From Dance Floors to Playgrounds: Improving Eye-Foot Coordination with Southeast Asian Traditions

Abstract

In the modern digital era, where students spend long hours in front of screens and less time being physically active, the acquisition of fundamental motor skills—specifically eye-foot coordination—is usually overlooked. This research explores culturally embedded activities as potential alternatives by examining the effectiveness of Southeast Asian traditional dances and games as interventions to enhance eye-foot coordination among Grade 10 students. Using a quasi-experimental design, 69 students were divided into two groups: Group A (n=34) participated in traditional dances (Tinikling, Kuda Lumping, Palikatri) while Group B (n=35) engaged in traditional games (Chinlone, DaCau, Patintero). Eye-foot coordination was assessed using Johnson's Soccer Wall-Volley Test, both before and after intervention. Findings revealed that both interventions led to significant improvements in eye-foot coordination, with the traditional dances performing slightly better, as indicated by a mean increase from 28.40 to 35.90 in the posttest, compared to games, which showed a mean increase from 28.70 to 34.80 in the posttest. The research validated theories on Game-Based Learning, Sensory-Motor Theory, and Social Constructivism, highlighting the significance of structured rhythmic activities in enhancing motor skills. These findings promoted the inclusion of traditional Southeast Asian activities in physical education programs to foster motor development and cultural participation.