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Gender Differences in Fundamental Motor Skills Proficiency in Children Aged 3–6 Years: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Yunfei Zheng

    (College of Physical Education and Health Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China)

  • Weibing Ye

    (Institute of Human Movement and Sports Engineering, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China)

  • Mallikarjuna Korivi

    (Institute of Human Movement and Sports Engineering, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China)

  • Yubo Liu

    (Institute of Human Movement and Sports Engineering, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China)

  • Feng Hong

    (Department of Sports Operation and Management, Jinhua Polytechnic, Jinhua 321007, China)

Abstract

The age range of 3–6 years is considered as a critical period in developing and learning fundamental motor skills (FMS). To make the formulation of future FMS guidance programs more targeted, we examined gender differences in children’s FMS proficiency using a meta-analysis. Structured electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were systematically searched using key terms, and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) was used to assess the quality of included literature. Finally, 38 articles (39 studies) met the pre-specified inclusion criteria. The results showed that boys had higher proficiency in total FMS and object control skills than girls (SMD = 0.17 (95% CI 0.03, 0.31), p = 0.02; SMD = 0.48 (95% CI 0.38, 0.58), p < 0.00001), and gender differences in locomotor skill proficiency approached significance, trending in favor of girls (SMD = −0.07 (95 % CI −0.15, 0.01), p = 0.09, I 2 = 66%). Meta-regression shows that age is associated with gender differences in object control skills ( p < 0.05). In addition, through subgroup analysis, we found that boys’ advantage in object control skills increased with age (3 years: SMD = 0.27 (95% CI 0.00, 0.54), p < 0.00001; 4 years: SMD = 0.58 (95% CI 0.38, 0.77), p < 0.00001; 5 years: SMD = 0.59 (95% CI 0.31, 0.88), p < 0.00001; 6 years: SMD = 0.81 (95% CI 0.61, 1.01), p < 0.00001). In this meta-analysis, we found gender differences in FMS levels in children aged 3–6 years. Notably, gender differences in skill proficiency in object control were influenced by age. We recommend focusing on and developing girls’ object control skills starting at age 3.

Suggested Citation

  • Yunfei Zheng & Weibing Ye & Mallikarjuna Korivi & Yubo Liu & Feng Hong, 2022. "Gender Differences in Fundamental Motor Skills Proficiency in Children Aged 3–6 Years: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-14, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:14:p:8318-:d:858129
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Peggy Cheung & Li Zhang, 2020. "Environment for Preschool Children to Learn Fundamental Motor Skills: The Role of Teaching Venue and Class Size," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-10, November.
    2. Donna Niemistö & Taija Finni & Marja Cantell & Elisa Korhonen & Arja Sääkslahti, 2020. "Individual, Family, and Environmental Correlates of Motor Competence in Young Children: Regression Model Analysis of Data Obtained from Two Motor Tests," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-17, April.
    3. Guangxu Wang & Yahua Zi & Bo Li & Shan Su & Lei Sun & Fei Wang & Chener Ren & Yang Liu, 2022. "The Effect of Physical Exercise on Fundamental Movement Skills and Physical Fitness among Preschool Children: Study Protocol for a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-16, May.
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