App-based Motor Skills Intervention in Primary School and Home Settings

DigiKids C-RCT: App-based Motor Skills Intervention in Primary School and Home Settings

The objective of this trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile app-based motor skills intervention (DigiKids RCT) on motor competence, physical activity, and perceived motor competence compared with standard school practices in primary school children. In addition, the study will examine other factors such as child-specific and family-related factors that might influence the findings.

This study will be conducted between August 2026 and January 2027 in Tampere, Finland. The target sample size will be 314 children enrolled from 22 classrooms across 18 primary schools, along with one caregiver from each participating family. In a cluster randomized controlled trial design, nine of the 27 primary schools are randomly allocated to an intervention group and nine to a control group. Randomization has been conducted prior to study initiation in the fall of 2025. The intervention group will receive a 12-week mobile app-based intervention which will be delivered in classrooms by teachers with homework tasks supported by guardians. A total estimated activity time of the intervention is 900 minutes (approximately 75 minutes per week over 12 weeks). The control group will continue the standard school practices. Data will be collected at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1, 3 months post-baseline), and follow-up (T2, 7 months post-baseline). The primary outcome is motor competence, and the secondary outcomes include physical activity and perceived motor competence. The first results are anticipated to be available and published between 2027 and 2028.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children enrolled in the first grade of primary school
• Sufficient Finnish language proficiency
• Written informed consent from the guardian and written assent from the child

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age under 6 or over 8 years
• Medical or physical conditions preventing participation in the assessments (including severe musculoskeletal complaints or concussions within the preceding 3 months)
• Refusal to participate in baseline assessments