# Mapping relationships among gross motor skills in 16,989 children using network analysis

## TL;DR

This study maps how gross motor skills like running and catching relate to each other in children aged 3–11 using network analysis.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel network-based approach to analyze relationships among gross motor skills in a large sample of children.

## Key findings

- Running and two-hand catching showed higher centrality and bridge statistics in the motor skills network.
- Network strength decreased and node distance increased with age, indicating skill specialization.
- Early educational interventions focusing on running and catching could benefit child motor development.

## Abstract

The development of gross motor skills during childhood is crucial for shaping more complex movements and laying the groundwork for physical activity, and subsequently lifelong health and enhanced well-being. Performance in motor skills improves throughout development, with the greatest improvements occurring during childhood. Understanding the relationships between developing gross motor skills is essential for informing educational and intervention practices. A total of 16,989 children aged 3–11 years underwent assessment of gross motor skills. Using network analysis, gross motor skills networks were constructed for the entire sample, and stratified by age and sex. The accuracy and stability of the networks were assessed, and centrality and bridge statistics were estimated for each node. The results indicated that running and two-hand catching exhibited higher centrality and bridge statistics compared to the other nodes in the all-sample network. Additionally, it was observed that the strength between nodes decreased and their distance increased with age. These results highlight the importance of specific gross motor skills due to their significant role in relation to other skills within the network. Gross motor skills progress towards increased independence and specialisation during development, indicating the importance of early educational interventions where children could benefit from educational practices focused on catching and running.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-95924-9.