Relationship between fundamental motor skills and physical fitness in children with global developmental delay

ABSTRACT Importance Understanding the significance of motor skills in promoting physical fitness (PF) can offer valuable insights for devising comprehensive intervention and clinical rehabilitation programs for children with global developmental delay (GDD). However, it remains unclear whether fundamental motor skills (FMS) can improve the PF of children with GDD. Objective To investigate the correlation between FMS and PF in children with GDD. Methods A total of 180 children with GDD and 180 typically developing (TD) children aged 3–5 years were selected. All participants completed the Gesell Developmental Schedule, FMS, and PF tests at Beijing Children's Hospital between September 2022 and August 2023. Partial correlation and regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between FMS and PF. Results Children with GDD had significantly lower FMS and PF scores compared to TD children ( P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between males and females with GDD in FMS and PF score ( P > 0.05). A more severe developmental delay was associated with lower FMS and PF scores. The correlation coefficients between individual FMS items and individual PF items, as well as the total PF score, ranged from 0.20 to 0.56. Regression analysis indicated that manual dexterity (β = 0.241, P = 0.029) and body balance (β = 0.399, P = 0.001) significantly predicted the total PF score. Interpretation In children with GDD, both FMS and PF are underdeveloped. Focusing on motor skills development is vital for promoting their PF.