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Development of kinaesthetic sensitivity and motor performance in children
J M Elliott1, K J Connolly, A J Doyle
1Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield.
Insights
This study assessed kinaesthetic acuity in children aged 4-13, finding no link between acuity and motor performance. Further research is needed to understand this unexpected developmental trend.
Area of Science:
- Developmental psychology
- Kinesiology
- Motor control
Background:
- Kinaesthetic acuity is crucial for motor skills.
- Limited research exists on the relationship between kinaesthetic acuity and motor performance in children.
- Understanding this relationship is vital for child development and sports science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the developmental trend of kinaesthetic acuity in children aged 4-13 years.
- To examine the relationship between kinaesthetic acuity and motor performance in children.
- To discuss potential reasons for the observed relationship (or lack thereof).
Main Methods:
- Assessed kinaesthetic acuity in 100 children (aged 4-13).
- Utilized a staircase procedure for threshold estimation.
- Examined motor performance using a range of common child assessment tests.
Main Results:
- A developmental trend in kinaesthetic acuity was identified.
- Contrary to expectations, no significant relationship was found between kinaesthetic acuity and motor performance.
- This finding contrasts with some theoretical assumptions in the field.
Conclusions:
- Kinaesthetic acuity develops with age in children.
- The expected link between kinaesthetic acuity and overall motor performance was not supported by this study.
- Further investigation is warranted to explore the nuances of kinaesthetic development and its impact on motor skills.
Abstract:
Kinaesthetic acuity of 100 children, aged from four to 13 years, was assessed and a developmental trend is described. The relationship between kinaesthetic acuity and motor performance on a range of motor tests commonly used for assessing children was also examined, and contrary to expectation no evidence of a relationship was discovered. There is little reported evidence for this relationship in the literature, and some possible reasons for this are discussed. A staircase procedure for threshold estimation was used and is described in detail.