Gender differences in coordination and motor-skill development in pre-school years

Abstract

Introduction: Psychomotor difficulties are characterized by clumsiness that interfere with activities of daily living; so early identification is very important.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the motor and psychomotor difficulties in children living in the province of Salerno aged between four and six with the aim of identifying gender differences in each age through the use of the Movement ABC (Assessment Battery for Children) Checklist.
Methods: The sample was composed by 360 children living in the province of Salerno, aged between four and six. The tool used is Movement ABC (Assessment Battery for Children) Checklist, that allows the investigation of children’s difficulties of movement and quality of motor coordination
in action, in view of possible repercussions that could be encountered in the socio-relational skills and learning due to poor motor skills. Findings: From the study carried emerges the hypothesis according to which females, with age and
compared to males, could become more coordinated and skilled in terms of motor skills. The data show, in fact, that females get lower results (which represent better performance) in each measure, but three exceptions in the group of four-years-old. Conclusions: The scenario presented confirms the potential of refining children’s motor skills in the pursuit of full autonomy of the body in pre-school years through the expansion of mobility opportunities
for both males and females.