Author(s): SHU, H., AKIRA, M., NORIKAZU, H., Institution: WASEDA UNIVERSITY, Country: JAPAN, Abstract-ID: 1586

INTRODUCTION:
Fundamental movement skills (FMS) are an important indicator of health and well-being in young children. Locomotor and object control skills play a crucial role in their future growth and well-being. It has been suggested that dance could improve young children’s FMS, thereby promoting motor development. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of dance practice on FMS in young childre
METHODS:
The study involved 62 five-year-old Japanese children from a kindergarten without physical education classes. Participants were divided into two groups: the Dance Group (DG) and the Control Group (CG). For five months, the DG participated in dance-based physical education classes three times a week, while the CG did not receive any structured physical activity intervention. FMS was assessed before and after the intervention, measuring locomotor and object control skills, including the 25-meter run (m/s), standing long jump (cm), and softball throw (m).
RESULTS:
Indicated a statistically significant interaction between “time” and “group” for the standing long jump [F(2,405) = 19.43, p < 0.001, η² = 0.42]. The post-hoc test revealed that the DG showed a significant improvement in its average score after the intervention, whereas the CG experienced a decline.
For the 25m run, the DG demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the post-test compared to the pre-test(Z = -4.422, p < .001), whereas the CG showed no significant change(Z = -0.009, p = 0.993). Additionally, the DG group outperformed the CG in the post-test(Z = -3.006, p = 0.003), despite no initial differences between the two groups in the pre-test(Z = -0.490, p = 0.634). In the softball throw, both groups showed some improvement in the post-test compared to the pre-test; however, these improvements were not statistically significant for either group.
CONCLUSION:
Overall, the findings suggest that dance training positively influenced FMS, particularly in sprinting and jumping ability, likely through improvements in lower-body strength and body coordination[1]. Dance requires precise control of posture, rhythm, and dynamic movements (lunges and strides, running and jumping movements), which could have enhanced body coordination , speed and explosive power. This increased efficiency in movement execution may have led to better sprinting mechanics and improved jumping ability, as seen in the significant improvements in the 25m run and standing long jump. Future research should incorporating exercises that specifically target upper-body strength could help maximize the benefits of dance training for overall physical development of young children.
This study suggests that dance intervention improved FMS in young children and have a positive impact on their development.
References:
1. Slováková, M, et al., Opportunities for the Development of Motor Skills through Music-Movement and Dance Activities of 9–10-Year-Old Pupils. Sport Mont, 2024.22(1) : p.15-21.