Abstract
Problem Statement Adequate levels of physical activity (PA) have important effects on mental and physical health; the positive consequences of PA during childhood influence the quality of life and health of children, and also have an impact on the future adults. The movement restrictions imposed by Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a substantial decrease in levels of PA and an increase in mental and health-related problems. Environments in the open air have been recommended as sites PA; together with mask use, frequent hand washing, and social distancing, outdoor activities should have been performed to maintain adequate levels of PA in children. However, opportunities for outdoor activities are usually limited in urban contexts, where most of the population in Western countries live. Inside the cities, playgrounds represent the most common children opportunities for outdoor activities. Very little is known about the use of playgroundsas tools for increasing levels of PA and promoting motor competences. In this study, we focus on "Primo Sport 0246", a playground dedicated to the promotion of motor development in preschool children. By reviewing the scientific literature on this playground, we identify the conditions that should be taken into consideration when designing new playgrounds in urban spaces dedicated to the development of motor competences in children. Approach In this article, we review the scientific literature on the "Primo Sport 0246" playground. Located in Treviso, northern Italy, the playground was designed and built in 2011. The design was based on available scientific knowledge on factors that promote the acquisition of motor competences in children. In the following years, the playground became the object of scientific studies addressing questions related to motor and cognitive development of children. In this review, we describe the most relevant findings that may guide teachers, instructors or parents in their difficult task of educating children toward the acquisition of healthy lifestyles. Purpose The major questions addressed when studying the efficacy of the playground and the teaching methodologies to be used, have been the following: Which is the best way to use the park to promote the development of motor skills and executive functions in preschoolers? How much do children move in the playground? Can the "Primo Sport 0246" playground model and the teaching methodologies be transferred to kindergartens? Results Studies at the "Primo Sport 0246" playground demonstrated that structured physical activity combined with free play was more effective than free activity alone in promoting thedevelopment of motor skills and executive functions in preschool children; well organized, structured activities also induced a larger and longer participation to physical activities of moderate/intense levels, i.e., the levels considered necessary for generating persisting beneficial effects on health.Development and potentiation of executive functions were found to occur when children were involved in difficult activities and games in the zone of proximal development associated with scaffolding by the teacher or an experienced partner. Teachers considered the outdoor activities performed in the park a unique opportunity for pre-schooler development. Conclusions The Primo Sport playground is an excellent tool for promoting physical activity, development of motor skills and executive functions in preschool children. The design, that considers specific areas for training manual dexterity, mobility and balance, facilitate this generation of significant benefits in terms of acquisition and potentiation of motor competences and executive functions. The use of the playground in an educational context should consider a combination of moments of free play and structured activities. The presence of difficult tasks (in the area of proximal development) associated with scaffolding by teachers/parents/educators, facilitates the development of motor competences and has positive effects on levels of executive functions.