AEROBIC EXERCISE AS A DETERMINANT OF COORDINATION DEVELOPMENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD

Abstract

Motor skill development in early childhood provides the foundation for an individual’s later functional abilities and overall health. Coordination occupies a central position within the structure of motor abilities, as it determines the efficiency of performing complex movement tasks. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of an aerobic exercise program on the development of coordination in young children. The study was conducted on a sample of 30 children aged five to six years. An experimental design with pre-test and post-test measurements was employed, using the BOT-2 (Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition), specifically the test battery for assessing bilateral coordination. The aerobic exercise program lasted 12 weeks, with children participating in 30-minute exercise sessions three times per week. The results indicate a statistically significant improvement in coordination following the implementation of the program. The results show that aerobic exercise is an important factor in enhancing the motor development of preschool children.