From the Guidelines
Supporting gross motor development in children requires a multifaceted approach that includes providing daily opportunities for physical play, creating a safe environment that encourages movement exploration, and regular monitoring through observation of developmental milestones and standardized screening tools, as outlined in the 2013 Pediatrics study 1.
Key Components of Gross Motor Development Support
- Daily physical play: Activities such as crawling, walking, running, jumping, climbing, and ball skills appropriate to the child's developmental stage are essential for gross motor development.
- Safe environment: Providing age-appropriate toys and equipment like balls, ride-on toys, climbing structures, and balance beams encourages children to explore movement.
- Regular monitoring: Healthcare providers assess gross motor skills during well-child visits using tools like the Ages and Stages Questionnaire or the Denver Developmental Screening Test, as discussed in the 2013 Pediatrics study 1.
Monitoring Developmental Milestones
- Parents should track their child's progress in reaching milestones such as:
- Head control by 3-4 months
- Sitting independently by 6-7 months
- Crawling by 9 months
- Walking by 12-15 months
- Running by 2 years
- These milestones are based on the motor milestones for developmental surveillance at preventive care visits outlined in the study 1.
Importance of Early Intervention
- If delays are suspected, early intervention through physical or occupational therapy can significantly improve outcomes by capitalizing on neuroplasticity, as suggested by the study's discussion on the importance of early identification and evaluation of motor delays 1.
- Specific exercises are tailored to the child's needs, emphasizing the importance of personalized intervention in supporting gross motor development.
From the Research
Supporting Gross Motor Development
To support gross motor development in children, several strategies can be employed:
- Provide opportunities for active play and movement, such as "tummy time" 2
- Engage children in task-oriented activities, such as crawling training or treadmill training 2, 3
- Utilize active video games (AVG) as a tool for improving gross motor skills, particularly balance 4
- Implement structured gross motor skill programs, such as the Active Beginnings pilot cluster randomized trial 5
Monitoring Gross Motor Development
Monitoring gross motor development is crucial for early identification of potential delays:
- Use standardized assessment tools, such as the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) 6
- Conduct regular developmental assessments to detect potential gross motor developmental delays 6
- Track progress and adjust interventions as needed, based on individual child's needs and responses to interventions 2, 3
Factors Influencing Gross Motor Development
Several factors can influence gross motor development in children:
- Age: older children are at higher risk of gross motor developmental delay 6
- Nutrition: providing supplementary food can improve gross motor development 6
- Family and social factors: family type, feeding method, mode of delivery, and birth order can all impact gross motor development 6
- Intervention characteristics: effective interventions should be standardized, easy to replicate, and require active movements from the child 2