The importance of guided physical activity in the first 48 months: differences in motor skills

Abstract

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to verify whether there were differences in the development of motor skills (global and fine) comparing children who have oriented physical activity and children who do not, in day care centers and kindergartens. Methods: In this study, 400 children of both sexes (28.14 ± 7.23 months) participated. Two groups were created (the group that has oriented physical activity and the group that does not have oriented physical activity) and for a better understanding they were divided into 3 age groups (12-23, 24-35 and 36-48 months). Motor skills were assessed using the PDMS-2 test battery scales. For data analysis we used descriptive and inferential statistics. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and the Mann-Whitney test were applied. The method of inferences based on the magnitude of the effects was also performed. Results: The results obtained indicate that it is only after 36 months that most children practice oriented physical activity, and in all age groups, it is this group that obtains, on average, better results in all motor skills, with greater emphasis in the age group of 24-35 months. Conclusions: However, the most important conclusion is that it is in the first months (up to 36) that there are greater differences, but it is also where there are fewer children to perform guided physical activity, this is an important factor, to make institutions aware of the importance of physical activity, especially in the first few months, noting that physical activity classes at the day care center are a privileged moment to stimulate fundamental motor skills.