Intra and Inter Skill Changes in Preschoolers Fundamental Motor Skills

Fundamental motor skills (FMS) play a critical role in the physical activity engagement and health of children. In this study we described inter- and intra-skill changes in preschoolers FMS mastery across a mastery motivational climate (MMC) intervention. Fifty-six children (27 boys, 29 girls, Mage = 4.5) participated in a twice weekly, 30-minute MMC intervention for 29 sessions. Pre-post FMS were measured using the test of gross motor development-3. Girls showed larger FMS mastery changes in their locomotor (LM) skills than boys. The largest changes in LM skill mastery occurred in run, slide, and jump. For ball skill mastery, boys showed greater improvements in throwing compared to two-hand strike, dribble, and kick for girls. Our findings may inform the design and instructional strategies of future interventions.