Method
Data were collected over three consecutive years (February 2020 – May 2022). A total of 1,128 children participated, from three regions: Haaglanden, Groningen and Eindhoven. Their average age at the start of the study was 5.35 years. Motor competence was measured using the MQ Scan, a widely used tool in physical education in which children complete a movement course with various components to provide an indication of their motor skills.
Undesirable patterns identified
The results of the study revealed no fewer than eleven different developmental patterns in the children's motor skills. These patterns ranged from normal to fluctuating, but also revealed undesirable developmental trajectories in a substantial percentage of children. In almost one in five participating children (18.2%), undesirable patterns in motor development were demonstrated between the start of the study (T0) and the final measurement (T2). It is important to note that children do not simply outgrow these issues.
Need for early and targeted interventions
The fact that this group of children showed undesirable development underlines the importance of proactive measures. Measures should be introduced in a targeted manner at an early age to support children in stimulating their motor development and preventing negative consequences. This may include encouraging physical activity, outdoor play, walking and cycling, and limiting sedentary behaviour. It may also involve more targeted physical activity interventions at school, at a sports club or with a paediatric physiotherapist, with attention to broad motor development.
Conclusion
The findings provide valuable insights for parents, caregivers and physical activity professionals who are committed to the holistic development of children. This is a complex process, partly because of the wide variation in motor development patterns. It is important to develop targeted interventions to ensure that all children have the opportunity to develop their motor skills to the fullest.
About Start (V)aardig
Start (V)aardig is a study into the movement skills of preschoolers. Children who learn to move well at a young age and enjoy doing so often develop an active lifestyle. Physical activity professionals, including community sports coaches, can play an important role in efficiently and effectively promoting the movement skills of preschoolers. However, when working with this age group, they may benefit from additional knowledge.
Under the leadership of De Haagse Hogeschool, ten organisations from the sports and physical activity sector are conducting this study. Together, they form a consortium funded by Regieorgaan Praktijkgericht Onderzoek SIA. In addition to De Haagse Hogeschool, the following organisations are partners in the consortium: Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Eindhoven University of Technology, Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical Activity, Vereniging Sport en Gemeenten, Almere Kenniscentrum Talent and SALTO schools. In addition, eleven other organisations from the fields of research, professional practice and education are involved in ‘Start (V)aardig’.
The questions raised by community sports coaches form the starting point for the objective of the Start(V)aardig study. This objective is to develop a toolkit containing building blocks and tools for community sports coaches to promote the movement skills of preschoolers. With this toolkit, physical activity professionals such as community sports coaches can enhance preschoolers’ movement skills and enjoyment of physical activity.