Neurodevelopmental Benefits of Judo Training in Preschool Children
Author Information
Author(s): Križalkovičová Zuzana, Szabó Péter, Kumli Kata, Štefanovský Miloš, Makai Alexandra, Szentpéteri József
Primary Institution: University of Pécs, Hungary
Hypothesis
Children participating in the judo training program would show significant improvement in neurodevelopmental measures compared to non-judo peers.
Conclusion
Judo practice could enhance central nervous system maturation in young children, suggesting its inclusion in early childhood education programs.
Supporting Evidence
- Judo-practicing children showed significant improvements in cognitive and motor performance compared to non-judo peers.
- Repeated Measures ANOVA indicated significant differences in INPP and PANESS results between judo and non-judo participants.
- Participants with more than 1 year of judo experience scored better on cognitive and motor tests than non-judo participants.
Takeaway
Kids who do judo can get better at thinking and moving than kids who don't do judo.
Methodology
A quasi-experimental study with judo and non-judo control groups, measuring neurodevelopmental changes using INPP and PANESS tests over 6 months.
Potential Biases
Possible selection bias as participants were from institutions willing to participate, which may not represent the general population.
Limitations
Selection bias due to non-random assignment, high drop-out rate, and potential external variables affecting results.
Participant Demographics
Participants aged 4-7 years, with 116 males (64.44%) and 66 females (36.67%), average age 4.92 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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