MOTOR ACTIVITY AS A DEVELOPMENTAL FACTOR IN YOUNG ATHLETES AGED 5 TO 7 YEARS

Abstract

Aim. This study aims to investigate the developmental pathways of children aged 5 to 7, considering their anthropometric characteristics, cognitive abilities, and the development of fine and gross motor skills under different conditions of physical activity. Materials and methods. The study involved 348 children aged 5 to 7, including 58 children not involved in regular physical activity and 290 children from closed- or open-skill sports. The assessment protocol included anthropometry and skinfold measurements. Cognitive testing evaluated visual-logical and verbal-logical reasoning, visuospatial processing, and analytic-synthetic thinking (Raven’s Progressive Matrices), attention (Dot Cancellation Test), and mediated memory. Gross and fine motor skills were assessed via a tapping test, simple and complex visuomotor reaction tests, a 30-meter sprint, a 3×10-meter shuttle run, and a variable 30-meter run (comprising a 10-meter straight sprint, 2×5-meter lateral shuffles, and a 10-meter backward run). Strength measurements included handgrip strength and the ability to regulate effort at 50%, 75%, and 25% of maximum performance in a jump test. Cardiovascular measurements included heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate variability, recorded in both supine and standing positions. Statistical analysis was performed using stepwise discriminant analysis. Results. For children aged 5 to 7 at the sports and health enhancement stage, a focus on open skills promotes the development of the cognitive sphere and visuospatial processing, whereas a focus on closed skills primarily enhances gross and fine motor skills. Age differences between the children not involved in regular physical activity are limited to height and the lability of nervous processes. The development of autonomic cardiac regulation mechanisms is influenced by physical activity patterns; specifically, early involvement in sports leads to an accelerated development of the parasympathetic system. Conclusion. The developmental trajectory of children aged 5 to 7 – with regard to their physique, cognitive sphere, and motor skills – is largely determined by the characteristics of their physical activity, while also acknowledging the influence of individual maturation rates. This dictates the necessity for a comprehensive monitoring of a child’s physical and mental state, as well as their physical readiness, starting from the sports and health enhancement stage of long-term athletic development.