December 2014 Vol. 2 No.12

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Horvat V
Hraski M

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Original Research Article

The relationship between motor abilities, physical activity and gender in preschool children

Vatroslav Horvat, Ivan Prskalo and Marijana Hraski*

Faculty of Teacher Education, University of Zagreb

*Corresponding Author’s E-mail: marijana.hraski@ufzg.hr

Accepted December 22, 2014

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish the relationship between motor abilities, physical activity and gender in preschool children. The research was conducted on sample of 143 preschool children (71 boys and 72 girls) at the age of six. The group who participated in physical activity program was consisted of 68 (34 boys and 34 girls) children, while the group that was not enrolled in any physical activity in kindergarten was made of 75 (37 boys and 38 girls) pre-schoolers. The sample of variable was composed of six motor tests, gender and physical activity. For determining the relationship between motor abilities, physical activity and gender the regression analyses was used. The significant relations were found between boys and coordination, also between girls and flexibility and balancing. Concerning physical activity the positive correlations are found in explosive strength and negative between active girls and balancing. These results are important to consider when establishing physical activity recommendations or targeting health promotion interventions in preschool boys and girls.

Keywords: Boys, Early childhood, Girls, Motor proficiency, Physical exercise