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 age groups of Czech preschool children (4-6 years). The first study compared results of the measurements in the 1950s (n=268) and in 2009 (n=188), and then further measurements of height, weight, and skinfolds were conducted in two kindergartens with different physical activity programs in the 1970s (n=151) and in 2011 (n=79).
When comparing the last century’s results and recent measurements, 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 thickness was mostly found; along with that results of the broad jump and ball throw (abilities which need some experience and adaptation) decreased significantly, and performance in the 20 m run did not change.
The increase of adiposity was lower in the kindergarten with a program of increased physical activity. Gender differences in preschoolers 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.