Enhancing Motor Fitness in Children Through Corrective Gymnastics in Physical Education
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 17337739 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Filip Kojić (0000-0001-6740-3347, Faculty of Education University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia, corresponding author), Dragan Branković (0000-0002-9292-5179, Faculty of Education University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia), Vladimir Živanović (0000-0001-5369-2221, Faculty of Education University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia), Danimir Mandić (0000-0002-3986-6077, Faculty of Education University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia), Danimir Petar Mandic (University of Belgrade), Vladimir Ilić (0000-0002-3769-7767, Faculty of Sport and Physical Education University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 96 |
| Issue | 5 |
| Pages | e70148-e70148 |
| Publication date | 2026-04-07 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of School Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0022-4391 • E-ISSN: 1746-1561 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1111/josh.70148 |
| PMID | 41947555 |
| OpenAlex | W7152114237 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 24 |
BACKGROUND: Corrective gymnastics (CG) is widely recognized for its effectiveness in preventing and treating postural deficiencies; however, its impact on motor fitness in school-aged children is less studied. This research evaluated the effects of a school-based CG program on strength, agility, coordination, speed of movement, and flexibility in 10-year-old children. METHODS: A total of 255 students (age: 9.67 ± 0.46 years; 195 girls) from three elementary schools were assigned to an experimental group (EXP, N = 94) or a control group (CON, N = 161). The EXP group followed a 4-month CG program during regular physical education (PE) classes, targeting five common postural disorders. The CON group followed the standard PE curriculum. Motor fitness was assessed pre- and post-intervention using standardized tests. RESULTS: Both groups improved significantly in all motor domains (p < 0.01), but the EXP group showed significantly greater gains in plate tapping, long jump, sit-ups, and shuttle run performance (F = 7.718-30.983, p < 0.01). IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY: These findings highlight the added value of CG in enhancing motor fitness during a critical developmental period. Integrating CG into regular PE could promote equitable access to both preventive care and functional physical development across school populations. CONCLUSION: CG represents a valuable addition to PE, supporting motor development and postural health in children
Health education · Motor activity · Motor skill · Physical development · Physical education · Physical fitness · Psychomotor learning · Children's Physical and Motor Development · Physical Education and Pedagogy · Sports and Physical Education Research
| Highly cited | No |
|---|