Exploring the relationship between participation in a structured sports program and development of gross motor skills in children ages 3 to 6 years

ABSTRACT

This study looked at the relationship between participation in a structured sports program and gross-motor-skills development in children aged 3 to 6 years. Twenty-seven children participated in the study, with 16 children receiving an eight-week sports program intervention. Children were assessed at pre- and postintervention using a modified version of the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, called the Sportball Assessment of Gross Motor Development. The two groups were comparable at baseline, but significant differences were found at posttest with increases in gross-motor scores within the experimental group. Findings from this study add to the body of evidence that can inform development of programming for promoting childhood gross-motor skills.

KEYWORDS:

• Childhood development
• children
• community programs
• development
• gross motor
• motor skills
• occupational therapy
• physical activity
• preschool
• sport