Current level of gross motor development of 3-6 year-old children in Potchefstroom, South Africa

Research shows that preschool children are physically not as active as in the past, leading to the question of the current level of gross motor development of preschool children in urban areas in South Africa. The purpose of this study was to establish and describe specific gross motor components in a group of 3-6 year old urban South African children and compare the results to standardized norms and developmental criteria. A total of 462 3-6 year old children (215 males and 247 females) was tested on 8 gross motor tasks, and compared to norms and criteria as found in the literature. The 3, 4 and 5 year olds compared favourably to their counterparts in the tests for hopping, one leg balance and "jumping jacks". The 5 year olds compared favourably in standing long jump and skipping, while the 3 and 4 year olds compared favourably in the throwing test. Balance walk and catching ability of the 3, 4 and 5 year olds, standing long jump in the 4 year olds and throwing in the 5 year old group were lower than the norms used. The 6 year old group scored lower than the norms and criteria in all the tests except for standing long jump, where they scored higher than the norms. The implications for school readiness of the below-average level of gross motor development of the 6 year olds in this study are discussed. Key words: Gross motor development level, preschool children, norms, criteria. (Af. J. Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance: 2002 8(1): 106-119