Step out and mix up daily outdoor play for institutional care boys' hand strength and motor dexterity: a comparative cross-sectional study

Background: Daily active outdoor play is important for every child’s optimal healthy development. The purpose of this study was to compare and examine the differences in hand grip strength and hand dexterity of boys living at 3 different children’s homes (home1, home2 & home3).

Methods: Conducted a comparative cross-sectional analytical study on 60 children, aged 10-12 years (mean age 11.20±0.66 years). Hand grip strength was assessed by CAMRY electronic dynamometer (Model EH101) and hand dexterity: box and block test and purdue peg board test.

Results: Differences in grip strength and dexterity by place of residential care setting were examined using one-way analysis of variance. Home3 boys significantly had stronger grip strength(p<0.05) and faster dexterity skills(p<0.001) than the boys of other two homes. Home1 boys scored the least grip strength and slower dexterity performance. Frequency & duration of outdoor play and outdoor activities the boys were engaged at the care settings explain the variations. All the home3 boys (100%) stepped out and engaged in mix up of unstructured play and structured team sports while, home1(25%) and home 2(15%) boys preferred to stay indoors and majority participated in only one activity type (unstructured free play).

Conclusion: Engaging in combined activities of free play and sport games best assists manual dexterity, and grip strength compared to only one activity type of play participation. The residential care environments must encourage regular mix up of physical activities to enhance motor competency skills.