THE INFLUENCE OF PRIMARY SWIMMING TRAINING ON PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT AND MOTOR ABILITIES OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

Abstract

The effect of systematic swimming on the human body is well known. However, the effect of short-term lessons of primary swimming training for 3-3.5 months, determined by the program of children and youth swimming schools, as well as the wishes of many parents, on the body of preschool children remains questionable. In this regard, the study was tasked with shedding light on this problem. The purpose of the study is to identify the influence of short-term lessons in primary swimming training on the physical development and motor abilities of preschool children. To achieve this goal, the following research methods were used: analysis and synthesis of scientific and methodological literature, sociological survey, somatometric, physiometric and somatoscopic, pedagogical testing, ascertaining experiment, statistical analysis. The control group consisted of boys and girls at the age of 5 and 6 (not engaged in swimming), 10 people in each age and gender group (40 people in total). The experimental group of “swimmers” consisted of children of the same age in the amount of 5 people of each age and gender group (20 people in total). 20 parents of children involved in swimming and 20 swimming coaches took part in the sociological study. Short-term primary swimming trainings did not have a significant impact on the studied indicators. However, some trends of advantage have been revealed in the increase in the indicators of Vital Capacity, chest excursion, breath retention on inhalation and exhalation, long jump from a standstill and static balance compared with children who do not swim. It should be noted that the training did not have a positive effect on posture and foot disorders. It follows that trainings should have a longer period so that the changes are more effective and not temporary. The positive impact of short-term lessons in primary swimming training on the health, physical development and motor abilities of children can be more significant and long-term if swimming lessons last for a longer period, if not life. The positive impact of short-term primary swimming training on the health, physical development and motor abilities of children may be more significant and long-term if swimming classes are for a longer period, if not throughout life.