BMI and Gross Motor Skills

Pediatric Physical Therapy published research on the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and gross motor skill level in children. Fifty typically developing 3-5 year old children were evaluated with the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales. Of those 50 children, 24% were overweight/obese with 54% scoring below average on the PDMS in that group. Whereas only 15% of the non overweight group scored below average on the PDMS. The researchers concluded that 3-5 year old children with a high BMI may have difficulties with gross motor skills. More research was recommended.

Reference: Nervik, Deborah PT, MHS, DPT, DHS, PCS; Martin, Kathy PT, DHS; Rundquist, Peter PT, PhD; Cleland, Joshua PT, PhD The Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Gross Motor Development in Children Aged 3 to 5 Years. Pediatric Physical Therapy:
Summer 2011 – Volume 23 – Issue 2 – p 144–148 doi: 10.1097/PEP.0b013e318218d356