Trajectories of motor coordination in 4–7-years-old children: A latent growth curve analysis

Abstract

Introduction For being able to take part in physical activities typical to the given age, children need proficiency in several motor tasks. Gross motor coordination (MC) is a basis for executing motor tasks and for learning new movement patterns. This study aimed to identify different MC trajectories in children aged 4–7-years-old. Methods Motor coordination of children ( n = 94, mean age 6.1 ± 1.3 years at baseline) was measured at 0, 6 and 12 months by KTK-test battery [1] . To identify different MC trajectories, developmental trend of the mean score of KTK was analyzed by using a latent growth curve and growth mixture analysis. Results In general, MC developed significantly over the yearlong follow-up ( P P Conclusions This study showed that MC is developing along the age in general. However, children among the group with the lowest level of MC have a significantly lower developmental trend of MC than children in the groups with higher level of MC. Further examination on characteristics associated with the low developmental trend of MC is needed.