Health-related fitness in preschool children: Difference between organized and unorganized physical activity

• Main Authors: Dragana Zarić, Zoran Gojković, Goran Sporiš, Dejan Madić
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sport and Physical Education 2018-06-01
• Series: Exercise and Quality of Life
• Subjects: motor abilities • children • differences • assessment
• Online Access: http://www.eqoljournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Zaric.pdf

The aim of this research was to determine the differences in health-related fitness between preschool children involved in organized and unorganized physical activities. This study was performed on a sample of 220 healthy preschool children that were divided into two groups, organized physical activity group (N=99) and unorganized physical activity group (N=121). Beside the set of anthropometric variables children were tested for Standing broad jump, Classic sit- and-reach test, Bent arm hang, Sit-ups in 30 seconds and Handgrip strength test. The t-test applied to determine differences between anthropometric characteristic revealed differences for almost all variables (p≤0.05). Moreover, the organized physical activity group showed better results in all fitness variables compared to unorganized group (p≤0.01). It can be concluded that the developmental gymnastics program has influence on improvement of health-related fitness in preschool children.