The Effects of Two Models of Exercise of Development of Motor Abilities Among Preschool Children

8/7/2019 The Effects of Two Models of Exercise of Development of Motor Abilities Among Preschool Children

1/6

1

EFFECTS OF TWO MODELS OF EXERCISE OF DEVELOPMENT OF MOTORABILITIES AMONG PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

Duan StuparFaculty of Sport and Physical Education, Novi Sad, Serbia

ABSTRACT

In order to determine effects of two practice models on motor abilities of preschoolchildren (experimental group 86 and control group 97), a battery of 7 motor tests was applied.According to the results of multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), it can beconcluded that the application of experimental and control models of exercise resulted insubstantial improvement of certain motor skills in the experimental group compared to thecontrol group.

Key words: motor skills, preschool children, school sport.

INTRODUCTIONPreschool age is the most important period in the entire development form of man's

characteristics, traits and abilities, because it is only later that you start learning a variety ofmodification and adaptation to various situations in life (Bala, 2002).

The main aim of the preschool period, in the first place, is to affect the development ofcoordination, because any delay in the development of motor skills will be manifested directlyon the successful execution of complex motor tasks, owing to the fact that the essentialcharacteristic of preschool age is marked and striking development integrity, where the domainsof children development (physical, motor, cognitive) are closely related. Early and variousmovement experience, teaching, adequate space and positive attitude of parents, educators andothers, enable optimal motor development of children (Djordjic, 2006).

Motor skills of preschool children develop best through games, which are interesting forthem and which they love. Children should be motivated by participation in various motoractivities so that regular, well planned and programmed activities can provide good quality long-term stimulus for development of traits and abilities (Pejcic, 2004).

School sports, as one form of organized physical exercise for young children, is an idealstart to their sports activities. It is based on the learning and development of fundamental motorskills and skills in various sports. Because children's school of sport does not train athletes forspecific disciplines, but creates a broad base of manifestation and development of potentialvalues and characteristics and abilities of children, its program includes a variety of sports andsports-recreational activities, which should create the fundamental skills and characteristicsdesired in most sports and daily life of children, youth and adults.

Recently, we can notice that there have been a growing number of school sports, orvarious programs for the development of motor abilities of children. The aim of this paper is toanalyze the effects of two exercise program (Children's School of Sport and the PreparationPreschool Program of Physical Education) on the development of motor abilities and skills ofpreschool children.


2/6

2

METHOD

The subject sample consisted of 86 children aged 5-7 years participating in the programChildren's School of Sport in Novi Sad in kindergarten, Wendy (experimental group) and 97children the same age who attended regular physical activity program in the preschool Peter

Pan (control group), also in Novi Sad.The battery of motor tests based on the experience with adult subjects, modified for youngchildren (Bala, Popovic, Stupar, 2002; Kulic, 2005), based on the model of motor abilities ofolder children and adolescents (Kureli, Momirovi, Stojanovic, Sturm, Radojevic and Viski-talec (1975), and Gredelj Metiko, constructed by Momirovi (1975). The following motorability tests were utilized:

1) 20m dash to estimate running speed,2) Obstacle course backwards to estimate coordination,3) Arm plate tapping to estimate frequency of simple movements,4) Seated straddle stretch to estimate flexibility,5) Standing broad jump to estimate explosive strength6)

Bent-arm hang to estimate static strength of arms,7) Sit-ups to estimate repetitive strength of trunkExercise program in the Children's School of Sport lasted nine months from September

the 1st, 2009 to June the 15th 2010. Training contents, which lasted for 30 minutes three times aweek, included gymnasticsexercise, elementary games, and the essential techniques of sportswith a ball (football, basketball, volleyball and handball), martial arts activities (judo, wrestling,karate), athletic activities, rhythmic gymnastics and dance. Measurements were carried out inlate September (initial measurement) and the end of April (final measurement). Only thosechildren who were trained for all nine consecutive months and who met the health requirementsare taken into account. The preschool program for physical education is included in the Book ofRegulations on general preschool program essentials, with defined objectives and content ofactivities for physical development, mastering the skills of movement and strengthening thehealth of children.

Mean (M) and standard deviation (S) were calculated for each motor variable in eachgroup. Then we applied multivariate (MANOVA) and univariate (ANOVA) analysis of varianceat the initial and final measurements. The significance of changes in the final results compared tothe initial ones was determined based on the results of multivariate (MANCOVA) and univariate(ANCOVA) analysis of covariance.

The entire research was conducted within the research project Integrated development, physical activity, and aberrant behavior of preschool children, financed by the Ministry ofScience and Technological Development of Serbia, which was implemented at the Faculty ofSport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad.

RESULTS

Table 1 shows the basic statistics of motor variables, and significant differences of meansin relation to variability of all motor variables, as well as the individual ones (MANOVA andANOVA).


