Motor Development in Children: The triennial SBAM Regional Italian Program

Physical education in primary school contributes to the educational process of a person and can be considered a public health measure. Numerous studies have confirmed its benefits of increasing levels of physical activity, disease prevention and health promotion. The aim of this study is to present the results of the triennial SBAM regional program aimed at monitoring 8- year old children in the Apulian region of Southern Italy from 2013 to 2016. Thus, the program included 17,102 children in the first year, 16,104 children in the second year and 14,847children in the third year. SBAM is a multi-component program and includes different integrated action plans: physical education, active transport (pedibus), and methods for developing healthy eating habits. For each year, three motor tests (standing long jump, shuttle run 4x10, and medicine ball throw), a motor coordination test and two self-reports for evaluating self-efficacy and enjoyment were proposed to all children. The results show gender and group differences (normal-weight vs. overweight-obese) in both motor tests and self-reports (p