Motor coordination in school-aged children with different nutritional statuses following a non-immersive virtual reality intervention

Introduction Children with low motor coordination tend to engage in less physical activity. They are more likely to gain weight, establishing a bidirectional relationship, as weight gain may further restrict their participation in physical activity. When opportunities for physical activity are enjoyable, the likelihood of children’s engagement increases, which may lead to higher levels of physical activity. Aim To examine the effects of a non-immersive virtual reality game protocol on gross motor coordination in children with different nutritional statuses, and specifically, to compare sedentary behavior time between groups. Methods In a quasi-experimental study, a non-immersive virtual reality game protocol was implemented for eight weeks in children aged 5 to 9 years from municipal public schools. Socioeconomic, anthropometric, motor coordination, and sedentary behavior time data were assessed. Results Fifty-six children from five schools completed the study, with a mean age of 6.86 ± 1.51 years; 26 were girls (46.42%). Repeated-measures ANOVA showed no significant effect between groups ( p = 0.149, η 2 p = 0.149). A negative Spearman correlation was observed between age and motor coordination at baseline (r = −0.627; p < 0.001) and at post-intervention assessment (r = −0.538; p < 0.001). Sedentary behavior time did not differ between groups (Welch’s ANOVA: p = 0.568). Conclusion The intervention did not affect motor coordination. Younger children demonstrated better motor coordination, and sedentary behavior time was high and similar among the children. These findings highlight the importance of public health strategies that provide regular and adequate motor stimulation during childhood.