Study aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Shantala massage during the classes conducted using the Developmental Movement method in improving the “with” relationship in healthy children aged 3 to 4 years.
Material and methods: The study involved 12 healthy children aged 3 to 4 years participating in SDM classes with their parents. The participants were divided into two groups. In the experimental group, Shantala massage was used during play based on the “with” relationship, whereas the massage proposed by Veronica Sherborne was performed in the control group. The Child Behaviour Observation Scale (SOZ-D) was employed to assess the improvements of psychomotor development. The study was a two-stage study, before the Sherborne Developmental Movement Method programme (initial observation) and after six months of classes (post-observation). The duration of the programme was 6 months. Classes were conducted once a week for 40 minutes.
Results: It was found based on the analysis of the results that the introduction of Shantala massage led to a significant increase in the assessment of child development on the subscale of emotional development.
Conclusions: The use of Shantala massage during SDM classes has a positive effect on emotional development of healthy children aged 3 to 4 years.
