Comparative analysis of the evolution of physical fitness in the second cycle of early childhood education according to ageNoelia Segura-Martínez1Gema Díaz-Quesada2*
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17561/jump.n11.9378Keywords:
physical fitness, early childhood, PREFIT battery, physical activity, healthAbstract
Introduction: The assessment of physical fitness in preschool children is crucial for promoting overall development, preventing diseases, and establishing healthy habits. Objective: The main objective of this research is to evaluate the physical fitness of children in three groups from the second cycle of preschool education, categorized by age, in order to determine if there are significant variations in specific aspects of physical fitness related to age. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 59 children divided into three age groups: 3-4, 4-5, and 5-6 years. The PREFIT battery was used along with a crawling test. The variables assessed included body mass index (BMI), long jump, running agility (4x10 meters), right unipedal balance, cardiorespiratory endurance (Course Navette), and crawling. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman correlations. Results: Significant age-related differences were found in several tests: older children (5-6 years) achieved better results in agility (15.36 ± 1.61 sec.), right unipedal balance (22.50 ± 25.09 sec.), endurance (2.37 ± 0.93 stages), and crawling (8.39 ± 1.18 sec.). BMI was higher in younger children (3-4 years) (17.82 ± 2.58 kg/m²), while the correlation between BMI and jump was negative (r = -0.258). These results highlight the progressive development of motor and neuromuscular skills with age. Conclusion: The general conclusion of this study is that there are significant differences in the physical fitness of children in the second cycle of preschool education based on age.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Noelia Segura-Martínez, Gema Díaz-Quesada, Daniel García-Martínez, Laura García-Pérez
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