EFFECTS OF INDIGENOUS GAMES–BASED PHYSICAL EDUCATION ON PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE, NEUROMECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, AND PSYCHOSOCIAL OUTCOMES IN TRIBAL SCHOOL CHILDREN: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v7.i8s.2026.7919Keywords:
Physical Education and Training, Motor Skills, Physical Fitness, Biomechanical Phenomena, Social Behavior, Diffusion Models, AdolescentAbstract [English]
Indigenous games represent culturally embedded physical activities with potential benefits for holistic development; however, experimental evidence in school-based settings remains limited. This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of an eight-week indigenous games-based physical education programme on physical performance, neuromechanical efficiency, and psychosocial outcomes in tribal school children. The participants (11-15 years old) were randomly divided into 48 experimental (indigenous games) and control (conventional physical education) groups. The intervention was conducted three times per week for eight weeks. Pre- and post-intervention measures of physical performance (30 m sprint, agility, standing broad jump, and estimated VO2 max), neuromechanical variables (reactive strength index, ground contact time, and change-of-direction deficit), and psychosocial outcome (social cohesion, motivation, and enjoyment) were measured. The covariance analysis indicated that there were significant group x time group effects in favour of the experimental group in all the variables (p < 0.001), and the effect sizes (n2p) are very large (0.27-0.35). The experimental group showed significant changes in sprint performance (−7.0%), agility (−8.1%), lower-limb power (+11.3%), and aerobic capacity (+14.1%). Neuromechanical changes involved a more reactive strength index and less ground contact time, which showed more efficiency in the stretch-shortening cycle. Psychosocial measures demonstrated significant improvements in social cohesion and intrinsic motivation. These results indicate that indigenous games offer a culturally pertinent and scientifically sound strategy of enhancing multidimensional developmental outcomes of tribal youth in school-based physical education.
References
Akbar, L., Zuk, A. M., & Tsuji, L. J. S. (2020). Health and Wellness Impacts of Traditional Physical Activity Experiences on Indigenous Youth: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(21), 8275. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17218275
Akıncı, Y., & Ateş, B. (2023). The Effects of School-Based Handball Intervention on 12–14-Year-Old Children’s Physical Fitness and Performance. Physical Education Theory and Methodology, 23(5), 754. https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2023.5.14
Amlor, M. Q. (2016). Imparting Indigenous Knowledge through Traditional Forms of Entertainment: The Role of Ewe Play Games. World Journal of Social Science, 3(2). https://doi.org/10.5430/wjss.v3n2p63
Ayala, F., Pomares-Noguera, C., Robles-Palazón, F. J., García-Vaquero, M. del P., Ruiz‐Pérez, I., Hernández-Sánchez, S., & Croix, M. D. S. (2017). Training Effects of the FIFA 11+ and Harmoknee on Several Neuromuscular Parameters of Physical Performance Measures. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 38(4), 278. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0042-121260
Chu, T. L., Zhang, T., Thomas, K. T., Zhang, X., & Gu, X. (2018). Predictive Strengths of Basic Psychological Needs in Physical Education Among Hispanic Children: A Gender-Based Approach. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 38(3), 233. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2018-0126
Deepak J S: Email Id: rs.21703027@student.hindustanuniv.ac.in, https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5272-4174; Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Hindustan Institute of Technology (Deemed to be University), No. 1, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Padur, Tamil Nadu, India.
Dhawale, A. K., Smith, M. A., & Ölveczky, B. P. (2017). The Role of Variability in Motor Learning. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 40(1), 479. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-neuro-072116-031548
Dr. D. Harigaran, Email Id: harigarand@hindustanuniv.ac.in; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4251-925X, , Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Hindustan Institute of Technology (Deemed to be University), No. 1, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Padur, Tamil Nadu, India.
