ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a dance program on static and dynamic balance in young children (6.62 ± .65 years old). Forty-six children were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (24 children) who took part in a four-week dance program (three times a week, total 12 sessions, 45 min/session), or a control group (22 children). The dance program was a combination of Greek dances and Laban’s movement concept specifically designed for improving balance in young children. Prior to and after the intervention, the participants were assessed in static balance (one leg stance), dynamic balance and the jump-landing test. The results showed that the dance group performed significantly better in dynamic balance and peak-to-peak amplitude of Center of Pressure (CoP) in the mediolateral direction and total excursion of the CoP. There were no significant differences of the CoP displacement in anteroposterior direction and the jump-landing-test. It may be concluded that the dance program constitutes an effective activity for the development of young children’s static and dynamic balance. As balance is crucial for children’s motor development and the reduction of fall-related injuries, it is suggested corresponding dance activities should be part of primary physical education curriculum.

摘要

本研究的目的是评估舞蹈节目对幼儿（6.62 ± .65 岁）静态和动态平衡的影响。46 名儿童被随机分配到干预组（24 名儿童）参加为期 4 周的舞蹈计划（每周 3 次，共 12 节，每节 45 分钟）或对照组（22 名儿童） . 舞蹈节目结合了希腊舞蹈和拉班的运动概念，专门为提高幼儿的平衡而设计。干预前后对参与者进行静态平衡（单腿站姿）、动态平衡和跳跃着陆测试。结果表明，舞蹈组在动态平衡和中外侧方向压力中心（CoP）峰峰值幅度和CoP总偏移方面的表现明显更好。CoP前后方向位移与跳跃着陆试验没有显着差异。可以得出这样的结论：舞蹈节目是培养幼儿静态和动态平衡的有效活动。由于平衡对于儿童的运动发展和减少跌倒相关伤害至关重要，因此建议相应的舞蹈活动应成为小学体育课程的一部分。