16 Understanding the development of children’s motor skills

Extensive motor skills tests provide comprehensive information
on the physical development of children in day-care facilities,
schools or specific urban areas. This knowledge can be used
to plan measures more selectively and carry out interventions
more quickly and purposefully. The responsible departments
should test children with clear objectives in mind.

As a reaction to an increasing lack of exercise and overweight
among children in Europe various age-based motor function tests
have since been developed in Europe.

In the primary sector there are already diverse tests which are carried
out by some municipalities in all educational facilities. Since
these tests are not standardised a comparison of the development
of motor skills in the municipalities of Europe is currently not possible.

In the elementary sector the recording of motor skills by sports
science is even less developed. There is often a contradiction between
extensive tests and the practical, and above all, comprehensive
realisation the municipalities are interested in.

Here there is often support from the medical sector which tests children’s
level of development (school readiness) in various areas at
the elementary stage. The combination of this survey and the height
and weight of the children means that city-wide statements can be
made on the physical development, motor anamolies and overweight.

These examinations confirm time and again that motor anamolies
in children also have a social background. It can also be seen which
city districts or neighbourhoods have special needs.

Benefits of motor function tests

City-wide tests involve financial expenses, however, they do have
the following benefits:

1. Information on the children’s motor functions and physical
condition

2. Evidence-based foundation for intervention

3. Results as a communication basis between the controlling organisations,
schools (teaching staff), day-care facilities (educators)
and parents.

4. Should comprehensive tests not be carried out, motor function
tests are necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention
programmes.

Best Practice Düsseldorf (DE)

CHECK!

Since 2002 the city of Düsseldorf ascertains the status quo
of the motor skills of all pupils in 2nd grade (seven years
old) and pointedly promotes them with appropriate measures.
Some 40.000 tested children can be contacted and informed
about offers directly via a database.

More information:
www.citiesforsports.eu/best-practice