Normal gross motor development: the influences of race, sex and socio-economic status

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A J Capute, B K Shapiro, F B Palmer

    Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
    |October 1, 1985
    PubMed

    Insights

    Children reach key developmental milestones earlier than previously thought. This study tracked gross motor development in infants, finding earlier attainment ages and variations based on race.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Development
    • Gross Motor Milestones
    • Infant Growth

    Background:

    • Understanding typical infant motor development is crucial for early identification of developmental delays.
    • Traditional milestone charts may not reflect current developmental trajectories.
    • Prospective data collection offers a more accurate view of milestone attainment.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To prospectively determine the age of attainment for 12 gross motor milestones in healthy, full-term infants.
    • To compare milestone attainment ages with traditionally reported data.
    • To investigate potential influences of sex and race on motor development timing.

    Main Methods:

    • Prospective data collection of 12 gross motor milestones during well-baby visits for 381 infants up to two years of age.
    • Longitudinal analysis of eight selected milestones for 284 children with complete data.
    • Parental reporting of milestone attainment ages was assessed for reliability.

    Main Results:

    • Infants attained gross motor milestones at earlier ages than traditionally reported.
    • Parental reporting of milestone attainment demonstrated acceptable variability.
    • Minor sex differences were observed, while Black children attained milestones earlier than White children.

    Conclusions:

    • Current gross motor milestone attainment occurs earlier than previously documented.
    • Race is a significant factor influencing the timing of motor development.
    • Further research may refine developmental norms based on contemporary data and diverse populations.

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