Correlates of fundamental motor skills in the early years (0-4 years): a systematic review (2023)

This review aims to summarize evidence on correlates of fundamental motor skills in typically developing children aged 0-4 years.

Methods
A literature search (PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus) was performed from 2000 till 23 May 2022.

Results
Eighty-three studies met eligibility criteria and were included. Thirteen studies were of high methodological quality. In children aged <1 year, no evidence was found for family income, breastfeeding-related, sleep-related, home environment, and socioeconomic variables.

In children aged 1–2 years, no evidence was found for sex, growth-related variables, singleton birth, and family income.

In children aged 2–4 years, no evidence was found for screen behavior, toxicity, parental education, family income, socioeconomic variables, and maternal depression/anxiety and moderate evidence for a positive association with early childhood education and care setting type.

For other examined correlates, insufficient evidence was found (inconsistent findings or only one study available).

Conclusions
Insufficient evidence was found for over half of examined potential correlates of fundamentalmotor skills. The authors recommend investing in better research methodologies and improved reporting.