PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON EARLY CHILDHOOD BRAIN GROWTH

Physical activity in early childhood has a significant influence on brain growth and development. This study used a descriptive qualitative research method with a literature study to evaluate the impact of physical activity on various aspects of child development, such as motor skills, emotions, and the immune system. The results showed that regular and routine physical activity can improve motor skills, as well as strengthen children's immune system. In addition, physical activities that are tailored to the age and ability of the child and supported by a conducive environment can help maximize the potential of children's brain growth and development. Therefore, education and support from parents, educators, and communities in promoting active lifestyles for children is essential to support children's optimal health and development.


INTRODUCTION
According to Sambo, physical activity is one of the important things that need to be considered in early childhood.The effect of physical activity on early childhood brain growth is a topic that needs to be studied specifically.Early physical activity will shape children into adults with an active lifestyle (Sambo, 2013).Sport is a systematic process of activities to encourage fostering and developing physical, spiritual, and social potential (Rubiyatno, 2014).The effect of physical activity modification on early childhood balance has been investigated in research, which shows an increase in early childhood motor skills (Rahman & Hakim, 2022).
Children are a gift for parents, and children's activities will affect growth and development over time.Every parent wants to give the best to their child, but many parents do so in the wrong way, which can impact the child's behavior (Munisa et al., 2023).The age of 0-6 years is often referred to as the golden age period where the child's brain and mental-emotional development is moderate, while 20 percent is obtained after the age of eight.Early childhood education is education that is organized with the aim of facilitating growth and development, including cognitive, motor, art, language, social-emotional, agility, balance, coordination, flexibility, and accuracy when passing through each post.
Physical literacy is the foundation of skills or tools related to social or cognitive, behavior and fitness.Children therefore need to benefit from physical activity and exercise for lifelong success.Physical literacy affects children's agility in daily life.In addition, physical literacy also involves cognitive abilities that affect children's behavior.Physical literacy is also closely related to children's thinking ability to choose fun activities in daily life (Permana, 2022).
Physical literacy activities can help children at various skill levels.For example, it helps children develop the competence and confidence needed to live a healthy and active lifetime.Physical literacy also includes how children learn skills and models of playful movement in everyday life.Children who have physical literacy are able to move with competence and confidence and motivation in various physical activities in daily life (Permana, 2022).
Physical activity in early childhood is something that plays a very important role in physical growth and development (Rubiyatno, 2014).Sport is a systematic process of activities to encourage fostering and developing physical, spiritual and social potential (Rubiyatno, 2014).Physical activity can improve fitness in children's hearts, move large muscles rhythmically for a long time, and measure the ability of children aged 5-6 years.
Physical exercise can improve brain performance, including cognitive function, at the cellular and molecular levels.Genes are also thought to influence the variety of physical activities a person can engage in.Families, especially parents, play a potential role in intervening in children's behavior, including increasing children's physical activity.The parent-child relationship in inactivity is stronger than the parent-child relationship in high physical activity.
For children under five, light activities such as standing, moving, turning and playing are needed, as well as more energetic activities such as jumping, dancing and running.Children under five should not be inactive for long periods of time, except when they are sleeping (Furqaani, 2017).
In children, physical activity should be age-appropriate, as the natural movement patterns of children and adults are different (Anderson & Durstine, 2019).Children aged 3-5 years need to be active throughout the day to promote growth and development, and the type of activity should be varied and encourage active play (Anderson & Durstine, 2019).Children and adolescents aged 6-17 years need to be active for 60 minutes or more each day, which is aerobic physical activity of moderate and vigorous intensity at least three times a week, and needs to be filled with physical activity for muscle strengthening (Anderson & Durstine, 2019).
The effect of physical activity on early childhood brain growth is very important and affects cognitive, motor and emotional development.The following are theories that support the influence of physical activity on early childhood brain growth: a.The immune system and brain growth theory states that physical activity and a good immune system balance can affect early childhood brain growth (Fanhas et al., 2020).b.The genetic and environmental interaction theory suggests that early childhood brain development is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, environment and experiences.Positive and stimulating experiences in early childhood are very important to help their brain development (Ruslianti et al., 2023).c.Motor skills theory suggests that physical activities, such as sports, can influence early childhood motor skills.Research conducted by Rubiyatno shows that unstructured sports activities, such as walking, playing jump rope, and running around, can help young children improve and optimize their growth and development (Rubiyatno, 2014).
d. Problem-solving theory states that physical activity and appropriate stimulation can influence early childhood problem-solving skills.Experiences gained during childhood can affect how a child's brain grows and develops, including how it learns, processes information, and manages emotions (Ruslianti et al., 2023).e. Environmental balance theory states that a comfortable and conducive natural and social environment can influence early childhood brain growth.Research conducted by Elfan Fanhas, Maulidya Ulfah, and Nur Hamzah shows that habituation to physical activity and the provision of a comfortable and conducive natural environment can affect the balance of the immune system and physical growth of early childhood (Fanhas et al., 2020).f.Cognitive balance theory suggests that physical activity and appropriate stimulation can affect early childhood cognitive balance.Experiences gained during childhood can affect how a child's brain grows and develops, including how it learns, processes information, and manages emotions.g.Emotional balance theory suggests that physical activity and appropriate stimulation can influence the emotional balance of young children.Experiences gained during childhood can influence how a child's brain grows and develops, including how it learns, processes information, and manages emotions.h.Social balance theory suggests that physical activity and appropriate stimulation can influence early childhood social balance.Experiences gained during childhood can influence how a child's brain grows and develops, including how it learns, processes information, and manages emotions.i. Physical balance theory suggests that physical activity and appropriate stimulation can influence early childhood physical balance.Experiences gained during childhood can affect how a child's brain grows and develops, including how it learns, processes information, and manages emotions (Ruslianti et al., 2023).

