Português

Abstract

Motor skillst undergo changes over the years and sports training is a determining factor, regardless. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the influence of artistic gymnastics on motor development of children aged 7 to 12 years. A prospective, observational and cross-sectional study was conducted, of evaluative and comparative character, applying psychomotor battery and a structured form in 20 children practicing artistic gymnastics and 20 students who did not perform the activity. The data were treated by the BioEstat 5.0 package, with student's t-test and p-value less than or equal to 0.05. Group 1 practiced artistic gymnastics on average 3 times a week, of this population composed of 60% Caucasian, and 85% female, with an average weight of 29.54Kg and mean age of 8.85 years. In the group of students, 80% were Caucasian and 75% female, with an average weight of 33.71Kg and mean age of 8.85 years. Significant differences were observed between the groups in the global praxia variable (t: -2.25; p: 0.01) and total scale score (t: -3.33; p: 0.00). It is concluded that artistic gymnastics positively influences motor development in children aged 7 to 12 years.