EFFECTS OF AN “NTC” EXERCISE PROGRAM ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF MOTOR SKILLS IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

The problem of the motor development of preschool children is a highly current topic at a time when modern society is faced with a very low level of physical activity, which in turn assumes an epidemiological extent. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of NTC (Nikola Tesla Centre) Program of physical exercise on the development of preschool children’s motor skills. A longitudinal study was performed in state kindergartens with two parallel groups, one of which applied the NTC Program for a period of 6 months, while the second group applied the usual exercise program. The sample consisted of two groups of children aged 4 to 6. The children’s motor abilities were estimated by a battery of tests, BOT 2, comprising 14 subtests. On the basis of the applied statistical analyses it was determined that children in the experimental group achieved significant improvement on the motor skills test. Bearing in mind the fact that for the development of motor abilities the preschool age is a sensitive period, the application of the NTC exercise system at this age could significantly improve the motor skills and health status of children as well as lead to a better sensorimotor integration and a stimulating effect on cognitive development. Such a program would improve the initial state of the physical abilities of children through the development of their motor skills to the optimum level and have a positive impact on the creation of habits of regular physical exercise.