Postural balance under sensory manipulation predicted fine and gross motor skills in children from 5 to 6 years of age

Abstract

Aim Our aim was to identify predictors of fine and gross motor skills at 5–6 years of age using postural balance under sensory manipulation.

Methods This study was conducted during the 2021–2022 academic year and focused on 112 children from three preschools in Tunisia, with roughly the same socio‐economic status. Postural balance was assessed with their eyes open and closed on both firm and foam surfaces and motor skills were measured using the short version of Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition (Bot‐2). Multiple linear regression analysis with stepwise backward selection was used to find a simplified model that best explained the data.

Results Postural balance accounted for 11% of the total variation in fine motor skills, except for the eyes open firm condition, 10% of the gross motor skills and about 14% of the total Bot‐2 score. The eyes open foam condition was the only significant contributor to the gross motor skills model and the overall motor score.

Conclusion Assessing postural balance assessment at 5–6 years of age may predict motor skills. It may be useful for monitoring early child development and designing physical activity programmes for this age group.