Gross motor development and physical activity in kindergarten age children
DARIO COLELLA,
MILENA MORANO,
Corresponding Author
DARIO COLELLA
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
Università di Foggia, Scienze delle Attività Motorie e Sportive, Viale Virgilio, Quartiere CEP, 71100 Foggia, Italy. Tel: 139 08 81 30 93 37. Fax: 139 08 81 30 93 46. [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorMILENA MORANO
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
Department of Human Movement and Sport Science, University Foro Italico, Rome, Italy
Search for more papers by this authorDARIO COLELLA,
MILENA MORANO,
Corresponding Author
DARIO COLELLA
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
Università di Foggia, Scienze delle Attività Motorie e Sportive, Viale Virgilio, Quartiere CEP, 71100 Foggia, Italy. Tel: 139 08 81 30 93 37. Fax: 139 08 81 30 93 46. [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorMILENA MORANO
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
Department of Human Movement and Sport Science, University Foro Italico, Rome, Italy
Search for more papers by this authorFirst published: 04 October 2011
Abstract
Physical activity in kindergarten is a fundamental part of the child's educational process. Body experience and physical activity contribute to the development of self-awareness and the learning of different modes of expression, as well as encouraging the acquisition of physically active lifestyles. Recent scientific evidence has confirmed the role of physical activity in disease prevention and quality of life improvement, and stressed the importance of integrated educational programmes promoting physical activity and healthy eating habits. A key priority of scientific research is to identify the opportunities and methods of motor learning and to increase the daily physical activity levels of children by reducing sedentary time and promoting active play and transport (i.e. walking, cycling). Family, school and community involvement are all needed to assure adherence to the official guidelines on how much physical activity children need to boost their health and stave off obesity.
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