3/6

3

Table 1. BASIC STATISTICAL STATISTICS OF MOTOR VARIABLES

VARIABLEINITIAL FINAL

M SD f p AS S f p

20m dash (s)E 5,60 0,66

6,46 0,005,25 0,57

13,63 0,00

C 5,88 0,78 5,59 0,66Obstacle course backwards (s)

E 25,33 9,2815,42 0,00

20,34 6,8948,67 0,00

C 31,24 10,89 29,75 10,68

Arm plate tapping (freq.)E 16,10 3,01

13,65 0,0017,64 2,50

45,51 0,00C 14,28 3,57 14,62 3,42

Seated straddle stretch (cm)E 36,05 6,96

2,74 0,1039,24 6,76

0,29 0,59C 34,23 7,81 38,52 8,69

Standing broad jump (cm)E 110,81 17,53

23,89 0,00122,76 17,52

64,41 0,00C 96,80 20,83 99,69 20,92

Bent-arm hang (s) E 13,04 10,89

5,88 0,02

12,00 9,33

6,61 0,01C 9,39 9,53 9,01 6,26

Sit-ups (freq.)E 22,62 8,93

31,77 0,0022,00 8,14

30,71 0,00C 14,88 9,56 14,85 9,19

F=6,45 P=0,00 F=14,35 P=0,00E- experimental group, C- control group, M - mean, S - standard deviation, F - F-test, P - levelof statistical inference of the whole system of motor variables, f - f-test, p - level of statisticalinference of an individual system of motor variables

Analysis of the results in Table 1, there is a moderate improvement of results in the first fivemotor variables in the control group, which supports the earlier studies that followed the trend of

motor abilities of preschool children (Kuli, 2005, Popovi et al, 2006). Both groups showed noimprovement in the variables Sit-ups and Bent-arm hang. Analyzing the results of theexperimental group, it is clear that much better results are found in all motor variables even inthe initial measurement. This can be explained by the fact that most children, especially olderones, were already included in one season-long program Children's School of Sport and thatthey have greatly improved their motor abilities during that year. Multivariate analysis ofvariance (MANOVA) showed statistically significant differences between the experimental andcontrol groups in the entire system of the analyzed motor variables. Univariate analysis ofvariance (ANOVA) identified statistically significant better results of the experimental group inalmost all variables. Improved results can also be observed at the final measurement compared tothe control group, but real and statistically significant improvement of results was tested by the

procedure of multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), which supposes that results ofboth groups at initial measurement are statistically equal. This method provides a realistic pictureof the effects of treatment, since it nullifies the differences of the first measurement in such amanner that it includes them in analysis as covariates (Table 2).


4/6

4

Table 2. RESULTS OF MANCOVA AND ANALYSES AT THE FINAL MEASUREMENT

F=8,24 P=0,00AM - adjusted mean, SE standard error mean

The values of F test, and the level of statistical significance of (Table 2), clearly indicatethat the entire system of the analyzed motor variables implies statistically significantimprovements. At the univariate level (Table 2), experimental group of children is moreadvanced than children who were not included in the program Children's School of Sport. Thisdifference was mostly the consequence of the variable for assessment of explosive strength oflower extremities- Standing broad jump, then the variables for assessment of frequency of simplemovements- Armplate tapping, and variables for assessment coordination of the whole body -Obstacle course backwards. With variables for assessment of flexibility trunk and lowerextremities - Seated straddle stretch, for assessment of static strength of arms and shoulders - Bent-arm hang, and the variables for assessment of repetitive strength of trunk Sit-ups, therewere no statistically significant differences, although the first of aforementioned three were veryclose to it and indicate the greater degree of improvement in children of the control group. Also,the variable for the assessment of the speed - 20m dash indicate no statistical significance,although the experimental group had better results than the control group.

DISCUSSION

The reason for the weaker results in the variable to estimate the running speed can befound in the physical conditions in which to implement training in Children's School of Sport,or in small rooms kindergarten, insufficient for the longer sprint. This reduces the possibility of progress of children in the event of the running speed at 20 meters, which is a motility testrequested from the respondents. On the other hand, the possibility of open field in the preschoolare far better for the development of running speed, but it can only be used in warmer months(May-June). However, the measurement was made prior to these training sessions in openterrain, so that the children were unable to significantly improve the running speed of 20 metersand longer. The lack of certain equipment in the room (back, circles, looms) reflected on theresults of the evaluation of static strength of arms and shoulders in a test of Bent-arm hang,

VARIABLE AM SE f p

20m dash (s)

Obstacle course backwards (s)

Arm plate tapping (frek.)

Seated straddle stretch (cm)

Standing broad jump (cm)

Bent-arm hang (s)

Sit-ups (frek.)