Drachuk, S., Bohuslavska, V., Pityn, M., Furman, Y., Kostiukevych, V., Gavrylova, N., Salnykova, S., & Didyk, T. (2018). Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 2018(1). https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2018.01033
Duarte, M. G., Valentini, N. C., Nobre, G. C., & Benda, R. N. (2022). Contextual Factors and Motor Skills in Indigenous Amazon Forest and Urban Indigenous Children. Frontiers in Public Health, 10, 858394. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.858394
Eather, N., Riley, N., Babic, M., Bennie, A., Maynard, J., & Morgan, P. J. (2023). Evaluating the Feasibility of the Education, Movement, and Understanding (EMU) Program: A Primary School-Based Physical Education Program Integrating Indigenous Games Alongside Numeracy and Literacy Skills. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 43(1), 50. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2021-0284
Fernandes, R., Bishop, C., Turner, A. N., Chavda, S., & Maloney, S. J. (2020). Train the Engine or the Brakes? Influence of Momentum on the Change of Direction Deficit. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 16(1), 90. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2019-1007
Fernández, A. R., Lobo-Prat, J., & Font-Llagunes, J. M. (2021). Systematic review on wearable lower-limb exoskeletons for gait training in neuromuscular impairments [Review of Systematic review on wearable lower-limb exoskeletons for gait training in neuromuscular impairments]. Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 18(1). BioMed Central. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-021-00815-5
Fleischhacker, S., Roberts, E., Camplain, R., Evenson, K. R., & Gittelsohn, J. (2016). Promoting physical activity among native american youth: A systematic review of the methodology and current evidence of physical activity interventions and community-wide initiatives [Review of Promoting physical activity among native american youth: A systematic review of the methodology and current evidence of physical activity interventions and community-wide initiatives]. Carolina Digital Repository (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill). University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. https://doi.org/10.17615/x15n-qj98
Guzmán, J. A. L (2026). Towards a Philosophy of Education for the Contemporary University: Thinking in the Face of the Dehumanization Of Knowledge., ShodhGyan-NU: Journal of Literature and Culture Studies., 4(1), 68-72. https://dx.doi.org/10.29121/Shodhgyan.v4.i1.2026.90
Hussain, B., & Cheong, J. P. G. (2022). Improving gross motor skills of children through traditional games skills practiced along the contextual interference continuum. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.986403
Kiran, A., & Knights, J. (2010). Traditional Indigenous Games promoting physical activity and cultural connectedness in primary schools – Cluster Randomised Control Trial. Health Promotion Journal of Australia, 21(2), 149. https://doi.org/10.1071/he10149
Larsen, M. N., Madsen, M., Holmelund, S., Schliemann, M., Krustrup, P., Hornstrup, T., Uth, J., & Krustrup, P. (2017). Locomotor activity, heart rate, enjoyment and perceived exertion from walking football for prostate cancer patients. Research Portal Denmark. https://local.forskningsportal.dk/local/dki-cgi/ws/cris-link?src=sdu&id=sdu-5c69bb88-2d33-4023-a84a-04098e192a9c&ti=Locomotor%20activity%2C%20heart%20rate%2C%20enjoyment%20and%20perceived%20exertion%20from%20walking%20football%20for%20prostate%20cancer%20patients
Louth, S., & Jamieson-Proctor, R. (2018). Inclusion and engagement through traditional Indigenous games: enhancing physical self-efficacy. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 23(12), 1248. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2018.1444799
Lyoka, P. (2011). Relationship between factors of neuromotor fitness and children’s indigenous games: Linkage with fundamental motor skills. South African Journal for Research in Sport Physical Education and Recreation, 33(2). https://doi.org/10.4314/sajrs.v33i2.69693
Malina, R. M., Little, B. B., Lanceta, J., Reyes, M. E. P., & Chávez, G. B. (2018). Geographic variation in the growth status of indigenous school children and youth in Mexico. American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 167(4), 791. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.23706
Meszler, B., Atlasz, T., Misovics, B., Botka, B., Szabó, E., & Váczi, M. (2019). Combined strength and plyometric exercise training improves running economy and muscle elastic energy storage and re-use in young untrained women. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 28, 86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2019.05.004
Mo, W., Saibon, J. B., Li, Y., Li, J., & He, Y. (2023). Effects of Game-based Physical Education Program on Enjoyment in Children and Adolescents : A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis [Review of Effects of Game-based Physical Education Program on Enjoyment in Children and Adolescents : A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis]. Research Square (Research Square). Research Square (United States). https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3575317/v1
