Motor development of Brazilian and Spanish children: a comparative study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v82.118945Keywords:
Children, motor development, School Physical Education, comparative studyAbstract
Introduction: Motor development is a continuous process determined by biological factors with a defined trajectory and a maturational timetable. However, intrinsic and extrinsic factors can affect this process.
Aim: To compare the motor development of Brazilian and Spanish children.
Method: The sample consisted of 282 children, stratified into 120 children from early childhood education (ages 3 to 5 years and 11 months) and 162 children from elementary school (ages 6 to 10 years), equally distributed between two groups: Brazilian Schoolchildren and Spanish Schoolchildren, randomly matched considering sex and chronological age, in a 1:1 ratio. The assessment of motor development was carried out using the psychomotor assessment instrument "Motor Development Scale," and the data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, using the t-test for independent samples.
Results: The results indicated no significant difference in the General Motor Quotient between the groups. However, significative differences were identified in specific domains: Brazilian children showed better performance in balance and body scheme, while Spanish children obtained better results in spatial organization, temporal organization, and fine motor skills. Conclusion: Although overall motor development is similar, motor profiles may vary according to contextual, educational, and sociocultural characteristics.
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