Abstract:

Introduction:
Preschool age is a period of intensive psychomotor development, encompassing motor skills, body posture, and cognitive functions. Any delays or neglect in this area may negatively affect further growth during the school years. Therefore, a comprehensive psychomotor assessment should form the basis of primary prevention. However, there is currently a lack of diagnostics that assess the musculoskeletal system in both static and dynamic conditions, as well as tools that support teachers in the early detection of dysfunctions. For this reason, it is necessary to develop a project aimed at assessing the functional condition of the musculoskeletal system in preschool children and restoring its proper functions, with the possibility of extending these activities to other age groups. Investment in comprehensive diagnostics and early intervention at the preschool stage is crucial to ensuring healthy and harmonious development in later stages of life.
The aim of the research will be the functional assessment of the musculoskeletal system in preschool children.

Methods:
The study will include preschool children aged approximately 5.5 to 7 years. The planned assessments involve measurements of body mass and height, waist and hip circumference, trunk rotation angle (using a scoliometer), heel alignment (using a valgus–varus rearfoot angle gauge), and body posture (assessed via the APECS application). In addition, functional tests will be performed, including the Adams forward bend test, core stability assessment, and coordination and balance tests.

Results:
Early identification of potential abnormalities will allow for planning and implementing corrective measures to support the child’s harmonious development already at the preschool and early school stages. The results of the comprehensive psychomotor diagnosis of preschool children will serve as a basis for designing programs that support motor development and prevent musculoskeletal dysfunctions. These programs may include corrective as well as educational activities aimed at children, parents, and teachers.

Conclusions:
This is an innovative solution for developing cooperation between teachers and physiotherapists. The project aims to expand teachers’ knowledge and skills in creating optimal conditions and organizing lessons focused on the needs of the musculoskeletal system. As a result, teachers would not only monitor students’ overall physical fitness but also effectively implement the prevention of musculoskeletal dysfunctions.
The activities carried out within the framework of the research will have significant social relevance, addressing the health needs of young people, with the possibility of adapting the developed solutions to other age groups. The findings will become a valuable tool for teachers, students, physiotherapists, and healthcare professionals, supporting their efforts to improve health and physical fitness within society.

Keywords:

Child, posture, postural education, health promotion.