DIFFERENCES IN MOTOR SKILS BETWEEN PRESCHOOL BOYS AND GIRLS

Abstract

The study was conducted on a sample of 50 boys and 44 girls aged 6 and 7 from Novi Sad. Seven motor skills tests were conducted. Multivariate (MANOVA) analysis of variance has revealed statistically significant differences in motor abilities between boys and girls (F=2.60; P=0.02). Separate analysis has concluded that those differences exist in the motor-ability factor for the assessment of the whole body coordination – Polygon backwards (p=0.02) and the lower-limb explosive power evaluation – A 20 m sprint test froma starting position (p=0.04) in favor of boys in both cases, as well as the the factor for the functional synegry and the regulation of muscle tone manifested through the variable Wide-angle seated forward bend (p=0.04) in favor of girls.