Rhythm games: exploring locomotor skills, physical fitness, and gender interaction among elementary students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v80.118502Keywords:
Rhythm games, locomotor skills, physical fitness, gender, elementary school studentsAbstract
Introduction: Locomotor skills are the foundation of children's physical development, contributing to physical fitness. Music-based rhythm games in physical education have the potential to increase student motivation and movement quality.
Objective: This study aims to analyze the relationship between locomotor skills and physical fitness and to test the effectiveness of rhythm games, considering gender interactions in 7-8-year-old elementary school students.
Methodology: This study used a mixed design (cross-sectional and quasi-experimental) on 120 students aged 7-8 years from two schools. Locomotor skills were measured using TGMD-3 and cardiovascular fitness through aerobic endurance tests. Rhythm game interventions were conducted for six weeks (three times per week). Data analysis used regression and ANOVA.
Results: The results showed a very strong positive correlation between locomotor skills and physical fitness (R = 0.989; p < 0.05). However, because the value was close to perfect, reanalysis was recommended to avoid possible calculation errors. Rhythm games had a significant effect on improving locomotor skills and physical fitness, and there was a significant interaction with gender.
Conclusion: It was concluded that rhythm games effectively improve the locomotor skills and physical fitness of 7–8-year-old students and support equal gender participation in physical education.
References
Amado, D., Del Villar, F., Sánchez‐Miguel, P. A., Leo, F. M., & García‐Calvo, T. (2016). Analysis Of The Impact Of Creative Technique On The Motivation Of Physical Education Students In Dance Content: Gender Differences. The Journal Of Creative Behavior, 50(1), 64–79. https://doi.org/10.1002/jocb.69
Baharudin, L. (2016). Hubungan Antara Aktivitas Olahraga Dengan Kemampuan Gerak Dasar Siswa (Studi Pada Siswa Kelas Vi, V Dan Vi Sd Negeri 7 Sidokumpul Gresik). Jurnal Pendidikan Olahraga Dan Kesehatan, 4(1). https://ejournal.unesa.ac.id/index.php/jurnal-pendidikan-jasmani/article/view/18788
Bakhtiar, S., Johor, Z., Oktarifaldi, O., & Putri, L. P. (2019). Implementation Of Learning And Fundamental Motor Skill Measurement Of Early Childhood Motor Skill For PAUD Teachers In Padang Panjang City. In Jurnal Humanities Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat (Vol. 1, Issue 1, Pp. 36–47). Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP). Https://Doi.Org/10.24036/Jha.0101.2019.04
Bardid, F., Huyben, F., Lenoir, M., Seghers, J., De Martelaer, K., Goodway, J. D., & Deconinck, F. J. A. (2016). Assessing Fundamental Motor Skills In Belgian Children Aged 3-8 Years Highlights Differences To US Reference Sample. Acta Paediatrica, International Journal Of Paediatrics, 105(6), E281–E290. Https://Doi.Org/10.1111/Apa.13380
Bardid, F., Lenoir, M., Huyben, F., De Martelaer, K., Seghers, J., Goodway, J. D., & Deconinck, F. J. A. (2017). The Effectiveness Of A Community-Based Fundamental Motor Skill Intervention In Children Aged 3–8 Years: Results Of The “Multimove For Kids” Project. Journal Of Science And Medicine In Sport, 20(2), 184–189. Https://Doi.Org/10.1016/J.Jsams.2016.07.005
Barnett, L. M., Hardy, L. L., Lubans, D. R., Cliff, D. P., Okely, A. D., Hills, A. P., Morgan, P. J., & (ACAORN), P. A. And S. B. S. Of The A. C. And A. O. R. N. (2013). Australian Children Lack The Basic Movement Skills To Be Active And Healthy. Health Promotion Journal Of Australia, 24(2), 82–84. https://doi.org/10.1071/HE12920
