Relation Between Physical Abilities and Fundamental Motor Skills in Preschoolers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the interconnection between physical abilities and fundamental motor skills in preschool children. The aim was also to determine the differences in the observed variables in relation to gender. Materials and methods. The testing successfully included 52 preschool children, 30 boys and 22 girls. Five tests of physical ability (modified agility "T" (MAT) test, broad jump test, standing balance test, squat test and sit up test) were used, and fundamental motor skills were assessed with the Test of Gross Motor Development, 3rd edition (TGMD-3). One-way ANOVA was used to determine the effects of gender on results in physical abilities and fundamental motor skills. The Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was used to determine the relation between physical abilities and fundamental motor skills. The results of this work indicated, in most cases, a moderate and significant correlation of fundamental motor skills and parameters of physical abilities both in the total sample and also individually in boys and girls (p≤0.05). A significant difference in almost all variables of physical abilities and fundamental motor skills was noted in favor of boys (p≤0.05 and p≤0.01), except for the Standing balance test which indicated that there were not considerable differences between the sexes (p > 0.05). Conclusions. So it can be concluded that the information obtained can lead physical education educators to better understanding of the relations between motor status variables, which further enables them to work effectively with children who will, by virtue of a proper physical development and education, become and remain physically active throughout their life.