Effect of functional training on fundamental motor skills among children: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES: Fundamental motor skills (FMS) are the foundation of children's movement, requiring tailored training and guidance for development. As an emerging training method, functional training is optimistic in promoting the development of children's fundamental motor skills. However, current studies have not assessed the effect of functional training on fundamental motor skills. This review aims to address this gap by evaluating the effects of functional training on fundamental motor skills.

DESIGN: A search was conducted in five databases: PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, and SPORT Discus, from January 2000 to June 2023.

METHOD: This search followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

RESULTS: The results of the search identified a total of twenty-six articles. Improvements were primarily demonstrated in the three main areas of fundamental motor skills: locomotor skills (n = 17), balance skills (n = 10), and object control skills (n = 2).

CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that functional training programs can improve children's fundamental motor skills. Existing evidence also concludes that functional training significantly impacts locomotor and balance skills, whereas further research is required to confirm its positive effects on object control skills.