The examination of the effects of educational game programs applied to children aged 10–11 on selected anthropometric characteristics and motor parameters

This study aims to examine the effects of educational game programs applied to children aged 10–11 on selected anthropometric characteristics and motor parameters. The research group consisted of boys aged between 10 and 11. A total of 40 male students participated in the study, divided into a research group (n=20) and a control group (n=20). The research group received an educational game program in addition to their physical education classes for 8 weeks, 2 days a week, for 120 minutes each session. The control group continued with their regular physical education classes. The study was conducted using a pretest-posttest control group true experimental design. A 2x2 ANOVA was used in the data analysis, and statistically significant differences were found in chest circumference (p=.03), abdominal circumference (p=.00), and hip circumference (p=.00) depending on time and group (p<0.05, η² > 0.14). Regarding motor skills, significant improvements were observed in hand-eye coordination (p=.00), 20-meter sprint (p=.00), vertical jump (p=.04), and sit-up test (p=.00). The obtained effect size values were greater than Cohen's f > .40, indicating a large effect size (according to Cohen's classification: f = 0.10 small, f = 0.25 medium, f = 0.40 and above large effect). These findings indicate that educational games make significant and strong contributions to the development of muscle strength, speed, endurance, and coordination. No significant improvement was observed in the control group. It was also determined that educational game-based practices are effective in improving children's physical fitness; however, the development of certain skills such as agility and balance may require longer-term and more targeted programs.