Abstract

COLEDAM, Diogo Henrique Constantino; ARRUDA, Gustavo Aires de  and  OLIVEIRA, Arli Ramos de. Effects of an exercise program on children's flexibility and vertical jump performance. Motriz: rev. educ. fis. [online]. 2012, vol.18, n.3, pp. 515-525. ISSN 1980-6574.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1980-65742012000300012.

This study investigated the effects of an exercise training program on flexibility and vertical jump performance in children at scholar age. 61 Children (30 boys) were divided in male control group (MCG), male intervention group (MIG), female control group (FCG) and female intervention group (FIG). MIG and FIG were submitted to an exercise training program during physical education classes for 12 weeks. The "sit-and-reach" and vertical jump tests were performed before and after 12 weeks of the exercise training program. The results demonstrated that MIG and FIG groups significantly increased the performance on vertical jump as well as the "sit-and-reach" tests after the exercise training program (P<0,05). There were no differences in MCG and FCG on vertical jump performance and "sit-and-reach" tests (P>0,05). The exercise program used in this study was efficient to increase flexibility and vertical jump performance in children.

Keywords : Physical fitness; Stretching; School children; Exercises.