Exploring The Benefits Of Phyiıcal Activities And Sports For Children With Special Needs At The Preschool Level
Abstract
Physical activity plays a critical role in the development of all children and is particularly important for those with special needs. This study explores the specific benefits of physical activities and sports for preschool children with special needs and examines which activities are most suitable or unsuitable for different disability categories. A mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected through structured surveys completed by teachers and caregivers, while qualitative data were obtained via classroom observations and semi-structured interviews. Fifty preschool children aged four to six years with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Down syndrome (DS), cerebral palsy (CP), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) participated, together with their teachers and caregivers. An independent samples t-test showed that suitable low-intensity, structured activities such as swimming, adapted yoga, and simple individualised exercises (e.g., stretching and balance drills) yielded significantly higher benefit scores than unsuitable high-intensity and competitive activities (e.g., fast-paced running and team sports), t(48) = 8.23, p = 0.001). Thematic analysis of qualitative data identified four key themes: improvement in motor skills, enhanced social interaction, better emotional regulation, and challenges associated with high-intensity and competitive activities. The findings, interpreted through Piaget’s Cognitive Development Theory, Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, and Sensory Integration Theory, indicate that low-impact, structured, and predictable physical activities promote motor, social, emotional, and cognitive development among preschool children with special needs. In contrast, competitive and fast-paced sports often result in sensory overload, frustration, and withdrawal, especially for children with ASD, CP, and DS. The study offers practical recommendations for teachers and parents and provides a framework for tailoring physical education programmes to the diverse needs of preschool children with special needs.
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Publication Date
01 September 2026
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European Publisher
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1st Edition
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1-1
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Accounting and Finance, Business and Management, Communication, Law and Governance
Cite this article as:
Ghani*, M. Z., Azmi, A. A., Radzuan, M. F., Asmawani, E., & Idris, N. I. (2026). Exploring The Benefits Of Phyiıcal Activities And Sports For Children With Special Needs At The Preschool Level. In Y. Naoyuki, A. Peng Hwa, & J. Matthes (Eds.), GLY-Upcoming Volume: Innovating Together: The Convergence of Management, Communication, and The Digital Transformation, vol -. European Proceedings of Social and Behavioural Sciences (pp. 105-116). European Publisher. https://doi.org/10.15405/epsbs.2026.09.7