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Updated: Apr 24, 2026
Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools
Published on: June 20, 2020
[Prevalence and Risk Factors for Motor Developmental Delays in 3- to 6-Year-Old Preschool Children in
A Gottschling-Lang1, M Franze2, W Hoffmann2
1Klinik für Rehabilitationsmedizin, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover.
Insights
Regular preschool attendance significantly benefits children's fine and gross motor skills development. This study identifies key risk factors and protective elements for motor development in early childhood education settings.
Area of Science:
- Child Development
- Motor Skills Research
- Public Health Interventions
Background:
- Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania preschool entry screenings reveal a high prevalence of motor developmental delays (13.7%).
- Analysis of potential risk factors for these delays was conducted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors associated with fine motor (FM) and gross motor (GM) developmental delays in preschool-aged children.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of preschool settings for early motor development interventions.
Main Methods:
- A cluster-randomised controlled study involving 12 preschools in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
- Utilized the "Dortmund Developmental Screening for Preschools DESK 3-6" to identify developmental risks.
- Analyzed risk factors using binary logistic regressions for FM and GM skills based on standardized parental questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Irregular preschool attendance was a significant risk factor for both FM (OR: 2.63) and GM (OR: 2.56) skills.
- Male sex was identified as a risk factor for FM (OR: 2.97) and GM (OR: 1.87) development.
- Low parental socioeconomic status was a risk factor for GM development (OR: 3.10), while age-adequate FM development was protective for GM (OR: 0.17).
Conclusions:
- Regular preschool attendance is demonstrably beneficial for children's motor development.
- The preschool setting is confirmed as an appropriate environment for implementing interventions to improve motor skills.
Background:
School entry examinations in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania show a high prevalence of motor developmental delays (13.7%). In this study possible risk factors (RF) were analysed.
Methods:
The study was performed as a cluster-randomised, controlled study in 12 preschools in M-V. The "Dortmund Developmental Screening for Preschools DESK 3-6" was used to detect developmental risks. Parents received a standardised questionnaire. RF were analysed in binary logistic regressions for fine (FM) and gross motor (GM) skills.
Results:
N=599 children were included in the analysis. RF for FM and GM are irregular utilisation of preschools (FM: OR: 2.63; p=0.009; 95% CI: 1.27-5.45; GM: OR: 2.56; p=0.021; 95% CI: 1.15-5.68) and male sex (FM: OR: 2.97; p<0.001; 95% CI: 1.93-4.57; GM: OR: 1.87; p=0.016; 95% CI: 1.12-3.10). A low parental socioeconomic status is an RF for the development of GM (OR: 3.10; p=0.036; 95% CI: 1.08-8.95). An age-adequate development of FM is a protective factor for GM development (OR: 0.17; p<0.001; 95% CI: 0.10-0.29).
Conclusion:
Regular preschool attendance is beneficial for motor development. RESULTS confirm the adequacy of the setting preschool for interventions.
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