Motor skills are the ability to move in all kinds of contexts. It is becoming increasingly clear that moving well, and therefore having well-developed motor skills, is closely related to children's overall development. Children who lag behind in their motor development will find it more difficult and be less inclined to move, including as adults. While more physical activity, combined with a healthy diet, provides the most important foundation for a healthy life. The growing number of children with motor skill delays therefore predicts a less healthy population.
Ziggy Tabacznik, director of the MQ Scan: “People think that children will automatically learn to move well. But that is not the case, as our figures show. At a time when children play outside less, spend more and more time behind screens, are driven around by car or cargo bike, and physical education classes often receive very little attention in primary schools, it is not surprising that motor skills are declining. But it is truly alarming, because it says a great deal about these children's future. We know that children with good motor skills generally feel fitter, function better mentally and socially, and have a more positive self-image. Surely that is what you want for every child!”
No difference between boys and girls, but differences between provinces
Boys and girls display virtually the same level of motor skill. There are differences between provinces, however. Drenthe and Limburg score lower, while Friesland and North Holland score higher than average. There are also significant differences between municipalities and neighbourhoods. Further research will have to determine exactly what accounts for this. Is it, for example, related to the availability of sports and physical activity, the example set and support provided by parents, or whether or not physical education is taught by a specialist?
What is the MQ Scan?
The MQ Scan measures a child's motor development. MQ stands for motor quotient, just as IQ stands for intelligence quotient and EQ for emotional quotient/development. The MQ Scan consists of a small movement circuit/course, set up according to specific instructions using standard equipment from a gym. The time it takes a child to complete the course indicates whether the child is highly below average, below average, average, above average or highly above average in skill for their age. Using the mobile app, a class teacher, physical education teacher or community sports coach can scan approximately 30 children in an hour. Children enjoy completing the course and ideally are scanned twice a year to monitor progress in their motor skill level. Time is measured using an app linked to an online platform, where all data is stored in a central database. At present (May 2020), this database contains 100,000 children and more than 130,000 scans. 650 of approximately 6,400 schools are now using the MQ Scan. The MQ Scan is based on the Athletic Skills Model and was developed by The Hague University of Applied Sciences, VU Amsterdam and the Athletic Skills Model. The MQ Scan is based on 8 scientific studies and reflects the latest insights into motor skills and their development. What makes the Scan unique is that the physical activity professional can assess all children during a single physical education lesson.