Determinants of Gross Motor Development in Early Childhood: A Systematic Review
Keywords:
Gross Motor Development, Motor Competence, Fundamental Motor Skills, Children, Physical Activity, Determinants, Systematic Review, Motor DevelopmentAbstract
Research Problems: Gross motor development is an essential component of childhood development and is influenced by multiple interacting individual, family, environmental, educational, nutritional, and technological factors. Identifying these determinants is important for developing effective strategies to promote children's motor competence. Research Objectives: This systematic review aimed to identify and synthesize the factors associated with gross motor development in children and to examine the evidence regarding interventions and environmental conditions that may influence motor competence. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using relevant electronic databases following the PRISMA framework. A total of 944 records were identified. After removal of 44 duplicate records, 900 records were screened. Following the screening and eligibility assessment process, 13 studies met the predefined inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. The included studies involved children from infancy to early adolescence and employed randomized controlled trials, comparative studies, cross-sectional studies, and feasibility designs. The studies examined gross motor development using standardized and field-based instruments, including the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD), Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ), and other measures of motor competence. Results: The findings demonstrated that gross motor development is multidimensional and is influenced by several interconnected determinants. Regular physical activity, structured movement experiences, outdoor play, and opportunities to practice fundamental motor skills were generally associated with better motor competence. Family and parental involvement also contributed to children's motor skill acquisition, particularly through parent-mediated activities and supportive home environments. Environmental interventions, such as modified playgrounds, improved locomotor and ball skills, although effects on overall physical activity were inconsistent. Technology-based approaches, including active video games and digital sports dance, showed potential to improve motor competence, locomotor skills, and object-control skills when technology was used to promote active movement. Nutritional factors, including adequate vitamin D intake, were also relevant, although standard supplementation appeared sufficient for most children. Conversely, several interventions demonstrated limited or no significant effects, indicating that intervention effectiveness may depend on duration, intensity, implementation, developmental characteristics, and contextual factors. Conclusion: Gross motor development in children is shaped by a complex interaction of physical activity opportunities, environmental stimulation, family support, educational practices, nutritional conditions, and technology use. Interventions that provide frequent, structured, enjoyable, and developmentally appropriate movement experiences appear particularly promising. Future research should adopt standardized assessment procedures and longitudinal designs to clarify the relative contribution and interaction of these determinants across different stages of childhood.
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