The Evolution of Motor Development in Children: A Longitudinal Analysis

Objective Due to technological advancements and similar environmental changes, the fundamental motor skills of generations are evolving. It is a matter of curiosity what kind of change has occurred in children's motor proficiency levels due to this change. Therefore, this study aimed to reveal the course of motor proficiency levels of children starting first grade in primary school over a specific period. Method The study covered 10 years. Excluding the pandemic period, measurements were taken from first-grade primary school students at two-year intervals in schools with different socio-economic characteristics. Information from the Ministry of National Education revealed that an average of 6,000 children started first grade in the designated years. Although the numbers varied between the years in which measurements were taken from the designated schools, the sample size for each measurement year consisted of an average of 600 students. Students' motor proficiency was assessed using the short form of the second version of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Motor Proficiency Test (BOT2-SF). Predictive analyses were performed using One-Way ANOVA and linear regression analysis on the obtained data. Results The findings revealed significant differences between the groups in body coordination, strength and agility, gross motor skills, and the total test score (p < 0.05), while no significant differences were observed between the groups in manual dexterity, hand coordination, or fine motor skills. Linear regression analysis results indicate an upward trend in manual dexterity, while the acceleration in other dimensions is negative. Conclusion In conclusion, although the data analysis results do not reveal very strong results, a negative trend in basic motor skills, such as body coordination and hand coordination, increases the risk of negatively impacting individuals' future quality of life, daily life, and the development of professional skills.