Dancing Effects on Preschoolers’ Sensorimotor Synchronization, Balance, and Movement Reaction Time

• Published in: Perceptual and motor skills Vol. 125; no. 3; pp. 463 - 477
• Main Authors: Chatzihidiroglou, Panagiota, Chatzopoulos, Dimitris, Lykesas, Georgios, Doganis, Georgios
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-06-2018; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Preschool children; preschool; rhythmic synchronization; early childhood education; children; dance
• ISSN: 0031-5125; 1558-688X
• DOI: 10.1177/0031512518765545

In the present study, we compared an experimental group of preschool children (n = 22; mean age = 5 years, 8 months) who followed an 8-week dance program with a control group (n = 20; mean age = 5 years, 5 months) on pre–post measures of sensorimotor synchronization (K-Rhythm Test), balancing on one leg and movement reaction time. Compared with the control participants, the dance group demonstrated significantly better pretest to posttest improvements on sensorimotor synchronization and balance (but not movement reaction time). Considering the importance of sensorimotor synchronization and balance for subsequent child development and performance of daily and sport activities, these results suggest that dancing should be included in early childhood curricula.