Relations between the Motor and Cognitive Dimensions of Preschool Girls and Boys

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare relations between latent motor dimensions and cognitive abilities of preschool boys and girls ( N = 665, age: 5 to 6 years). The psychological part of the testing was implemented with the Test Razkol. For the assessment of motor abilities 28 tests were given. The associations of motor and cognitive variables were estimated by multiple regression analysis, which showed positive and significant associations between the latent motor variables and the cognitive variable for both boys and girls. On both sexes, the motor dimensions with the strongest associations with the cognitive abilities are those of coordination and the speed of movement. Despite some differences between boys and girls, they still have a lot in common since the most important latent motor dimensions prevailing in the connection between motor and cognitive dimensions are similar.