Comparison of motor performance in typically developing children engaged in gymnastics and classical ballet

Abstract

[Purpose] This study aimed to compare the motor skills of typically developing children with different movement experiences, specifically classical ballet and gymnastics. [Participants and Methods] The participants included 52 typically developing children aged 4–6 years (25 boys and 27 girls) from Kindergarten. The boys engaged in weekly gymnastics and girls engaged in weekly classical ballet under the guidance of specialized instructors. Motor skills were assessed using the 25-m run, tennis ball throw, double-leg continuous jump, and standing long jump tests incorporated in the motor skills test. Balance ability was evaluated using static standing tests with eyes open and closed on a firm floor and foam rubber pad, each for 30 s. The total locus length and circumferential area were calculated. [Results] The boys demonstrated significantly greater throwing distance in tennis ball throws and superior performance in the standing long jump than girls. In the balance test, girls exhibited greater stability than boys in the static standing with eyes open on firm as well as foam rubber pad conditions, as measured by the total locus length. In addition, girls in the following test conditions had smaller circumferential areas than boys: static standing with eyes open and closed on a firm floor and static standing with eyes closed on a foam rubber pad. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that early childhood motor skills vary according to the type of movement experienced.