Association among motor skills and fluid intelligence in children aged from 5 to 7 years with different sports skill learning

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between motor skills and fluid intelligence in children aged 5–7 years. In this cross-sectional study, 115 children between 5 and 7 years of age (preschool children with sports skill learning) were included (51 boys, 44.34%), and fluid intelligence was measured using the Wide Range of Intelligence Test; motor skills were assessed via the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Second Edition Gross Motor Record Form (BOT-2). Motor skills differed significantly among different sports skill learning groups. A significant positive relationship was found between fluid intelligence and bilateral coordination (β = 0.196, p = 0.030) and balance (β = 0.556, p = 0.000), whereas no significant correlation was found between fluid intelligence and running speed and agility (β = 0.026, p = 0.737). In conclusion, two motor skill components (bilateral coordination and balance) were related to fluid intelligence in 5–7-year-old children with sports skill learning, implying that they may be valuable indicators of fluid intelligence.KEYWORDS: Motor skillsfluid intelligencepreschool children AcknowledgementsWe are grateful to all the teachers, preschool children, and parents who made this study possible.Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Additional informationFundingThis work was supported by The Ministry of Education of the China Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Foundation [grant number: 19YJA890019].Notes on contributorsHe JingDr. He Jing is a Master Supervisor in the College of Physical Education at the Shanghai Normal University. Her research focuses on theory and practice of physical education and training.Li FangfangLi Fangfang is a research staff at Shanghai Education Commission Teaching and Research Office, Her research focuses on physical education teaching and student physical development.Xue YuanDr. Xue Yuan is an Professor and Master Supervisor in the College of Physical Education at the Shanghai Normal University. His research focuses on theory and practice of school physical education.Ma RuiDr. Ma Rui is an Professor and Doctoral Supervisor in the College of Physical Education at the Shanghai Normal University. Her research focuses on theory and practice of Exercise and health for preschool children.