Gymnastics Boosts Kids' Confidence and Movement Skills in Primary Schools

In the dynamic landscape of primary education, the integration of physical activities goes beyond mere recreation; it becomes a cornerstone for the holistic development of young minds. This study delves into the profound impact of an 8-week gymnastics curriculum on children’s movement competence and their physical self-concept in primary schools.

The study encompassed 113 children, with a balanced gender distribution (46% girls, 54% boys), and a mean age of 9.4 years (SD = 1.8). The participants were divided into two groups: the intervention group, comprising 49% of the total, underwent the gymnastics curriculum, while the comparison group continued with their standard curriculum. Recognising age as a significant co-variate, the study conducted separate analyses for lower (grades 2 and 4) and upper (grade 6) age groups. The results revealed noteworthy findings, demonstrating the nuanced impact of gymnastics on different developmental stages. Among the lower age group, there was a substantial improvement in fundamental movement skills favoring the gymnastics group. The structured gymnastics intervention proved to be a catalyst for enhancing the foundational motor skills in these younger children. Conversely, the upper age group displayed a significant improvement in general body coordination and fundamental movement skills within the control group. The findings suggest that, for older children, the standard curriculum may be more effective in certain aspects of movement skill development. However, across all grades, a significant main effect emerged in favor of the gymnastics group regarding physical self-concept. The gymnastics intervention played a pivotal role in nurturing a positive self-perception of physical abilities among the participating children.

In essence, this study underscores the multifaceted benefits of incorporating gymnastics into the primary school curriculum. The findings reveal that gymnastics serves as a particularly potent tool for enhancing movement competence and fostering a positive physical self-concept, especially in younger children. As primary education continues to evolve, educators and policymakers may find value in considering the integration of gymnastics as a strategic element in the curriculum. The study advocates for the recognition of gymnastics as more than just a physical activity; it is a transformative tool that contributes significantly to the comprehensive development of children in their formative years.

Link to the Study: https://doi.org/10.1080/1091367X.2016.1273225