Barnett, L. M., Morgan, P. J., Van Beurden, E., Ball, K., & Lubans, D. R. (2011). A Reverse Pathway? Actual And Perceived Skill Proficiency And Physical Activity. Medicine And Science In Sports And Exercise, 43(5), 898–904. 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181fdfadd
Barnett, L. M., Stodden, D., Cohen, K. E., Smith, J. J., Lubans, D. R., Lenoir, M., Iivonen, S., Miller, A. D., Laukkanen, A., Dudley, D., Lander, N. J., Brown, H., & Morgan, P. J. (2016). Fundamental Movement Skills: An Important Focus. Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education, 35(3), 219–225. Https://Doi.Org/10.1123/Jtpe.2014-0209
Bremer, E., & Cairney, J. (2018). Fundamental Movement Skills And Health-Related Outcomes: A Narrative Review Of Longitudinal And Intervention Studies Targeting Typically Developing Children. In American Journal Of Lifestyle Medicine (Vol. 12, Issue 2, Pp. 148–159). SAGE Publications. Https://Doi.Org/10.1177/1559827616640196
Brian, A., Bardid, F., Barnett, L. M., Deconinck, F. J. A., Lenoir, M., & Goodway, J. D. (2018). Actual And Perceived Motor Competence Levels Of Belgian And United States Preschool Children. Journal Of Motor Learning And Development, 6(S2), S320–S336. Https://Doi.Org/10.1123/Jmld.2016-0071
Brian, A., Pennell, A., Taunton, S., Starrett, A., Howard-Shaughnessy, C., Goodway, J. D., Wadsworth, D., Rudisill, M., & Stodden, D. (2019). Erratum: Correction To: Motor Competence Levels And Developmental Delay In Early Childhood: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study Conducted In The USA (Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) (2019) 49 10 (1609-1618)). Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 49(10), 1619–1620. Https://Doi.Org/10.1007/S40279-019-01156-Z
Burns, R. D., & Fu, Y. (2018). Testing The Motor Competence And Health-Related Variable Conceptual Model: A Path Analysis. Journal Of Functional Morphology And Kinesiology, 3(4), 61. Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Jfmk3040061
Cairney, J., Dudley, D., Kwan, M., Bulten, R., & Kriellaars, D. (2019). Physical Literacy, Physical Activity And Health: Toward An Evidence-Informed Conceptual Model. Sports Medicine, 49(3), 371–383. Https://Doi.Org/10.1007/S40279-019-01063-3
Dewi, P. C. P., Asmawi, M., Laksana, A. A. N. P., & Dewi, K. A. K. (2025). Exploring The Effects Of Movement-Based Learning On Elementary School Students’academic Achievement: A Systematic Review. Proceedings Of The International Conference On Social Science, Environment And Technology Development, 76–90. https://eproceeding.undwi.ac.id/index.php/icssetd/article/view/500
Estevan, I., Bardid, F., Utesch, T., Menescardi, C., Barnett, L. M., & Castillo, I. (2021). Examining Early Adolescents’ Motivation For Physical Education: Associations With Actual And Perceived Motor Competence. Physical Education And Sport Pedagogy, 26(4), 359–374. Https://Doi.Org/10.1080/17408989.2020.1806995
Gao, Z., Zeng, N., Pope, Z. C., Wang, R., & Yu, F. (2019). Effects Of Exergaming On Motor Skill Competence, Perceived Competence, And Physical Activity In Preschool Children. Journal Of Sport And Health Science, 8(2), 106–113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2018.12.001
Gu, X., Thomas, K. T., & Chen, Y. L. (2017). The Role Of Perceived And Actual Motor Competency On Children’s Physical Activity And Cardiorespiratory Fitness During Middle Childhood. Journal Of Teaching In Physical Education, 36(4), 388–397. Https://Doi.Org/10.1123/Jtpe.2016-0192
Kassing, G., & Jay-Kirschenbaum, D. (2021). Dance Teaching Methods And Curriculum Design. In Dance Teaching Methods And Curriculum Design. Human Kinetics Publishers. Https://Doi.Org/10.5040/9781718237957
Kassing, G., Jay-Kirschenbaum, D., & Jay, D. M. (2021). Dance Teaching Methods And Curriculum Design: Comprehensive K-12 Dance Education. Human Kinetics Publishers.
