Sex Differences in Gross Motor Competence in Italian Children Aged 3-11 Years: A Large-Scale Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Child Development
• Motor Learning
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Growing research interest in preschool and early primary school motor learning.
• Need to understand sex differences in gross motor competence during childhood.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate sex differences in gross motor competence in Italian children aged 3-11 years.
• Analyze age-related trends in motor skill development between sexes.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 8500 children (aged 3-11 years).
• Assessment of gross motor skills using the Test of Gross Motor Development-3 (locomotion and ball control).
• Statistical analysis using Linear Mixed Model with sex, age, and BMI, including school as a random intercept.

Main Results:

• Boys consistently scored higher in global motor competence (p < 0.001) and ball control (p < 0.005) across most ages.
• No significant overall difference in locomotion skills, but girls outperformed boys at ages 6-8 (p < 0.001).
• Locomotion advantage for girls disappeared by age 9.

Conclusions:

• Significant sex-related differences exist in gross motor development, influenced by biological and environmental factors.
• Educational interventions are needed to ensure equitable motor skill development opportunities, especially for girls.
• Improving physical education quality and addressing gender disparities can foster lifelong physical activity.