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Static versus dynamic sitting modes when performing on-desk tasks amongst preschool children
Deborah Alperovitch-Najenson1, Tal Lifshits1, Ortal Wilk1
1Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Recanati School for Community Health Professions, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
Work (Reading, Mass.)
|February 20, 2025
Summary
Using fit balls in classrooms does not impact preschool children's fine motor accuracy. This alternative seating can help reduce sedentary behavior without hindering academic skills development.
Area of Science:
- Child Development
- Kinesiology
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Sedentary behavior (SB) is a significant health concern for children and adults.
- Classroom settings often involve prolonged sitting, contributing to sedentary lifestyles.
- Stable sitting is crucial for object interaction and development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of using fit balls as classroom seating on fine motor accuracy in preschool children.
- To assess whether fit balls reduce sedentary behavior without compromising fine motor skills.
Main Methods:
- A repeated-measures design was used with 37 preschool children (aged 4-6 years).
- Fine motor accuracy was compared between seating on standard chairs and fit balls.
- Children completed six age-appropriate fine motor skill subtests.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant difference in fine motor accuracy was found between fit ball and standard chair seating (p > 0.05).
- Preschool children showed no clear preference between fit balls and standard chairs.
- Fit ball use did not negatively affect fine motor skill performance.
Conclusions:
- Fit balls can be considered as alternative classroom seating to reduce sedentary behavior.
- Using fit balls does not adversely affect fine motor development in preschool children.
- Dynamic seating options may promote healthy habits without compromising academic skills.
