Effects of creative dance on proprioception, rhythm and balance of preschool children
Author/s: Dimitris Chatzopoulos, George Doganis & Iraklis Kollias
Year: 2018
Journal: www.tandfonline.com
Measurement tool used: KFORCE Plates
See full publication: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03004430.2017.1423484?journalCode=gecd20
Abstract : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of creative dance on proprioception, rhythm and static balance in preschool children. The treatment group consisted of 32 preschool children which took part in a creative dance programme that lasted 2 months (twice a week), while the control group (30 preschool children) participated in an unstructured free-play setting. Prior to and after the intervention, children were assessed for proprioception (Active-Reproduction Test), rhythm (K-Rhythm Test) and balancing on one foot. The results showed that the treatment group performed significantly better on the proprioception and rhythm post-test measures compared to the control group. No significant differences were found for static balance. It may be concluded that creative dance can positively affect proprioception and rhythmic synchronization in preschool children. Considering the importance of these factors for children’s motor development, it is suggested that creative dance should be included in early childhood curricula.
