engleski

DIFFERENCES IN MOTOR EFFICENCY OF GIRLS AND BOYS INVOLVED IN THE KINDERGARTEN SPORTS PROGRAM

Recent research has shown that physical exercise and various sports activities should be provided as early as in preschool. The reason for that is the sedentary and inactive way of life that has become a major problem, and whose consequences can be seen in the development of various coronary diseases, overweight and obesity. As a result, in the last decade the number of different preschool sports programs has increased. The question remains about their efficiency for the motor development of children. The aim of this study was to determine the differences in motor efficiency between boys and girls who participated in an every-day sports program integrated in kindergarten overall activities during the current year. The sample consisted of 144 boys and 131 girls, divided in three groups according to age - children aged 4, 5 and 6. The variables comprised four standard tests for the evaluation of motor efficiency of preschool children. The differences between groups were determined by t-test analysis. The obtained results showed that there is a statistical difference in flexibility between boys and girls aged 4 years, there were no significant differences in any of the tests between boys and girls aged 5, while in the oldest group significant difference was also established in flexibility. The results can be explained through the applied sports program and the reference values of motor efficiency for children of that age.

preschool children; motor development; kindergarten sports program; t-test analysis

nije evidentirano