The early years of a child’s life are a critical period for developing motor skills that lay the foundation for lifelong physical activity and health. Certified exercise professionals and kinesiologists are uniquely equipped to support and enhance this development through evidence-based training programs. These professionals use their expertise in human movement, biomechanics, and exercise prescription to design age-appropriate activities that support not only physical but also cognitive and social development in children.
Understanding Motor Development
Motor development refers to the progression of muscular coordination required for physical activities. It includes gross motor skills such as running and jumping, and fine motor skills like writing and buttoning a shirt. The development of these skills occurs in a predictable sequence, but the rate can vary widely between children (Gallahue, Ozmun, & Goodway, 2012). Early intervention and structured physical activity can enhance these motor skills, especially during what is known as the “sensitive period” — the optimal time for skill acquisition.
The Role of Kinesiologists and Exercise Professionals
Our Kitchener and Waterloo Kinesiologists and certified exercise professionals play a crucial role in designing and implementing programs that target fundamental movement skills (FMS), such as locomotor (e.g., hopping, running), object control (e.g., catching, throwing), and stability skills (e.g., balancing, twisting). Mastery of these skills during early childhood is linked to higher levels of physical activity, improved fitness, and better motor competence later in life (Robinson et al., 2015).
These professionals are trained to assess movement patterns, identify deficiencies, and create corrective or enhancement programs tailored to each child’s developmental stage. For instance, using tools like the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-3) allows practitioners to objectively assess skill proficiency and progress over time (Ulrich, 2019).
Key Training Principles
Age-Appropriate Training
Children are not mini-adults; their physiological, cognitive, and emotional needs differ significantly. Certified professionals apply principles of pediatric exercise science to ensure that programs
are safe, effective, and engaging. The emphasis is on play-based activities that integrate FMS in fun, game-like settings.
Skill Progression and Variation
Motor skills should be taught through a progression of complexity and variability. For example, a simple hopping activity can evolve into a sequence of hopscotch patterns, promoting neuromuscular
coordination and balance. Studies suggest that variable practice enhances skill retention and transfer (Ranganathan & Newell, 2013).
Encouraging Physical Literacy
Physical literacy, defined as the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge, and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities (Whitehead,
2010), is a core objective. Kinesiologists promote this by creating supportive environments that encourage exploration, problem-solving, and positive movement experiences.
Inclusion and Adaptation
Certified exercise professionals are trained to modify activities for children with developmental delays, motor coordination disorders, or disabilities. Inclusive practices ensure that all children benefit from motor development programs, aligning with research that shows early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for children with special needs (Brian et al., 2018).
Evidence-Based Program Examples
Programs such as SPARK (Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids) and CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) are grounded in academic research and have shown positive effects on children’s physical activity levels and motor skills. Certified professionals can implement or adapt these frameworks to suit specific community or individual needs.
A study by Logan et al. (2012) found that structured programs led by trained professionals significantly improved FMS in children aged 3 to 8 years, compared to unstructured or less-targeted interventions.
The study underscores the importance of professional guidance in maximizing developmental gains.
Conclusion
Motor development is a cornerstone of childhood health and well-being. Kinesiologists and certified exercise professionals are essential partners in this developmental journey. By applying evidence-based practices and tailoring programs to individual needs, these professionals empower children to develop the skills, confidence, and love for movement that can last a lifetime.
References
Brian, A., Goodway, J. D., Logan, J. A., et al. (2018).
Effectiveness of a motor skill intervention in preschool children with developmental delay. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 89(3), 298–306.
Gallahue, D. L., Ozmun, J. C., & Goodway, J. D. (2012).
Understanding Motor Development: Infants, Children, Adolescents, Adults (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
Logan, S. W., Robinson, L. E., Wilson, A. E., & Lucas, W. A. (2012).
Getting the fundamentals of movement: A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of motor skill interventions in children. Child: Care, Health and Development, 38(3), 305–315.
Ranganathan, R., & Newell, K. M. (2013).
Changing up the routine: Intervention-induced variability in motor learning. Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, 41(1), 64–70.
Robinson, L. E., Stodden, D. F., et al. (2015).
Motor competence and its effect on positive developmental trajectories of health. Sports Medicine, 45(9), 1273–1284.
Ulrich, D. A. (2019).
Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-3). Pro-Ed.
Whitehead, M. (2010).
Physical Literacy: Throughout the Lifecourse. Routledge.
