The impact of basic movement skills on early childhood development with a focus on gender differences

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of motor developmental processes on basic movement skills in early childhood, with a focus on gender differences. Methods: The study was conducted with preschool children from five schools in different areas of Ankara with gym facilities, using the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2) to assess motor skills, the "Dunn Sensory Integration" scale for sensory processing, the "Frankfurter Concentration Test" test for attention skills, and a dynamic balance test to assess balance skills. Results: The results indicate that motor skill development differs between the sexes and that specific educational programmes have significant effects on motor skill outcomes. In particular, boys showed significant improvements in object control skills. In addition, early motor skill development was found to contribute positively to children's overall growth and academic success. These findings provide an important basis for the development of educational strategies and intervention programmes. Conclusions: In conclusion, the results of this study show that the Basic Motor Skills programme did not have a significant impact on children's motor skills. However, significant differences were observed between male and female participants in terms of object control and sensory integration skills.