engleski

Gender differences of preschool children in fundamental movement skills

The aim of this research was to determine whether there are significant differences between boys and girls, preschool children (4- 4.5 years old), in locomotor skills and object control skills. Research included a total of 67 children, of which 34 boys (average body height 107.61 ± 4.43 cm ; body weight 18.19 ± 4.43 kg) and 33 girls (average body height 107.31 ± 4.76 cm ; body weight 19.00 ± 3.08 kg). All subjects were measured by 4 motor tests to estimate the balance, flexibility, coordination and frequency of movement (standing on one leg, bend and reach, polygon backwards and hand tapping). Motor skills were estimated by Test of Gross Motor Development, which includes 7 locomotor skills (run, gallop, hop, leap, standing long jump, slide, skip) and 4 object control skills (stationary bounce, catch, kick, overhand throw). Univariate analysis of variance showed significant differences in motor test polygon backwards in favor of boys (p =.001). Total locomotor score was higher in girls than boys (p = .01), although the differences are significant only in gallop (p = .02), hop (p = .02) and skip (p = .03). Total object control score shows a higher average values of girls in stationary bounce and catch (p = .01), and for boys in overhand throw (p = .03) and kick. In total fundamental movement skills girls scored better result on a level of significance(p=.02). On this sample in girls is noticeable higher level of motor skills compared to boys of the same age.

locomotor skills; object control skills; preschoolers

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