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01-10-2019 | Original Research Article

Motor Competence Levels and Developmental Delay in Early Childhood: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study Conducted in the USA

Authors: Ali Brian, Adam Pennell, Sally Taunton, Angela Starrett, Candice Howard-Shaughnessy, Jacqueline D. Goodway, Danielle Wadsworth, Mary Rudisill, David Stodden

Published in: Sports Medicine | Issue 10/2019

Abstract

Background and Objectives

Developmental delay in motor competence may limit a child’s ability to successfully participate in structured and informal learning/social opportunities that are critical to holistic development. Current motor competence levels in the USA are relatively unknown. The purposes of this study were to explore motor competence levels of US children aged 3–6 years, report percentages of children demonstrating developmental delay, and investigate both within and across childcare site predictors of motor competence, including sex, race, geographic region, socioeconomic status, and body mass index percentile classification. Potential implications from results could lead to a greater awareness of the number of children with developmental delay, the impetus for evidence-based interventions, and the creation of consistent qualification standards for all children so that those who need services are not missed.

Methods

Participants included children (N = 580, 296 girls) aged 3–6 years (M_age = 4.97, standard deviation = 0.75) from a multi-state sample. Motor competence was assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development, Second Edition and the 25th and 5th percentiles were identified as developmental delay-related cutoffs.

Results

For both Test of Gross Motor Development, Second Edition subscales, approximately 77% of the entire sample qualified as at risk for developmental delay (≤ 25th percentile), while 30% of the entire sample were at or below 5th percentile. All groups (e.g., sex, race, socioeconomic status) were prone to developmental delay. Raw object control scores differed by sex.

Conclusions

Developmental delay in motor competence is an emerging epidemic that needs to be systematically acknowledged and addressed in the USA. By shifting norms based upon current data, there may be a lower standard of “typical development” that may have profound effects on factors that support long-term health.

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Title: Motor Competence Levels and Developmental Delay in Early Childhood: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study Conducted in the USA
Authors: Ali Brian
Adam Pennell
Sally Taunton
Angela Starrett
Candice Howard-Shaughnessy
Jacqueline D. Goodway
Danielle Wadsworth
Mary Rudisill
David Stodden
Publication date: 01-10-2019
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: Sports Medicine / Issue 10/2019
Print ISSN: 0112-1642
Electronic ISSN: 1179-2035
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-019-01150-5

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Motor Competence Levels and Developmental Delay in Early Childhood: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study Conducted in the USA

Abstract

Background and Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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Abstract

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