A Mindful Movement Program in Community and University Preschools: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Study Protocol (Preprint)

• DOI: 10.2196/preprints.75731
• Publication Date: 2025-04-15T14:44:39Z
• Authors: Jacinda Kay Dariotis; Dana Ann Eldreth; Rachel Jackson-Go...; Hong Li; Kai-Ning Wang; Chunyuan Xi; Gregory Lewis; Elizabeth Shirtcliff
• Keywords: Preprint

<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> Chronic stress and emotional cognitive regulation difficulties during early childhood are associated with risky behaviors negative outcomes later in life. As preschoolers still developing their skills, they often depend on external support to manage emotions behaviors. Intervening is essential for promoting healthy development preventing future challenges. Mindful Movement Practices (MMPs) – which incorporate physical activities, breathwork, reflective exercises show potential enhancing behavioral regulation. The impact of MMPs social-emotional young children, however, has not been thoroughly researched the mechanisms behind these effects remain unclear. </sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims assess feasibility acceptability implementing preschool classrooms explore preschoolers' social-emotional, cognitive, physiological development. study also focuses prosocial reducing problem protocol paper outlines research procedures, sample demographics, survey data psychometric properties. <title>METHODS</title> was conducted three (two intervention one waitlist control). Data were collected among 32 children 8 teachers. Before began, eight formative focus groups facilitated 5 administrators teachers total inform modifications program design. group participated 16 weeks programming, including neural-based drills, aerobic “feelings circle” exercises, along classroom home kits. control received a shortened (8-week) after completed sessions. before again 2 months post-intervention. Measures included tasks, biomarkers (heart rate variability via wearable sensors hormonal substrates hair), surveys from parents Implementation fidelity assessed using quantitative logs, qualitative field notes, video observations. Post-intervention interviews teachers, parents, administrators. <title>RESULTS</title> Formative 40 participants, (ages 3-5 years, M = 4.4) mean age 37.9 years. 7 4 administrators, parents. <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> describes procedures. Future publications will present primary outcome findings evaluate this MMP design community-based university-based settings. papers provide evidence program's effectiveness, effects, need larger trials optimize mindfulness interventions.