The Assessment of Climbing Skills in Four-Year-Old Children

The aim of the study was to examine the characteristics of climbing skills among four-year-old children. The fundamental movement pattern of climbing was evaluated because of its role in the process of motor development. 107 children performed a climbing test, where specially adapted 275 cm high and 90 degree set vertical ladder with 15, 30 and 45 cm distance between horizontal bars was used. The climbing time, as a measure of climbing effectiveness was correlated with climbing proficiency, the body characteristics and data obtained by accelerometers. Climbing proficiency variables were established for the purpose of this study. Climbing time in the main climbing task (climbing ladder 90 degrees, 15 cm) was statistically significantly correlated with climbing proficiency (r=-0.713, p<0.001) and with body height (r=-0.230, p=0.026), however, it was not significantly correlated with the daily amount (r=-0.425, p=0.101) and intensity (r=0.086, p =0.750) of physical activity. Climbing proficiency is the most important factor of climbing effectiveness. Children have to master the proficiency of climbing skills through specially designed physical activity programmes with proper skill instructions and in environments that stimulate the development of various forms of climbing skills.