Effect of Traditional Hopscotch Game on Lower Limb Muscle Power in Early Childhood: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Lower limb muscle power is a key component of gross motor development in early childhood, particularly for jumping-related activities. Although the traditional hopscotch game has been shown to enhance motor performance, evidence in early childhood populations remains limited.
Objective: To determine the effect of the traditional hopscotch game on lower limb muscle power in children aged 4–6 years.
Methods: A quasi-experimental non-randomized two-group pretest–posttest study was conducted involving 36 children aged 4–6 years. Participants were allocated into an intervention group (n = 18) and a control group (n = 18). The intervention group performed hopscotch play twice weekly for four weeks, while the control group continued routine school activities. Lower limb muscle power was assessed using the vertical jump test. Data were analyzed using paired and independent sample t-tests with a significance level of 0.05, and effect sizes were calculated using Cohen’s d.
Results: The intervention group showed a significant improvement in vertical jump performance (p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 1.00), whereas no significant change was observed in the control group (p = 0.245; Cohen’s d = 0.28). Post-intervention comparison revealed a significant difference between groups favoring the intervention (p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 1.91).
Conclusion: The traditional hopscotch game significantly improves lower limb muscle power in children aged 4–6 years and can be recommended as a simple, safe, and play-based physical activity in kindergarten settings.