The effect of ladder exercises on the sprint ability of preschool children

Abstract

This study aimed to clarify the practical effect of using ladder exercises on nursery activities by examining the change in sprint ability before and after the introduction of such exercises. The subjects were 206 preschool children (108 boys and 98 girls) aged 4 to 6. They performed five kinds of ladder exercises (quick run, side quick run, open close jump, slalom jump, and shuffle) twice per week for four months. The subjects performed fundamental motor ability tests (20 meter sprint, standing broad jump, tennis ball throw, 5 meter dash, repeated sideways jumps, zigzag run, and balance test) before and after the introduction of the ladder exercises. Additionally, the attending caregivers examined the achievement rates of various motor tasks (skip, gallop, hopscotch, rope jumping, rock-scissors-paper, and triple double-leg hop). As a result, the ladder exercises were particularly found to affect the outcome of the 20 meter sprint, repeated sideways jumps, and zigzag run, and the achievement rate of motor tasks. There were also significant differences in the growth rate of the 20 meter sprint compared with the control group. In conclusion, ladder exercises may be useful to improve the sprint ability of preschool children.