Abstract
Adequately mastered fundamental motor skills (FMS) in preschool age are an important basis for later participation of children in many physical activities. The aim of this study was to assess the actual level of FMS of Czech boys and girls at the end of preschool period.
The research sample consisted of 121 six-year-old children (6,5+-0,3 years; 61 boys and 60 girls) from common type of Prague nursery schools. The "Movement Assessment Battery for Children-second version" (MABC-2) motor test was used for assessment of FMS.
In general, the results of the total test score (TTS) indicated healthy motor development of boys and girls without any significant gender differences. We also found no gender differences in subtests of fine motor and balance skills, and the values varied around the population mean.
However, we found significantly worse results for the standard score in girls in comparison with boys in the subtest of gross motor skills (aiming and catching) (7,9+-1,7 vs 9,6+-1,5; p < 0,01; r = 0,49). The low level of gross motor skills found in girls is considered to be important, and a warning finding.
It is evident that adequately mastered manipulative skills (e.g. aiming, throwing, catching) are prerequisites for participation in many physical recreation and sport activites at a later school age.