King-Dowling, S., Proudfoot, N. A., Cairney, J., & Timmons, B. W. (2020). Motor Competence, Physical Activity, And Fitness Across Early Childhood. Medicine And Science In Sports And Exercise, 52(11), 2342–2348. Https://Doi.Org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000002388
Kourkoutas, E., Tragoulia, E., Georgiadi, M., Papatzanis, I., & Lakiotaki, K. (2021). Preliminary Findings From The Implementetion Of A Rhythm Based Inclusive Program For Students With Special Educational Needs. IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference, EDUCON, 2021-April, 1195–1201. Https://Doi.Org/10.1109/EDUCON46332.2021.9454064
Lakes, K. D., & Hoyt, W. T. (2004). Promoting Self-Regulation Through School-Based Martial Arts Training. Journal Of Applied Developmental Psychology, 25(3), 283–302. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appdev.2004.04.002
Lee, J., Zhang, T., Chu, T. L., Gu, X., & Zhu, P. (2020). Effects Of A Fundamental Motor Skill-Based Afterschool Program On Children’s Physical And Cognitive Health Outcomes. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, 17(3), 733. Https://Doi.Org/10.3390/Ijerph17030733
Logan, N. E., Raine, L. B., Drollette, E. S., Castelli, D. M., Khan, N. A., Kramer, A. F., & Hillman, C. H. (2021). The Differential Relationship Of An Afterschool Physical Activity Intervention On Brain Function And Cognition In Children With Obesity And Their Normal Weight Peers. Pediatric Obesity, 16(2), E12708. Https://Doi.Org/10.1111/Ijpo.12708
Logan, S. W., Robinson, L. E., Wilson, A. E., & Lucas, W. A. (2012). Getting The Fundamentals Of Movement: A Meta-Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of Motor Skill Interventions In Children. In Child: Care, Health And Development (Vol. 38, Issue 3, Pp. 305–315). Https://Doi.Org/10.1111/J.1365-2214.2011.01307.X
Logan, S. W., Ross, S. M., Chee, K., Stodden, D. F., & Robinson, L. E. (2018). Fundamental Motor Skills: A Systematic Review Of Terminology. Journal Of Sports Sciences, 36(7), 781–796. Https://Doi.Org/10.1080/02640414.2017.1340660
Lubans, D. R., Leahy, A. A., Mavilidi, M. F., & Valkenborghs, S. R. (2022). Physical Activity, Fitness, And Executive Functions In Youth: Effects, Moderators, And Mechanisms. In Current Topics In Behavioral Neurosciences (Vol. 53, Pp. 103–130). Springer. Https://Doi.Org/10.1007/7854_2021_271
Lubans, D. R., Morgan, P. J., Cliff, D. P., Barnett, L. M., & Okely, A. D. (2010). Fundamental Movement Skills In Children And Adolescents: Review Of Associated Health Benefits. In Sports Medicine (Vol. 40, Issue 12, Pp. 1019–1035). Springer Science And Business Media LLC. Https://Doi.Org/10.2165/11536850-000000000-00000
Lubans, D., Richards, J., Hillman, C., Faulkner, G., Beauchamp, M., Nilsson, M., Kelly, P., Smith, J., Raine, L., & Biddle, S. (2016). Physical Activity For Cognitive And Mental Health In Youth: A Systematic Review Of Mechanisms. Pediatrics, 138(3), E20161642. Https://Doi.Org/10.1542/Peds.2016-1642
Luz, C., Rodrigues, L. P., Almeida, G., & Cordovil, R. (2016). Development And Validation Of A Model Of Motor Competence In Children And Adolescents. Journal Of Science And Medicine In Sport, 19(7), 568–572. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2015.07.005
Maulana, R. A., Friskawati, G. F., & Vicki, A. K. (2024). Gender Dan Kebugaran Jasmani Siswa: Analisis Perbedaan Hasil Tes Kebugaran Siswa Indonesia (TKSI) Fase D. Jurnal Olahraga Pendidikan Indonesia (JOPI), 4(1), 39–49. Http://Jopi.Kemenpora.Go.Id/Index.Php/Jopi
Moore, A. (2012). Teaching And Learning: Pedagogy, Curriculum And Culture. Routledge.
Oktarifaldi, O., Marta, I. A., Nugroho, A. W., Hardi, V. J., & Utomo, S. (2024). Keterampilan Gerak Dasar Kelompok Usia 7 Sampai 9 Tahun Siswa Sekolah Dasar. Jendela Olahraga, 9(1), 10–23. https://doi.org/10.26877/jo.v9i1.17646
Paiman. (2009). Olahraga Dan Kebugaran Jasmani Pada Anak Usia Dini. Cakrawala Pendidikan, XXVIII(3), 270–281.
