschool education fosters motor skills but also promotes emotional and psychological well-being. Traditional sports programs often focus on generalized physical activities, neglecting biomechanics to optimize movement efficiency and reduce injury risks. A holistic approach combining biomechanics with mental health promotion is needed. Aim: This study investigates the impact of biomechanics-based optimization strategies in preschool sports and their effects on mental health. Methods: The research involved 150 preschool children divided into two groups: One participating in a biomechanics-based sports program (experimental group) and the other in a conventional sports curriculum (control group) based on survey. The biomechanics-based program included an assessment of body biomechanics and movement efficiency, alongside pedagogical methods designed to enhance physical and mental development. SPSS software was used to analyze covariance (ANCOVA), independent samples t-tests, paired samples t-tests, chi-square tests, and regression analysis to evaluate the efficiency of the biomechanics-based program and its influence on the physical and mental health of preschool children. Results: Results showed significant physical improvements, including enhanced head angle, muscle strength, spinal flexibility, and balance control. The biomechanics-based program significantly improved children’s physical and mental health metrics, particularly motor skills, balance, and emotional regulation. These improvements contribute to better mental health outcomes by fostering a positive self-image (PSI), enhancing confidence (EC), and promoting emotional well-being (PEW). Conclusion: The study emphasizes the importance of integrating biomechanics-based strategies into preschool sports programs to support both physical and mental development.
References
1. Kao SC, Brush CJ, Wang CH. A multimodal approach integrating cognitive and motor demands into physical activity for optimal mental health: Methodological issues and future directions. Progress in Brain Research. 2024; 286: 235–258.
2. Fang Z. The impact of parent-child sports games on Children’s psychological development. Revista de PsicologíadelDeporte (Journal of Sport Psychology). 2024; 33(1): 105–114.
3. Zou R, Wang K, Li D, et al. Study on the relationship and related factors between physical fitness and health behavior of preschool children in southwest China. BMC Public Health. 2024; 24(1): 1759.
4. Liang Y, Jin Q, Miao J, et al. Association between screen time and physical activity on mental health among preschoolers: a cross-sectional study from Southwest China. BMC Public Health. 2024; 24(1): 261.
5. Shi Y, Li Y. Research on the Path of Pre-school Children’s Mental Health Education from The Perspective of Psychological Capital. International Journal of Social Science and Education Research. 2024; (6).
6. Waters AM, Sluis RA, Usher W, et al. Reaching young people in urban and rural communities with mental health and wellbeing support with a youth sports development program: integrating in-person and remote modes of service delivery. Child Psychiatry & Human Development. 2024; 1–11.
7. Zhao R, Li X, Wang J, et al. Evaluation of physical fitness and health of young children aged between 3 and 6 based on cluster and factor analyses. BMC Public Health. 2024; 24(1), p.420.
8. Martín-Rodríguez A, Gostian-Ropotin LA, Beltrán-Velasco AI, et al. Sporting Mind: The Interplay of Physical Activity and Psychological Health. Sports. 2024; 12(1), p.37.
9. Newman T, Okamoto K, Beasley L, et al. Sport Social Work: Unique Opportunities, Benefits, and Barriers. Sport Social Work Journal. 2024; 5(1), pp.35–52.
10. Walton CC, Purcell R, Henderson JL, et al. Mental health among elite youth athletes: a narrative overview to advance research and practice. Sports Health. 2024; 16(2), pp.166–176.
11. McLaren CD, Shanmugaratnam A, Bruner MW. Peer-initiated motivational climate, mental health and adherence in competitive youth sport. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching. 2024; 19(2), pp.851–856.
12. Schoemaker J, Vertommen T, Stevens V, de Boer W. Estimating and monetizing the causal effect of severe interpersonal violence against children in sports on subjective wellbeing. Child Abuse & Neglect. 2024; 151, p.106719.
13. Shannon S, Shevlin M, Brick N, et al. Psychometric analysis of the International Olympic Committee’s Sport Mental Health Assessment Triage Tool among non-elite amateur adult athletes. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 2024; pp.1–22.
14. Matthews J, Booth A, Rooney L, et al. A pilot study assessing the preliminary efficacy and acceptability of a mental health promotion e-learning module for sports coaches. Children’s Health Care. 2024; 53(3), pp.299–321.
15. Schweickle MJ, Graupensperger S, Liddelow C, et al. Potential moderators and mediators of intervention effects in a sport-based mental health literacy and resilience program for adolescent men. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology. 2024; 36(1), pp.119–138.
16. Cribb CF, Keko M, Creveling S, et al. Mental health, physical activity, and sports among children with cerebral palsy. Child: Care, Health and Development. 2023; 49(6), pp.1104–1111.
17. Hoffmann MD, Barnes JD, Tremblay MS, Guerrero MD. Associations between organized sports participation and mental health difficulties: Data from over 11,000 US children and adolescents. PLoS One. 2022; 17(6), p.e0268583.
18. Endrawan IB, Aliriad H, Apriyanto R, et al. The relationship between sports and mental health: literature analysis and empirical study. Health Education and Health Promotion. 2023; 11(2), pp.215–222.
19. Zhang H. Analysis on Promotion of Sports and Ideological and Political Education to Students’ Physical and Mental Health. Revista de PsicologíadelDeporte (Journal of Sport Psychology). 2022; 31(4), pp.21–30.
20. Murphy J, Sweeney MR, McGrane B. Physical activity and sports participation in Irish adolescents and associations with anxiety, depression and mental wellbeing. Findings from the physical activity and wellbeing (paws) study. Physical activity and health. 2020; 4(1), pp.107–119.
21. Vella SA, Swann C, Batterham M, et al. An intervention for mental health literacy and resilience in organized sports. Medicine and science in sports and exercise. 2021; 53(1), p.139.
22. Machado-Oliveira L, da Silva AO, Farah BQ, et al. Team sports as a protective factor against mental health problems and suicidal ideation in adolescents. Salud mental. 2023; 46(4), pp.177–184.
23. Wang Y, Li Y. Physical activity and mental health in sports university students during the COVID-19 school confinement in Shanghai. Frontiers in Public Health. 2022; 10, p.977072.
24. Chang CJ, Putukian M, Aerni G, et al. Mental health issues and psychological factors in athletes: detection, management, effect on performance, and prevention: American medical society for sports medicine position statement. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine. 2020; 30(2): e61–e87.
25. Winkler S. Children and Sports: The Right to Engage in Play and Recreational Activities. Sports Law, Policy & Diplomacy Journal. 2024; 2(1), pp.67–82.
Copyright (c) 2024 Zengxia Han, Jing Wang
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Copyright on all articles published in this journal is retained by the author(s), while the author(s) grant the publisher as the original publisher to publish the article.
Articles published in this journal are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International, which means they can be shared, adapted and distributed provided that the original published version is cited.
Submit a Paper
