The effect of 12 weeks of basic gymnastics training in early childhood on social skills, self-regulation, and problematic media use: An experimental study

Aim: This study aimed to examine the effects of a 12-week fundamental gymnastics program on problematic media use, social skills, and self-regulation skills in children aged 4–6 years. The study was designed to evaluate the effects of structured physical activity on developmental outcomes in early childhood. Material and Method: The study was conducted using a quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test control group design. The study sample consisted of 65 children (35 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group) selected through purposive sampling. The experimental group participated in a fundamental gymnastics program twice a week for 12 weeks, while the control group continued with their regular preschool education. Data were collected through parent reports using the Problematic Media Use Measure, the Social Skills Scale, and the Self-Regulation Skills Scale. Results: Problematic media use significantly decreased, while social skills significantly increased in the experimental group. Although no significant difference was found in the total self-regulation score, improvements were observed in the attention and inhibitory control subscales. Conclusion: The findings suggest that fundamental gymnastics training can reduce problematic media use, improve social skills, and support certain dimensions of self-regulation. The results indicate that structured physical activity programs can be considered a developmentally supportive practice during the preschool period.