Effects of kinesiological activity on preschool children's motor abilities

Abstract

Introduction Physical activity and motor skills acquisition play a key role in childhood development especially during the preschool period [1] . Previous studies have confirmed the effect of kinesiological activity on the children's motor abilities [2] , [3] . The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of additional kinesiological treatment on motor abilities in preschool children. Methods An experimental treatment was carried out on a sample of 70 preschool boys (6.10 ± 1.24 years) by applying kinesiological activities. The 60-minute treatment was applied over a period of one school year (9 months), twice a week. The experimental treatment was saturated with many skills, balance and agility-based drills. Means of exercising to develop and improve co-ordination, timing, agility, balance, speed, flexibility, strength, endurance, cardiovascular recovery, speed of solving complex motor problems, etc.: perceptual-motor activities, creative movements, rhythms and dances, stunts, tumbling, and apparatus activities, running, jumping, throwing, games and basic elements of team sports. This variety of movement raises interest in preschool children for kinesiological activity. A control group of 41 boys (5.60 ± 0.54 years) were trained according to the regular program for preschool institutions. Treatment effects were assessed by 10 motor ability tests: Obstacle course backwards, Arm plate tapping, Seated straddle stretch, One-leg test, Crossed-arm sit-ups, Bent-arm hang, Standing broad jump, Speed of simple movements, Darts and 20-meter run. Results The significant differences between the groups were observed, demonstrating positive impact of kinesiological treatment on motor development. The most significant effect of experimental treatment was the improvement in explosive strength (Standing broad jump) and flexibility (Seated straddle stretch) of preschool boys. Conclusion These findings, obtained only in one school year, point to the importance of physical exercise and the application of additional kinesiological activities with various modalities, to improve motor development. The effects of the perennial application of kinesiology activities could be beneficial and could form the basis for a better biological and motor development in old age.