ANALISIS DUKUNGAN SOSIAL ANAK USIA DI BAWAH 8 TAHUN DALAM MENGIKUTI OLAHRAGA PUSHBIKE DI KOTA SEMARANG

Abstract

Children in their early years, especially those under 8 years old, are in a crucial period of growth. During this time, they experience significant improvements in various aspects, including physical, motor, cognitive, social, and emotional development. Regular physical activity is an essential way to support this development. Through physical activity, they can improve muscle strength, balance, gross motor coordination, and overall fitness (Rizal 2021). Child development is a continuous process influenced by various internal and external factors. Age-appropriate physical activity plays a vital role in supporting a child's physical, mental, social, and emotional health. One increasingly popular activity is the use of pushbikes (pedalless bicycles), designed to develop gross motor skills such as balance, coordination, agility, and muscle strength. By pushing the bike with their feet, children can improve body coordination, muscle strength, and the ability to maintain balance, which are essential for motor development. Although pushbikes are believed to support children's physical condition, research specifically examining their effects on children under 8 years old is limited. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the effect of pushbike use on the physical condition of children under 8 years of age in Semarang, Central Java.