Exercise intensity and enjoyment response of selected traditional games in children

Background: Given that few children engage in the minimal requirement of moderate-to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), traditional games have been promoted as one of the strategies to improve MVPA levels to facilitate health enhancement, particularly in school settings. Nevertheless, little is known about the exercise intensity and enjoyment levels of traditional games in children. Methods: Participants (n = 600; 300 boys; age 10.1 ± 0.8) performed five selected traditional games (i.e. Bola Beracun, Baling Tin, Polis Sentri, Belalang Belatuk and Galah Panjang) for 20 min. Activity counts per minute (CPM), metabolic equivalent (METs) and activity time spent were recorded via accelerometer during all traditional games. Enjoyment responses were recorded before and after the traditional games. Results: No significant differences were observed across all traditional games for each variable (CPM, METs and enjoyment responses; p > 0.05). However, all selected traditional games played for 20 min elicited sufficient levels of MVPA based on CPM and METs thresholds (>500 CPM and >3 METs). The post-enjoyment score was significantly higher in all traditional games compared to pre-enjoyment (p < 0.01; effect size >0.47). Conclusions: Incorporating traditional games in a school setting for 20-min per session may facilitate sufficient levels of MVPA and augment enjoyment in children to promote multiple health benefits and future exercise engagement, respectively.