Recreational target games improve sensorimotor performance in boys aged 10–14 years: a randomized controlled trial with 4-week follow-up

Abstract

This study examined the acute and lasting effects of a recreational target games program on sensorimotor performance in boys aged 10–14 years. Sixty-nine students from Konya, Türkiye were assigned to a Target Games Activity Group (TGAG, n = 22), a Control Group (CG, n = 24), and an Active Control Group (ACG, n = 23) completing a general recreational games program without target-based content. Following orientation and baseline testing, the TGAG completed a 6-week target games program (three sessions per week, 45 min per session); post-test and 4-week follow-up assessments followed. Reaction time, upper-limb movement speed, dynamic balance, and change-of-direction speed were assessed using the Nelson Hand Reaction Test, the Modified Bass Test, the Pro-Agility Test, and the Eurofit Plate Tapping Test. Data were analyzed using Two-Way Repeated Measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc comparisons, supplemented by pre-test-adjusted ANCOVA models testing between-group differences directly. The Time × Group interaction was significant for all four outcomes. Pre-test-adjusted analyses showed the TGAG differed significantly from both control groups at follow-up on all four measures, with effect sizes ranging from small (reaction time, upper-limb movement speed) to large (dynamic balance, change-of-direction speed); its advantage over the ACG was significant at post-test on three measures, emerging only at follow-up for upper-limb movement speed. The ACG's post-test gains, where present, were not retained at follow-up. These findings indicate that recreational target games are a promising intervention for improving sensorimotor performance in boys aged 10–14 years, with gains evident at the 4-week follow-up.