Physical Activities for Prevention
and Health Promotion

Physical activity is a basic physiological need of both children and adults. Even though we do not perceive a lack of physical activity as intensively as we perceive a lack of food or liquids (hunger, thirst), physical activity is indispensable for the right development and functioning of human organs.

From birth a child’s muscular system develops thanks to natural movement (crawling, climbing etc.) thus building the muscle corset which is necessary for the correct development of the skeleton and good body posture in different natural positions: sitting, standing, walking, running, etc. Body movement enhances the functioning of internal organs and accompanies almost every mental activity of a child.

The amount of physical activities in pre-schoolers often takes up several hours a day. Yet according to the recommendations of many authors including American sources (e.g. NASPE), the minimal requirement regarding spontaneous physical activity is merely 60 minutes a day, which we consider as insufficient. However, experts recommend supplementing spontaneous physical activities with directed ones, lasting at least 60 minutes.