[Evaluation of physical fitness in children of pre-school age including postural problems].

BACKGROUND

Pre-school age is a period of intensive development when children shape their posture, habits and motor memory. In recent years an increased incidence of postural problems has been observed among children and adolescents. This process results from civilisation progress and sedentary life style. Most of the early-detected abnormalities are of a functional nature and are relatively easy to correct. However, if no preventive measures are taken, deformities of bones and joints may develop which are difficult to treat and result in serious health disorders. The aim of our study was to evaluate physical fitness in children of pre-school age depending on diagnosed postural problems.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The study included 64 children aged 6-7 years, in which abnormalities of body posture were diagnosed using the Wolański method. The children were classified into two groups. Group 1 comprised children with abnormalities in the chest and shoulder girdle, and group 2 comprised children with lower limb abnormalities. Physical fitness was evaluated using the Modified Wrocław Test for Physical Fitness by B. Sekita (1988).

RESULTS

We found a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0148) between groups in a 20 m run. Test results demonstrated that dysfunctions of lower limbs influenced the times for longer distance runs, but no statistically significant difference was found between the groups for shuttle run times. Children from group 2 had lower long jump scores compared to group 1, but the difference was not statistically significant. A statistically significant difference (p = 0.0375) was found for medicine ball throw scores. Children from group 1 had higher scores. This can be explained by the higher number of boys in that group, who have greater physical strength than girls.

RESULTS

Abnormalities of lower limbs in the studied group of children had a statistically significant influence on reduced physical fitness measured with the Sekita test. Abnormalities of the shoulder girdle and chest in the studied group of children had no effect on reduced physical fitness measured with the Sekita test.