EFFECTS OF DEVELOPMENTAL GYMNASTICS ON MOTOR FITNESS IN PRESCHOOL GIRLS

Abstract

The aim of this research was to determine the effects of developmental gymnastics on motor fitness in preschool girls. This study was performed on a sample of 56 healthy preschool girls that were divided into two groups, a developmental training group and a control group. Motor fitness tests were used from several test batteries: the 20m dash, Obstacle course backwards, Standing broad jump, Arm plate tapping, Seated straddle stretch, Bent arm hang, Sit ups. The basic characteristics of developmental gymnastic training process consisted of station and circuit work and obstacle courses two times a week lasting for 60 min with intensity around 160-180bpm. After the training intervention, the training group showed significant (p < 0.05) improvements in almost all the parameters analyzed (e.g., Obstacle course backwards; Standing broad jump; Arm plate tapping; Bent arm hang and Sit ups) compared with pretest values, with percentages of change and ES ranging from 13.3% to 48.2% and 0.64 (moderate) to 1.20 (large), respectively. No significant changes were observed in the control group after the training intervention except for the standing broad jump and arm plate tapping (p < 0.05). This study provides evidence on the effectiveness of developmental gymnastics programs for the optimal development of young children’s motor fitness.