RESEARCH METHOD
This research adopts a qualitative research method with a library research approach.There is a term "library research" because the information needed for this research is obtained from books and journals.Qualitative research aims to understand thoroughly, with the help of descriptions in the form of words and language, phenomena related to subject experiences, such as behavior, observations, motivations, actions, and other things, which occur in a certain natural context, with the application of various natural methods.By utilizing a library research approach, steps related to data collection from library sources, reading, recording, and processing relevant research materials.
Using George's (2008) library research approach, the current study addressed the research questions by utilizing expert opinions and the results of previous studies.Selecting the topic for the study-the use of comics in language instruction-was the first stage in the research process.Then, two research topics regarding the benefits and challenges of using comic strips in language instruction were presented.Systematic browsing and skimming were used to compile articles, books, and other pertinent sources.In the fourth step, the references and databases for the sources-Semantic Scholar, ERIC, Taylor & Francis Online, and SINTA-were found by searching Google Scholar.The abundance of available sources led to the application of the following criteria in their acquisition (Losi et al., 2023).

RESEARCH RESULT AND ANALYSIS
Physical activities that foster children's brain development include: 1. Putting Together Puzzles Putting together a puzzle is one of the physical activities that can sharpen children's concentration.Through the process of matching puzzle pieces, children learn to focus on details, identify patterns, and solve problems.This activity stimulates various areas of the brain associated with problem solving and visual processing.

Ice Breaking
Ice breaking, or game activities designed to break the ice and build cooperation within a group, can also be an effective stimulus to improve children's concentration.These activities involve social interaction, quick decision-making and creative problem-solving, all of which require high levels of concentration.

Games That Sharpen Concentration
In addition, various games specifically designed to sharpen concentration, such as memory games, puzzles, or strategy games, also have a positive impact on children's brain development.These activities stimulate brain functions related to memory, problemsolving, and creativity.Here is the example of the game: Balloon Trolley Materials: Balloon, raffia string How to Play: f.Each group must keep the balloon in place between the children so that it does not fall.g.The group must navigate through obstacles while ensuring the balloon remains in place and does not fall (Siregar, 2017).

