Abstract
Height, weight, BMI and triceps, subscapular and suprailiac skinfold thicknesses and of motor performance (20 m run, broad jump from the spot, and ball throw by right hand) were repeatedly measured over six decades in several groups of Czech preschool children (4-6 years). The study compared results of the measurements in the 1950s (n=268) and in 2009 (n=188).
The average height and weight increased slightly in both studies, and BMI values fluctuated insignificantly around the 50th percentile of the present Czech growth grids for BMI. A significant increase of the values of skinfold thicknesses was mostly found; along with that results of the broad jump and ball throw decreased significantly, and performance in the 20 m run did not change.
Gender differences were always found at the occasion of all measurements: adiposity in girls was slightly higher, and motor performance was always lower. A secular change of lifestyle with prevailing sedentarism worsened motor abilities along with increasing adiposity, and a positive effect of increased physical activity had a significant impact on adiposity already during the preschool age.