Enhancing Motor Fitness in Children through Corrective Gymnastics in Physical Education
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| Title: | Enhancing Motor Fitness in Children through Corrective Gymnastics in Physical Education |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Filip Kojić (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of School Health. 2026 96(5). |
| Availability: | Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 8 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Elementary Education |
| Descriptors: | Athletics, Physical Education, Physical Fitness, Muscular Strength, Preadolescents, Elementary School Students, Program Effectiveness |
| DOI: | 10.1111/josh.70148 |
| ISSN: | 0022-4391 1746-1561 |
| Abstract: | Background: Corrective gymnastics (CG) is widely recognized for its effectiveness in preventing and treating postural deficiencies; however, its impact on motor fitness in school-aged children is less studied. This research evaluated the effects of a school-based CG program on strength, agility, coordination, speed of movement, and flexibility in 10-year-old children. Methods: A total of 255 students (age: 9.67 ± 0.46 years; 195 girls) from three elementary schools were assigned to an experimental group (EXP, N = 94) or a control group (CON, N = 161). The EXP group followed a 4-month CG program during regular physical education (PE) classes, targeting five common postural disorders. The CON group followed the standard PE curriculum. Motor fitness was assessed pre- and post-intervention using standardized tests. Results: Both groups improved significantly in all motor domains (p < 0.01), but the EXP group showed significantly greater gains in plate tapping, long jump, sit-ups, and shuttle run performance (F = 7.718-30.983, p < 0.01). Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity: These findings highlight the added value of CG in enhancing motor fitness during a critical developmental period. Integrating CG into regular PE could promote equitable access to both preventive care and functional physical development across school populations. Conclusion: CG represents a valuable addition to PE, supporting motor development and postural health in children. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1504491 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Background: Corrective gymnastics (CG) is widely recognized for its effectiveness in preventing and treating postural deficiencies; however, its impact on motor fitness in school-aged children is less studied. This research evaluated the effects of a school-based CG program on strength, agility, coordination, speed of movement, and flexibility in 10-year-old children. Methods: A total of 255 students (age: 9.67 ± 0.46 years; 195 girls) from three elementary schools were assigned to an experimental group (EXP, N = 94) or a control group (CON, N = 161). The EXP group followed a 4-month CG program during regular physical education (PE) classes, targeting five common postural disorders. The CON group followed the standard PE curriculum. Motor fitness was assessed pre- and post-intervention using standardized tests. Results: Both groups improved significantly in all motor domains (p < 0.01), but the EXP group showed significantly greater gains in plate tapping, long jump, sit-ups, and shuttle run performance (F = 7.718-30.983, p < 0.01). Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity: These findings highlight the added value of CG in enhancing motor fitness during a critical developmental period. Integrating CG into regular PE could promote equitable access to both preventive care and functional physical development across school populations. Conclusion: CG represents a valuable addition to PE, supporting motor development and postural health in children. |
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| ISSN: | 0022-4391 1746-1561 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/josh.70148 |