Impact on Brain Growth
Physical activities that enhance concentration have a significant impact on early childhood brain growth.By engaging different areas of the brain, these activities help build new neural pathways and strengthen connections between neurons, which are fundamental for optimal cognitive development.

Implications in Child Education
Incorporating physical activities that sharpen concentration into children's education can provide long-term benefits for their development.Schools and educational environments can play a crucial role in promoting and supporting the use of appropriate physical activities to enhance concentration and academic performance in children.
Regular and consistent physical activity can influence various important aspects of a child's development, namely: 1. Motor Skills Physical activities such as walking, running, and jumping play a crucial role in developing both gross and fine motor skills in young children.Through physical activity, children can build muscle strength, coordination, and essential movement skills necessary for their motor growth and development.

Cognitive, Emotional, and Social Balance
Regular physical activity can provide positive stimulation to a child's brain, contributing to improved cognitive, emotional, and social balance.Physically active children tend to have better cognitive abilities, manage emotions more effectively, and possess enhanced social skills for interacting with others.

Immune System and Environment
Physical activity can strengthen a child's immune system, making them more resistant to various illnesses and infections.Additionally, engaging in physical activity in a supportive and conducive environment can also impact the child's physical growth and brain development.

Genetic and Environmental Interaction
Early brain development in children is influenced by the interaction between genetic factors, environment, and experiences.Age-appropriate and skill-matched physical activities, conducted in a supportive environment, can help maximize the potential for brain growth and development.

Prevention of Developmental Disorders
Adequate and regular physical activity can serve as a preventive measure against developmental disorders in children.Risks associated with conditions like ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and learning disorders can be minimized through a consistent physical activity routine.Thus, physical activity is not only important for children's physical health but also has a significant impact on their brain growth and development.Therefore, the role of parents, educators, and the community in promoting and supporting an active lifestyle for children is crucial.
This study highlights the impact of physical activities specifically designed to enhance concentration on the brain growth of early childhood children.Various types of physical activities, such as assembling puzzles, ice breaking, and games that involve focus and concentration, have been shown to play a significant role in the development of early childhood brains.Based on various studies conducted, physical activity plays a crucial role in the growth and development of the brain in young children.Regular and consistent physical activity can affect several important aspects of child development, such as motor skills, cognitive balance, emotions, and the immune system.
The rapid brain development in early childhood impacts other developmental aspects such as cognitive, language, social-emotional, and motor skills.Therefore, early childhood needs to receive proper attention to ensure optimal growth and development.The fast pace of brain development and its effects on other developmental areas serve as the foundation for early childhood education.Through play activities conducted in early childhood education settings, it is hoped that a positive stimulus will be provided for the development of early childhood.

CONCLUSION
Physical activity plays a crucial role in the growth and development of early childhood brains.Research results indicate that regular and consistent physical activity can enhance motor skills, cognitive balance, emotions, and the immune system in children.Additionally, physical activity contributes to the prevention of developmental disorders such as ADHD, improves sleep quality, and provides positive stimulation to the child's brain.Support from parents, the family environment, and the role of schools in promoting an active lifestyle for children are essential factors in supporting these benefits.Therefore, it is important for parents, educators, and the community to understand and support the significance of physical activity in the optimal development of early childhood.
The conclusion of this study is that engaging in physical activity from an early age helps shape children into adults with an active lifestyle and influences their health, growth, and development.Physical activity should be adapted to the child's age and abilities and aligned with the natural movement patterns of children and adults.
a. Begin with a warm-up involving singing and movement.b.Children are introduced to colors.c.Children are taught to jump.d.First, divide the children into groups, with each group consisting of five people.e.Each group forms a line, and a balloon is placed between the children in the line.