Influence of various physical education programs on physical development indicators of preschool girls

Statement of the problem. Experts have identified a contradiction between the need to increase the role of physical education (PE) in harmonization of children's physical development and the lack of high-quality theoretical and methodological approaches to the implementation of PE among preschoolers. In particular, PE programs for preschool girls should take into account the need for harmonious physique development, through the selection of methods that contribute to an overall reduction in percentage of adipose tissue and increase in percentage of bone and muscle tissue in the body of preschoolers. The purpose of the article is to study the impact of various PE programs, recommended by experts for the harmonization of the physical development among preschool children, on physical development indicators of 5-6-year-old girls. Methodology (materials and methods). Girls (n = 56) attended PE classes according to two programs: group A (n = 28) followed the program related to play activities and choreography; group B (n = 28) followed the program related to the harmonious physique development. The impact of PE programs on indicators of physical development and body composition of all girls assessed using a number of anthropometric measurements, tests, characterizing physical development of children and bioimpedance analysis. Research results. There were significant (p ≤ 0,05) differences in indicators characterizing carpal dynamometry (grip strength), normosthenic and pyknic body types, and percentage of muscle mass in the body, in favor of girls, who followed the PE program associated with the harmonious physique development.