The impacts of coordinative exercise on exeucutive function, physical fitness and motor competence in kindergarten

This study aimed to determine the effect of coordinative exercises on executive function, physical fitness, and motor competence components of pre-school children aged 5-6. The sample group, consisting of a total of 51 children, was randomly divided into two groups: the exercise group (26 children) and the control group (25 children). Personal information forms including demographic information and sports history were collected on the first day of measurements, followed by anthropometric measurements and the KTK3+ test for motor competence. On the second day of measurements, the Go/No-Go test for executive function and physical fitness tests were administered. The data obtained in the study were analyzed using SPSS 18.0, and descriptive statistics and t-tests were used. Significant improvements in dynamic balance, agility, and vertical jump parameters were observed in the exercise group, while improvements in dynamic balance and agility parameters were identified in the control group (p<0.05). Significant improvements in balance in walking backward and lateral jumping performance were found in the exercise group, while significant improvements in balance in walking backward, lateral jumping, and carrying to the sides were found in the control group (p<0.05). Improvement was observed in reaction time parameter in the exercise group, whereas improvement in the number of correct responses parameter was determined in the control group (p<0.05). Significant differences were found between the groups in vertical jump performance and balance in walking backward parameters (p<0.05), however, no significant difference was found among inhibition indicators (p>0.05). In conclusion, participation in both coordinative exercises and physical activity programs has been shown to improve physical fitness, motor competence, and executive functions in pre-school children. However, it has been determined that additional coordinative exercises contribute more to the improvement of vertical jump performance representing lower extremity strength and balance in walking backward representing dynamic balance level.