Authors
- Biljana Trajkovski – Faculty of Teacher Education, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
Article type:
Original Scientific Paper
Abstract:
The aim of this study
The aim of this study was to examine morphological characteristics in the variables: body height, body mass, abdominal circumference, skinfold thickness of the upper arm, back, and lower leg in preschool children aged 5 and 6 years, and to determine whether there are differences with regard to gender, age, and participation in kinesiology programs, in order to assess the current state and support obesity prevention.
The study included a total of 302 children (159 five-year-olds and 143 six-year-olds), of which 146 children were in the experimental group (participating in the kinesiology program), and 156 children were in the control group (attending the regular kindergarten program). A t-test for independent samples and the Mann–Whitney U test were used to assess differences in morphological characteristics between boys and girls by age group and program participation (control vs. experimental).
Results
The results indicated that there were age-related differences in all measured variables except in skinfold thickness. Gender-based differences were observed in abdominal circumference (higher in boys) and skinfolds (higher in girls). Group differences showed that boys in the experimental group had greater height, while five-year-old girls in the experimental group had smaller skinfold measurements compared to those in the control group.
Keywords:
exercise, preschoolers, morphological characteristics, gender, age, differences