Objective:
To investigate effects of functional training on physical and cognitive function in 4-5 years old children, so as to provide a reference for the research on development of children s physical and cognitive functions.
Methods:
The 173 participants aged 4-5 were enrolled from 6 kindergartens in Xicheng District, Beijing and were divided into experimental (n=94) and control groups (n=79) by randomized digital tables. The experimental group were asked to receive a 18 week special designed functional movement training, which were not performed to the control group. The two groups were tested with physical and cognitive assessments before and after the intervention, and the results were compared pre/post in individual group and between groups with t tests.
Results:
Compared with control group, the score of standing long jump among children in the experimental group was improved by 5.72%, and that of feet jump was improved by 23.79%, that of 10-meter-shuttle run was improved by 13.95%, that of simple reaction was by 20.34%, and that of attention was by 18.96%, and all the improvement was of statistical significance(t=-2.75, 6.68, 10.79, 5.07, 4.32, P<0.01).
Conclusion
Both physical and cognitive functions were enhanced by the functional physical training in 4-5 year-old children.