ABSTRACT
Gross motor development is inferred from assessments measuring competence in specific motor skills involving the large and small muscle groups. Age shows the most consistent relationship (positive) with all aspects of motor competence, regardless of how competence is defined. Additionally, children scoring higher on global scores of motor competence tend to be more physically active and weigh less than those with lower scores. Competence and development of the gross motor skills and balance characteristics can be assessed using a variety of assessments depending on whether the goal involves product outcomes (e.g., speed, hitting a target, balancing time) or process qualities (e.g., quality of moving body segments). Process assessments include the Test of Gross Motor Development and the Children’s Activity and Movement in Preschool Study Motor Skill Protocol. The chapter also discusses some product assessments such as the Movement Assessment Battery for Children and the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales.
