Effectiveness of developmental Gymnastics and Artistic Gymnastics Training on Coordination and Motor Development in Boys Aged 5–7 Years

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Graduate in Motor Development, Sport Sciences Research Institute, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Behavioral Sciences in Sport, Sport Sciences Research Institute, Tehran, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Department of Motor Learning and Control, Sport Sciences Research Institute, Tehran, Iran

Abstract
The present study aimed to design a developmental gymnastics training program and to compare the effectiveness of developmental versus artistic gymnastics on motor coordination and fundamental motor skills in boys aged 5 to 7 years. In this quasi-experimental study, 30 boys without prior training experience were selected through convenience sampling. Following a pre-test, participants were randomly assigned to either a developmental gymnastics group or an artistic gymnastics group. Motor skills were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development–3 (TGMD-3), while motor coordination was measured with the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK). Both groups completed an eight-week training program consisting of three sessions per week, each lasting one hour. After the intervention, a post-test was administered. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was applied to compare group scores. Results indicated that both training protocols significantly improved motor coordination and fundamental motor skills (P < 0.05). However, the developmental gymnastics group demonstrated superior performance in motor coordination and the manipulative subscale of motor skills compared to the artistic gymnastics group (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between groups in the locomotor subscale (P > 0.05). These findings suggest that both developmental and artistic gymnastics programs can effectively enhance motor skill development and coordination in young children. Nevertheless, for coaches and practitioners seeking greater impact, developmental gymnastics may be a more effective approach during this sensitive age period, fostering improved motor competence and coordination among children aged 5 to 7 years.

Keywords

Subjects


Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 March 2026

  • Receive Date 23 December 2025
  • Revise Date 20 February 2026
  • Accept Date 19 March 2026