Dancing Effects on Preschoolers' Sensorimotor Synchronization, Balance, and Movement Reaction Time.
Author: Chatzihidiroglou P1, Chatzopoulos D1, Lykesas G1, Doganis G1
Affiliation:
11 School of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Conference/Journal: Percept Mot Skills.
Date published: 2018 Jun
Other:
Volume ID: 125 , Issue ID: 3 , Pages: 463-477 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1177/0031512518765545. Epub 2018 Mar 26. , Word Count: 115
In the present study, we compared an experimental group of preschool children ( n = 22; mean age = 5 years, 8 months) who followed an 8-week dance program with a control group ( n = 20; mean age = 5 years, 5 months) on pre-post measures of sensorimotor synchronization (K-Rhythm Test), balancing on one leg and movement reaction time. Compared with the control participants, the dance group demonstrated significantly better pretest to posttest improvements on sensorimotor synchronization and balance (but not movement reaction time). Considering the importance of sensorimotor synchronization and balance for subsequent child development and performance of daily and sport activities, these results suggest that dancing should be included in early childhood curricula.
KEYWORDS: children; dance; early childhood education; preschool; rhythmic synchronization
PMID: 29578374 DOI: 10.1177/0031512518765545
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