Effect of Rhythmic Accompaniment upon Learning of Fundamental Motor Skills

Abstract This study investigated the effect of rhythmic accompaniment upon the learning of the fundamental motor skills of throwing, catching, climbing, balancing, jumping, leaping, dodging, bouncing, and striking. Boys and girls (N = 607) in grades 1–6 were the subjects. Pre- and post-tests which were both qualitative and quantitative were administered. The period of treatment was 10 weeks. Analysis of the data supported the conclusion that rhythmic accompaniment, employed as a teaching technique for both boys and girls, can be expected to produce more improvement in performance during the development of fundamental motor skills at the elementary grade level than can teaching and practice without rhythmic accompaniment.