Moloi, T. J., Mosia, M., Matabane, M. E., & Sibaya, K. T. (2021). The Use of Indigenous Games to Enhance the Learning of Word Problems in Grade 4 Mathematics: A Case of Kgati. International Journal of Learning Teaching and Educational Research, 20(1), 240. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.20.1.13
Moy, B., Renshaw, I., Davids, K., & Brymer, E. (2019). Preservice teachers implementing a nonlinear physical education pedagogy. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 24(6), 565. https://doi.org/10.1080/17408989.2019.1628934
Newell, K. M., & Rovegno, I. (2021). Teaching Children’s Motor Skills for Team Games Through Guided Discovery: How Constraints Enhance Learning [Review of Teaching Children’s Motor Skills for Team Games Through Guided Discovery: How Constraints Enhance Learning]. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. Frontiers Media. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.724848
Otero, F., Macías-Romero, J., & Otero-Saborido, F. M. (2018). Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 2018(2). https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2018.s2151
Pate, R. R., Dishman, R. K., Dowda, M., McIver, K. L., Pfeiffer, K. A., Porter, D. E., Saunders, R. P., & Ward, D. S. (2022). A Summary of One Research Team’s Contributions to Understanding Physical Activity Behavior in Children and Youth. Carolina Digital Repository (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill). https://doi.org/10.17615/5pwa-gr53
Petros, B., Ploutarhos, S., Vasilios, B., Vasiliki, M., Konstantinos, T., Stamatia, P., Christos, H., & Shen. (2016). Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 2016(3). https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2016.03139
Pujari, M., & Rathore, M. S. (2023). Comparative study of VO2 Max among indigenous and non-indigenous game players. International Journal of Physiology Sports and Physical Education, 5(2), 15. https://doi.org/10.33545/26647710.2023.v5.i2a.49
Roberts, W., Newcombe, D., & Davids, K. (2018). Application of a Constraints-Led Approach to pedagogy in schools: embarking on a journey to nurture Physical Literacy in primary physical education. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 24(2), 162. https://doi.org/10.1080/17408989.2018.1552675
Seifert, L., Papet, V., Strafford, B. W., Coughlan, E. K., & Davids, K. (2018). Skill transfer, expertise and talent development: An ecological dynamics perspective. Movement & Sport Sciences - Science & Motricité, 102, 39. https://doi.org/10.1051/sm/2019010
Sinclair, J., Edmundson, C. J., Metcalfe, J., Bottoms, L., Atkins, S., & Bentley, I. (2021). The Effects of Sprint vs. Resisted Sled-Based Training; an 8-Week in-Season Randomized Control Intervention in Elite Rugby League Players. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(17), 9241. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18179241
Singh, A., Sathe, A., & Sandhu, J. (2017). Effect of a 6-week agility training program on performance indices of Indian taekwondo players. Saudi Journal of Sports Medicine, 17(3), 139. https://doi.org/10.4103/sjsm.sjsm_19_17
Strafford, B. W., Steen, P. van der, Davids, K., & Stone, J. (2018). Parkour as a Donor Sport for Athletic Development in Youth Team Sports: Insights Through an Ecological Dynamics Lens. Sports Medicine - Open, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-018-0132-5
Sulaiman, F. (2015). PLACE-BASED EDUCATION APPROACH AS AN INNOVATION OF AN INTEGRATED CURRICULUM. Englisia Journal of Language Education and Humanities, 2(2), 108. https://doi.org/10.22373/ej.v2i2.528
Thompson, J. L., Davis, S. M., Gittelsohn, J., Going, S. B., Becenti, A., Metcalfe, L., Stone, E. M., Harnack, L., & Ring, K. (2001). PATTERNS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG AMERICAN INDIAN CHILDREN: AN ASSESSMENT OF BARRIERS AND SUPPORT. Carolina Digital Repository (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill). https://doi.org/10.17615/gc6z-nj97
Williams, J., & Pill, S. (2019). Using a Game Sense Approach to Teach Buroinjin as an Aboriginal Game to Address Social Justice in Physical Education. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 39(2), 176. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2018-0154
Zarrett, N., Law, L. H., Wilson, D. K., Abraczinskas, M., Taylor, S. G., Cook, B. S., & Roberts, A. M. (2021). Connect through PLAY: a randomized-controlled trial in afterschool programs to increase adolescents’ physical activity. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 44(3), 379. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-021-00206-0
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Deepak J. S., D. Harigaran
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
With the licence CC-BY, authors retain the copyright, allowing anyone to download, reuse, re-print, modify, distribute, and/or copy their contribution. The work must be properly attributed to its author.
It is not necessary to ask for further permission from the author or journal board.
This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.
