TitleFundamental Motor Skills Across Childhood: Age, Sex, and Competence Outcomes of Brazilian Children
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2016
AuthorsValentini, NC, Logan, SW, Spessato, BC, de Souza, MSantayana, Pereira, KG, Rudisill, ME
JournalJournal of Motor Learning and Development
Volume4
Issue1
Pagination16 - 36
Date PublishedJan-06-2016
ISSN2325-3193
Abstract

The objectives of this study were to examine sex and age differences in fundamental motor skills (FMS) and to describe the prevalence of low motor proficiency and mastery competence. The Test of Gross Motor Development—Second Edition was used to assess 2,377 children (3–10 years old) from eight states and 75 schools in Brazil. The results showed that (a) boys are more proficient than girls in the majority of FMS, (b) FMS development begins to plateau at age 7, (c) low motor proficiency is present at age 10 for several FMS, and (d) mastery competence was achieved by only a small number of children. These findings suggest that increased opportunities to engage in physical activity that promotes FMS competence are needed

DOI10.1123/jmld.2015-0021
Short TitleJournal of Motor Learning and Development