Motor skills of preschool children enrolled in different exercising programs

Abstract

Introduction Motor knowledge is considered the basis for all complex movements, from daily physical activity to specific sports knowledge. Higher level of motor skills is associated with higher physical activity of children and with many health benefits, especially with a reduced risk of obesity. The aim of this study was to determine the differences in motor skills in preschool children involved in organized exercise programs (multilateral sports programs, school of football, school of rhythmic gymnastics) and children that are not enrolled into organized exercising. Methods The study was conducted on a sample of preschool children (n = 78), average age of 5.30 ± 1.14 years. To assess the level of acquired motor skills set of 12 tests were used in order to evaluate locomotor and object control skills known as “Test of Gross Motor Development-Second Edition - TGMD-2”. Results Results showed significant differences in motor skills between untrained children and children who exercise (P Conclusion Programs that are offered to preschool children and their parents should be well-planed and include multilateral development exercises to avoid early specialization consequences on motor skills of children.