Association among motor skills and fluid intelligence in children aged from 5 to 7 years with different sports skill learning

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the relationship between motor skills and fluid intelligence in children aged 5–7 years. In this cross-sectional study, 115 children between 5 and 7 years of age (preschool children with sports skill learning) were included (51 boys, 44.34%), and fluid intelligence was measured using the Wide Range of Intelligence Test; motor skills were assessed via the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Second Edition Gross Motor Record Form (BOT-2). Motor skills differed significantly among different sports skill learning groups. A significant positive relationship was found between fluid intelligence and bilateral coordination (β = 0.196, p = 0.030) and balance (β = 0.556, p = 0.000), whereas no significant correlation was found between fluid intelligence and running speed and agility (β = 0.026, p = 0.737). In conclusion, two motor skill components (bilateral coordination and balance) were related to fluid intelligence in 5–7-year-old children with sports skill learning, implying that they may be valuable indicators of fluid intelligence.