Motor proficiency predicts cognitive ability in four-year-olds

Abstract

Research has shown links between motor proficiency and cognition in school-age children, however, few have explored earlier ages. We aimed to determine the association between motor proficiency and cognitive ability in four-year-olds. Motor and cognitive skills were examined in 32 (15 males, 17 females) four-year-olds (±5.59 months) using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2) (Fine Manual Control [FMC], Manual Coordination [MC], Body Coordination [BC], and Strength & Agility [SA]) and the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (KBIT-2) (Verbal, Nonverbal, and IQ). Correlation analysis revealed significance between BC and Verbal (.45) and IQ (.51), including MC and IQ (.55). Total Motor Proficiency displayed significance to Verbal (.49), Nonverbal (.40), and IQ (.58). Through regression analysis, MC predicted Verbal (32%) and IQ (31%), while Total Motor Proficiency predicted Verbal (24%), Nonverbal (16%), and IQ (34%). Motor proficiency appears to be associated with cognition, thus emphasizing the importance of early motor skill development.