Motor Proficiency in Young Children

Author:

Venetsanou Fotini1,Kambas Antonis2

Affiliation:

1. National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece

2. Democritus University of Thrace, Greece

Abstract

This study aimed to examine motor proficiency in young children, focusing on potential gender differences. For that purpose, the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency–Long Form (BOTMP-LF) was administered to 540 children (272 boys), 4½ to 6 years old. First, the 2 (sex) × 4 (age groups) ANOVA computed on children’s total BOTMP-LF scores showed that age had a statistically significant effect, whereas gender did not. Second, the one-way MANCOVA applied on subtest scores, with age as covariate, revealed statistical significant gender differences; however, η2 values were found to be small or moderate. Finally, the MANCOVA applied on items where significant gender differences have been reported showed a significant effect of gender. Nonetheless, η2 values exceeded the limit of practical significance only on two items (“standing on preferred leg on floor”, “throwing a ball at a target with preferred hand”) that are associated with gender-stereotyped activities. It can be concluded that (a) besides statistical significance, effect sizes should be examined for the results of a study to be adequately interpreted; (b) young boys’ and girls’ motor proficiency is similar rather than different. Gender differences in specific skills should be used for movement programs to be individualized.

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Subject

General Social Sciences,General Arts and Humanities

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