A1 Journal article (refereed)
Physical exercise adherence in Finnish children using a music mat : a pilot study (2020)


Tuominen, P. P. A., Raitanen, J., Husu, P., & Kujala, U. M. (2020). Physical exercise adherence in Finnish children using a music mat : a pilot study. Music and Medicine, 12(2), 100-108. https://doi.org/10.47513/mmd.v12i2.724


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editorsTuominen, Pipsa P. A.; Raitanen, Jani; Husu, Pauliina; Kujala, Urho M.

Journal or seriesMusic and Medicine

ISSN1943-8621

eISSN1943-863X

Publication year2020

Volume12

Issue number2

Pages range100-108

PublisherThe International Association for Music & Medicine

Publication countryUnited States

Publication languageEnglish

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.47513/mmd.v12i2.724

Publication open accessNot open

Publication channel open access


Abstract

A growing number of studies has shown that informal musical activities, such as singing, playing an instrument, and musical play at home, are positively associated with children’s health. This paper examines the associations between fourteen 4–6-year-old children’s and their parents’ exercise activity, children’s musical and their exercise adherence when using a music mat over an eight-week period in the home environment. Our results show that most of the children moved on the mat breezily and briskly. The parents assessed that exercises required balance and movement control more than endurance or strength. Spearman’s rank-order correlation showed a strong, positive correlation between the children and their parents regarding exercise duration and number of exercise sessions with the mat. A large effect was found between the self-reported increase in physical activity (PA) and perceived encouragement of the family (Mann-Whitney U-test, p=0.034). For completeness, using exact logistic regression it was found that children with a musical background were more likely to use the music mat and increase their PA than were children without a musical background, but the differences were not statistically significant. No differences in fidelity and enjoyment were found. The parents’ role in PA promotion, specifically in completeness and encouragement, is important.


Keywordschildren (age groups)preschool children (age group)physical activityphysical trainingmusical exercisemusical gamesfamiliesintervention study

Free keywordsfamily; music-based exercises; physical activity; sedentary behavior


Contributing organizations


Ministry reportingYes

Reporting Year2020

JUFO rating1


Last updated on 2024-11-03 at 14:28