Features of the development of coordination abilities in young schoolchildren

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. The development of coordination abilities in young schoolchildren is crucial for their physical and psychological health, as well as academic success. In the contemporary educational environment, there is insufficient attention to the systematic and targeted development of these abilities through the integration of physical activity into the learning process. The purpose of this study is to develop and test a comprehensive program aimed at developing the coordination abilities of young schoolchildren through the use of rhythmic and choreographic means. Materials and Methods. The study involved fourth-grade students (n=40), including 20 girls and 20 boys. All participants were divided into two groups: a control group (CG, n=20) and an experimental group (EG, n=20). Both groups attended two choreography lessons and one physical education lesson weekly. The study lasted 10 weeks. The experiment was conducted in the city of Zmiiev (Kharkiv region, Ukraine), located in a war zone since February 2022. The requirements of the military administration for ensuring the safety of the experiment participants were observed. Results. Data analysis revealed significant statistical differences between the control and experimental groups across all applied tests (p<0.05). In the experimental group of girls, there was a significant improvement in the "Rhythmic Movements of Upper and Lower Limbs" test (p<0.01). These results were consistent with improvements in other coordination ability tests in the experimental group (p<0.05). Improvements in strength ability indicators were observed in both groups. However, no statistically significant differences between the CG and EG were recorded. Conclusions. The study confirmed that a specially designed program with elements of dance and choreography significantly positively affects the development of coordination abilities in young schoolchildren. Such a program contributes to the physical development of children, improves their emotional state, stimulates activity, and develops a sense of responsibility.