Association of risk factors with the development of gross motor skills

Abstract

Introduction: Proper development of gross motor skills in early childhood is considered as an important factor for the child's development. Objectives: To determine the risk factors that influence the development of gross motor skills in children from 1 to 5 years of age from Neiva, Huila, Colombia. Methods: This was a descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study. The sample was composed of 240 children. The Abbreviated Development Scale (ADS)-3 was used for the assessment of gross motor skills. Furthermore, a questionnaire was designed to assess perinatal (prenatal and postnatal) risks, which was completed by mothers of children who participated in the study. Results: Around 15% of the assessed children in our study presented any risk (10.8%) or suspicion of developmental problems (3.8%) in gross motor skills. This was related to different factors including month of the first pregnancy visit, gestation time, important health conditions of the children and constant falls. Conclusion: The need for both clinical follow-up and implementation of effective health programs for children with delay in motor development should be very relevant.