Fitness of five-year-olds with different levels of motor skills

Although we are observing a systematic increase in interest in the development of preschoolers, there are still few studies devoted to the assessment of the relationship between the acquired motor skills of preschoolers and their level of physical fitness. Hence, the aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the level of physical abilities and motor skills of five-year-olds. 435 five-year-old children participated in the study. Physical fitness (PF) was assessed according to the Polish Physical Fitness Test for preschoolers. The Gross Motor Skills Test (TGMD II) was used to assess motor skills. Children were divided into the following groups: low physical fitness (PFI), average physical fitness (PFII), high physical fitness (PFIII). The analysis of fitness abilities revealed significant differences between girls and boys in trials assessing running speed and agility. Among the five-year-olds, a higher level of gross motor skills was noted in girls compared to boys, which was mainly influenced by the results of locomotor skills. In the ability to control sports equipment, similar results were observed in both sexes. However, there were significant differences in the individual exercises. Since no significant disproportions in locomotor skills and control of instruments were noted in five-year-old girls and boys characterized by different levels of physical fitness, it should be assumed that the 5th year of life is still too early a period in ontogenesis to look for such relationships.