Motor skill interventions to improve fundamental movement skills of preschoolers with developmental delay

Area of Science:

• Pediatric physical therapy
• Developmental pediatrics
• Motor development research

Background:

• Preschoolers with developmental delay (DD) often exhibit deficits in fundamental movement skills (FMS).
• There is a limited number of early intervention programs designed to address FMS in this population.
• Improving FMS is crucial for children's physical activity and long-term health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate existing interventions aimed at improving FMS in preschoolers with DD.
• To identify effective intervention components and provide direction for future research.
• To synthesize evidence on the efficacy of early FMS interventions for children with developmental delays.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of 11 studies focusing on FMS interventions for preschoolers with DD.
• Analysis of intervention duration (8-24 weeks) and total instructional time (540-1700 min).
• Summarization of findings based on overall intervention effects, locomotor skills, object-control skills, and gender differences.

Main Results:

• The majority of reviewed trials (9 out of 11) demonstrated significant improvements in FMS for preschoolers with DD.
• Interventions showed a large effect size (η(2) = 0.57-0.85), indicating substantial positive impact.
• Specific improvements were noted in both locomotor and object-control skill outcomes across studies.

Conclusions:

• Early interventions are effective in enhancing fundamental movement skills for preschoolers with developmental delay.
• Future research should prioritize robust study designs, incorporate theoretical frameworks, and involve parents and teachers in intervention delivery.
• The findings support the continued development and implementation of targeted FMS interventions for this vulnerable group.