The Relationship between Physical, Motor, and Intellectual Development of Preschool Children

Abstract

The study examined the relationship of physical, motor, and intellectual development of preschool children. The sample included 72 children aged 5.60 (±0.32) years. Two anthropometric measures (body height, body weight), two motor skills tests (obstacle course, broad jump), and an intelligence test (Raven's CPM) were applied. Taxonomic analysis identified two distinctive developmental profiles in terms of physical growth and motor competence: 1) Shorter children of a lower body weight, less competent; 2) Taller, heavier and more competent children. Physical growth and motor development are positively correlated in children aged 5-6, with no such relation between these domains and intelligence.