EC

ECECECECECEC

5,425,44

23,02

27,3717,05

15,1538,1039,44

117,28

104,5511,159,77

19,02

17,49

0,040,040,710,660,290,270,510,471,681,570,690,640,710,67

0,07

18,17

20,30

3,31

27,67

1,95

2,24

0,79

0,00

0,00

0,07

0,00

0,17

0,14


5/6

5

although the experimental group was better, but not enough statistically significant. If the weakerresults in the variable to estimate running speeds and to estimate the static strength of arms andshoulders are justified reasons, then it can't be said of the variable for estimate of dynamicstrength and trunk flexors variable to estimate trunk flexibility and lower extremities, where withvaried exercises in a small space and no equipment can get great results. It is obvious that the

scope and intensity of exercise to strengthen the trunk flexors and lower limb flexibility weresmall and insufficient to get better results in tests of Sit-ups and Seated straddle stretch. It shouldbe paid more attention on this facts in the future work of Children's School of Sport. Based onthe results of this study, it can be concluded that after applying the experimental treatmentpractice in the Children's School of Sport significantly improve motor skills assessed some ofthe experimental group, compared to children who attended regular physical exercise in his preschool. This improvement is primarily related to a variable for the estimate of explosivestrength of lower extremity Standing broad jump, then the variable for the estimate of the speedof alternative movements Arm plate tapping and variable for the estimate of coordination bodyObstacle course backwards. The other variables are also an improvement, but not statisticallysignificant, and in them the experimental group had better results than the control, except in the

test Seated straddle stretch, where more progress has shown the control group.System and aim of functioning Children's School of Sport is that large numbers ofpreschool children provide complete development of psycho-physical abilities and characteristicswith the help of sport. Children become a potential base for a lot of varieties of sports. They havethe first experience and the idea of sport aimed by trainers. In any case, it contributes to love ofthe children towards the sport, to rejoice, play and competition, to be joyful, fast, strong, skillful,curious, smart, good and, above all, healthy (Jankovic, 2005). The program of Children's Schoolof Sport, is adapted to the conditions of work, including small halls in kindergarten and the lackof certain equipment, primarily shaft looms, circles. Looking at the results of research there isneed for program to be completed by an exercise program of strength (static strength of arms andshoulders and trunk flexors dynamic strength), flexibility exercises for the development of trunkand lower extremities, then to practice as much out in the open area where are greateropportunities for training running.

REFERENCES

1. Bala, G. (2002). Sportska kolica. [Sports school]. Novi Sad: Samostalno autorsko izdanje.2. Bala, G., Popovi, B., & Stupar, D. (2002). Neophodne modifikacije nekih standardnih

motorikih testova za predkolsku decu. [Necessary modifications of some standard motortests for preschool children]. Zbornik radova Desetimeunarodni simpozijum "Sport, fizikaaktivnost i zdravlje mladih" (str. 411-417). Novi Sad: Univerzitet u Novom Sadu,Novosadski maraton.

3. ori, V. (2006). Fizika aktivnost dece predkolskog uzrasta. [Physical activity forchildren of preschool age]. In G. Bala (ed.), Fizika aktivnost devojica i deakapredkolskog uzrasta [Physical activity of preschool girls and boys], (pp. 59-73). Novi Sad:Fakultet sporta i fizikog vaspitanja .

4. Gredelj, M., Metiko, D., Hoek, A., & Momirovi, K. (1975). Model hijerarhijske strukturemotorikih sposbnosti. 1. Rezultati dobijeni primjenom jednog neoklasinog postupka za procjenu latentnih dimenzija. [Model of the hierarchical structure of motor and technicalcapacity. 1. Results obtained using a neoclassical procedure for assessing latent dimensions].Kineziologija, 5 (5), 7-81.


6/6

6

5. Jankovi, I. (2005). Deija kola sporta. [Children's School of Sport].Aktuelno u praksi,5, 86-91.

6. Kuli, D. (2005). Karakteristike motorikog razvoja predkolske dece. [Characteristics ofmotor development of preschool children]. Diplomski rad, Novi Sad: Fakultet fizike kulture.

7. Kureli, N., Momirovi, K., Stojanovi, M., turm, J., Radojevi, . i Viski-talec, N.(1975). Struktura i razvoj morfolokih i motorikih dimenzija omladine. [The structure anddevelopment of morphological and motoric dimensions of youth]. Beograd: Institut zanauna istraivanja Fakulteta za fiziko vaspitanje. [Institute for Scientific Research of theFaculty of Physical Education].

8. Peji, A. (2004). Motorike aktivnosti i njihov znaaj za razvoj antropolokih obiljejadjece predkolske dobi. [Motor activities and their importance for the development ofanthropological characteristics of preschool children]. Edukacija, rekreacija, sport, 6-7, 76-79.

9. Popovi, B., Cvetkovi, M. i Grujii, D. (2006). Trend razvoja motorikih sposobnosti predkolske dece. [The development trend of motor abilities of preschool children]. In G.Bala (ed.), Proceedings interdisciplinary scientific conference with international participation

Anthropological status and physical activity of children and youth (pp. 21-30). Novi Sad:Univerzitet u Novom Sadu, Fakultet sporta i fizikog vaspitanja.

Documents

The Effects of Two Models of Exercise of Development of Motor Abilities Among Preschool Children