Rey, E., Carballo-Fazanes, A., Varela-Casal, C., & Abelairas-Gómez, C. (2020). Reliability Of The Test Of Gross Motor Development: A Systematic Review. Plos ONE, 15(7 July), E0236070. Https://Doi.Org/10.1371/Journal.Pone.0236070
Rigon, M., Invernizzi, P. L., Signorini, G., Trecroci, A., Scurati, R., Formenti, D., Colella, D., Bosio, A., & Cherubini, D. (2024). The “Thinking System” In A New School Concept: A Rhythmic Teaching Approach In Physical Education To Develop Creativity. Plos ONE, 19(4 April), E0301858. Https://Doi.Org/10.1371/Journal.Pone.0301858
Robinson, L. E., Okely, A. D., Webster, E. K., & Ulrich, D. A. (2017). Does Intervening In Childcare Settings Impact Fundamental Movement Skills Development? In Medicine And Science In Sports And Exercise (Vol. 49, Issue 1, P. 218). Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). Https://Doi.Org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000001092
Robinson, L. E., Stodden, D. F., Barnett, L. M., Lopes, V. P., Logan, S. W., Rodrigues, L. P., & D’Hondt, E. (2015). Motor Competence And Its Effect On Positive Developmental Trajectories Of Health. Sports Medicine, 45(9), 1273–1284. Https://Doi.Org/10.1007/S40279-015-0351-6
Sriwahyuniati, C. F., Hidayatullah, M. F., Purnama, S. K., Siswantoyo, & Tomoliyus. (2023). Game-Based Rhythmic Gymnastics Exercise Models To Develop Gross Motor Skills For Primary School Students. Cakrawala Pendidikan, 42(1), 100–109. Https://Doi.Org/10.21831/Cp.V42i1.46027
Stodden, D. F., Gao, Z., Goodway, J. D., & Langendorfer, S. J. (2014). Dynamic Relationships Between Motor Skill Competence And Health-Related Fitness In Youth. Pediatric Exercise Science, 26(3), 231–241. Https://Doi.Org/10.1123/Pes.2013-0027
Stodden, D. F., Langendorfer, S. J., Goodway, J. D., Roberton, M. A., Rudisill, M. E., Garcia, C., & Garcia, L. E. (2008). A Developmental Perspective On The Role Of Motor Skill Competence In Physical Activity: An Emergent Relationship. Quest, 60(2), 290–306. Https://Doi.Org/10.1080/00336297.2008.10483582
Sucipto, Hidayat, Y., Hambali, B., Gumilar, A., & Nur, L. (2023). Exploring The Influence Of Gender And Tactical Learning Approaches On Students’ Enjoyment Levels In Physical Education. Cakrawala Pendidikan, 42(3), 719–732. Https://Doi.Org/10.21831/Cp.V42i3.54218
Ulrich, D. A. (2013). The Test Of Gross Motor Development-3 (TGMD-3): Administration, Scoring, And International Norms. Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, 24(2), 27–33.
Ulrich, D. A. (2017). Introduction To The Special Section: Evaluation Of The Psychometric Properties Of The TGMD-3. Journal Of Motor Learning And Development, 5(1), 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1123/jmld.2017-0020
Utami, N. S., Nurkamto, J., Hidayatullah, M. F., & Yuliarto, H. (2025). Sociocultural-Based Games Enhancing Manipulative Movement Skills In Indonesian Kindergartens. Cakrawala Pendidikan, 44(3), 626–635. Https://Doi.Org/Https://Doi.Org/10.21831/Cp.V38i3.25324
Van Der Fels, I. M. J., Te Wierike, S. C. M., Hartman, E., Elferink-Gemser, M. T., Smith, J., & Visscher, C. (2015). The Relationship Between Motor Skills And Cognitive Skills In 4-16 Year Old Typically Developing Children: A Systematic Review. Journal Of Science And Medicine In Sport, 18(6), 697–703. Https://Doi.Org/10.1016/J.Jsams.2014.09.007
Wainwright, N., Goodway, J., Whitehead, M., Williams, A., & Kirk, D. (2018). Laying The Foundations For Physical Literacy In Wales: The Contribution Of The Foundation Phase To The Development Of Physical Literacy. Physical Education And Sport Pedagogy, 23(4), 431–444. Https://Doi.Org/10.1080/17408989.2018.1455819
Whitehead, M. (2010). Physical Literacy: Throughout The Lifecourse. In Physical Literacy: Throughout The Lifecourse. Routledge. Https://Doi.Org/10.4324/9780203881903
Wulf, G., Mcnevin, N., & Shea, C. H. (2001). The Automaticity Of Complex Motor Skill Learning As A Function Of Attentional Focus. In The Quarterly Journal Of Experimental Psychology A (Vol. 54, Issue 4, Pp. 1143–1154). SAGE Publications. Https://Doi.Org/10.1080/02724980143000118
Zulfikar, M., Hasyim, A. H., Ikadarny, I., & Anwar, N. I. A. (2021). Penguasaan Keterampilan Gerak Dasar Siswa Sekolah Dasar. Jurnal Sport Science, 11(1), 27. Https://Doi.Org/10.17977/Um057v11i1p27-34
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Putu Citra Permana Dewi, Mochammad Asmawi, Hernawan Hernawan
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and ensure the magazine the right to be the first publication of the work as licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of authorship of the work and the initial publication in this magazine.
- Authors can establish separate additional agreements for non-exclusive distribution of the version of the work published in the journal (eg, to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal.
- Is allowed and authors are encouraged to disseminate their work electronically (eg, in institutional repositories or on their own website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as to a subpoena more Early and more of published work (See The Effect of Open Access) (in English).
This journal provides immediate open access to its content (BOAI, http://legacy.earlham.edu/~peters/fos/boaifaq.htm#openaccess) on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge. The authors may download the papers from the journal website, or will be provided with the PDF version of the article via e-mail.
