Lucy Widya Fathir, Nanik Indahwati, Prisca Widiawati, Nasnoor Juzaily Bin Mohd Masiruddin, Sapto Wibowo, Dwi Cahyo Kartiko, Mochamad Ridwan, Heryanto Nur Muhammad, Taufiq Hidayat, Nurhasan, Kolektus Oky Ristanto, Muchamad Arif Al Ardha, Parama Surya Kustrapsila
Background. Physical education, sports, and recreation require varied learning models such as small side games where research has shown that by dividing students into several groups in carrying out teacher movement tasks, learning can run effectively, efficiently, and optimally, and it can improve children's motor skills and cardiovascular endurance (VO2MaxO). Objectives. This study aims to analyze (1) the effects of Small-Sided Games (SSGs) and daily physical activity on improving cardiovascular endurance and motor skills and (2) the differences between SSGs with and without daily physical activity in improving these outcomes. Methods. The sample comprised 69 junior high school students (ages 13.08 ± 0.70 years) who received 8 weeks of treatment. Students were randomly assigned to three groups: Group SSGs-A (23 students, SSGs with daily physical activity), Group SSGs-B (23 students, SSGs without daily physical activity), and the Control Group (CG) (23 students). Pre-and post-test data were collected using the VO2Max and Barrow Motor Ability Test (including standing board jump, medicine ball put, and zig-zag run). The study was analyzed using Multivariate Analysis (One-Way MANOVA) with normality and homogeneity tests. Results. The SSGs-A group showed a significant improvement in VO2Max (+10%) and motor skills (+18%) compared to the CG (p < 0.05). SSGs-A also showed a more significant improvement in VO2Max (11%) and motor skills than SSGs-B, which did not include daily physical activity (p < 0.05). Conclusion. The study demonstrates that combining SSGs with daily physical activity significantly improves students' cardiovascular endurance and motor skills. Physical education, sports, and health teachers should incorporate SSGs into their programs to enhance students' physical fitness and motor abilities. © 2025, Society of Aging and Physical Activity (SAPA). All rights reserved.
Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia; Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia; Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia; Training Zone Indonesia, Indonesia
