The influence of swimming in the development of motor abilities of students of younger school age

Abstract

The aim of this research is related to the influence of swimming on the development of motor abilities of students of younger school age, as well as defining the skills that are most developed under the influence of swimming. Differences in anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities between the two groups of students were analysed. One group consisted of students who, in addition to physical and health education classes, practice swimming (students/swimmers), and the second group consisted of students who do not engage in any additional organised physical activities (students). The sample of the respondents included 18 students, members of the Belgrade swimming club "Mornar" and 17 students of "Branko Radičević" primary school from Pančevo, all aged 10 years ± 6 months. In addition to basic anthropometry, an assessment of motor abilities was also carried out, with the help of the tests of strength, speed, endurance, flexibility, agility, balance, and coordination. By analysing the differences using the t-test for independent samples, the group of students/swimmers showed generally better results, and a statistically significant difference between the groups at the level of significance (p<.005) was found in five motor tests: Standing long jump, Stick twist, Lying-sitting for 30 sec., Seated forward bend, and Bent arm hang. The obtained research results indicate that swimming, as a basic physical activity, has a positive effect on the development of the motor abilities of the students of younger school age, especially on strength and flexibility. The authors' recommendations go in the direction of paying more attention to swimming as a physical activity that has a positive impact on the development of students' motor abilities.