Citation

Piek JP, Kane R, Rigoli D, McLaren S, Roberts CM, Rooney R, Jensen L, Dender A, Packer T, Straker L. Hum. Mov. Sci. 2015; 43: 155-163.

Affiliation

School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth 6845, Western Australia, Australia. Electronic address: l.straker@curtin.edu.au.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.humov.2015.08.004

PMID

26298689

Abstract

Animal Fun was designed to enhance motor and social development in young children. Its efficacy in improving motor skills was presented previously using a randomised controlled trial and a multivariate nested cohort design. Based on the Environmental Stress Hypothesis, it was argued that the program would also result in positive mental health outcomes, investigated in the current study. Pre-intervention scores were recorded for 511 children aged 4.83-6.17years (M=5.42, SD=.30). Intervention and control groups were compared 6months following intervention, and again in their first school year. Changes in teacher-rated prosocial behaviour and total difficulties were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and data analysed using Generalised Linear Mixed Models. There was a significant improvement in prosocial behaviour of children in the intervention group six months after initial testing, which remained at 18-month follow-up. Total difficulties decreased at 6 months for the intervention group, with no change at 18 months. This effect was present only for the hyperactivity/inattention subscale. The only significant change for the control group was an increase in hyperactivity/inattention scores from pre-intervention to 18-month follow-up. The Animal Fun program appears to be effective in improving social and behavioural outcomes.

Language: en