Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a Relative Age Effect (RAE) exists in motor competence of preschool children. The hypothesis was that motor competence, assessed by the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2), would be higher in preschool children born in the first quarter of the year compared to those who were born in the last quarter of the same year. A total of 360 preschool children were evaluated of whom 208 (57.8%) were boys and 152 (42.8%) were girls, with a mean age of 4.52 years old (± 0.50). The distribution of the participants was 172 children aged 4 years old and 188 aged 5 years old. The data showed a main effect on the age factor in the total score of aiming and catching (p < 0.001) and in the total test score (p < 0.001), in the quarter of birth factor in all the dimensions studied (i.e., total score of manual dexterity (p < 0.001); total score of aiming and catching (p = 0.001); total score of balance (p < 0.001); total test score (p < 0.001)) and in the interaction between both factors (i.e., total score of manual dexterity (p = 0.005); total score of aiming and catching (p = 0.002); total score of balance (p < 0.001); total test score (p < 0.001)). Age and quarter of birth produce a RAE in 4 and 5-year-old preschool children’s motor competence.
Highlights
Published: 6 February 2021In several fields, such as education, boys and girls are grouped by chronological age, whereby the purpose is fair equality of opportunities, ensuring a more adequate and uniform educational process for all [1]
We hypothesized that motor competence, as measured by the the children in Galicia, six public education centers in Galicia (Spain)
We hypothesized that motor competence, as measured by Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) battery, would be higher in preschool children who were born in the first quarter
Summary
Published: 6 February 2021In several fields, such as education, boys and girls are grouped by chronological age, whereby the purpose is fair equality of opportunities, ensuring a more adequate and uniform educational process for all [1]. We could find students with up to twelve months of chronological age difference in the same class [4], by which there will be age differences and, potential differences in maturity and experience among members of a class-group [5]. The chronological age difference between subjects of the same age group is known as relative age [6] and its consequences as a Relative Age. Effect (RAE) [1]. Preschool children whose relative age is younger than that of their schoolmates, have potential consequences such as poorer academic results [9,10,11], worse physical condition [12], less participation in school sports activities [13], a higher percentage of abandoning sports practices [14] and a lower probability of being chosen in detection
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