1
|
Zhu Y, Wang S, Qian Y, Hu J, Zhou H, Korivi M, Ye W, Zhu R. The Impact of Birth Season and Sex on Motor Skills in 2-Year-Old Children: A Study in Jinhua, Eastern China. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:836. [PMID: 39063590 PMCID: PMC11278476 DOI: 10.3390/life14070836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigates the effects of birth season and sex on the development of gross and fine motor skills in 2-year-old children in Jinhua, Eastern China. METHODS Conducted in Jinhua, a city in central Zhejiang Province, Eastern China, this research involved 225 children, assessing their gross and fine motor skills using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, Second Edition. Scores were adjusted for age in months to avoid the relative age effect. Statistical analyses included MANOVA to evaluate the impacts of season and sex. RESULTS Sex had no significant impact on overall motor development scores (p > 0.05). However, the season of birth significantly affected fine motor quotient (FMQ) and total motor quotient (TMQ) (p < 0.05). Boys' motor skills were generally unaffected by season, whereas girls born in winter exhibited superior fine motor skills compared to those born in summer. CONCLUSIONS Seasonal environmental factors significantly influence early motor development, particularly fine motor skills in girls. These findings highlight the importance of considering seasonal variations in early childhood interventions aimed at enhancing exercise physiology and sports performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanye Zhu
- Institute of Human Movement and Sports Engineering, College of Physical Education and Health Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.Q.); (J.H.); (H.Z.); (M.K.)
| | - Shuying Wang
- College of Physical Education, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China;
| | - Yongdong Qian
- Institute of Human Movement and Sports Engineering, College of Physical Education and Health Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.Q.); (J.H.); (H.Z.); (M.K.)
| | - Jiahui Hu
- Institute of Human Movement and Sports Engineering, College of Physical Education and Health Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.Q.); (J.H.); (H.Z.); (M.K.)
| | - Huiling Zhou
- Institute of Human Movement and Sports Engineering, College of Physical Education and Health Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.Q.); (J.H.); (H.Z.); (M.K.)
| | - Mallikarjuna Korivi
- Institute of Human Movement and Sports Engineering, College of Physical Education and Health Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.Q.); (J.H.); (H.Z.); (M.K.)
| | - Weibing Ye
- Institute of Human Movement and Sports Engineering, College of Physical Education and Health Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.Q.); (J.H.); (H.Z.); (M.K.)
| | - Rong Zhu
- Department of Sports Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zheng Y, Ye W, Korivi M, Liu Y, Hong F. Gender Differences in Fundamental Motor Skills Proficiency in Children Aged 3-6 Years: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:8318. [PMID: 35886186 PMCID: PMC9324170 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The age range of 3−6 years is considered as a critical period in developing and learning fundamental motor skills (FMS). To make the formulation of future FMS guidance programs more targeted, we examined gender differences in children’s FMS proficiency using a meta-analysis. Structured electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were systematically searched using key terms, and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) was used to assess the quality of included literature. Finally, 38 articles (39 studies) met the pre-specified inclusion criteria. The results showed that boys had higher proficiency in total FMS and object control skills than girls (SMD = 0.17 (95% CI 0.03, 0.31), p = 0.02; SMD = 0.48 (95% CI 0.38, 0.58), p < 0.00001), and gender differences in locomotor skill proficiency approached significance, trending in favor of girls (SMD = −0.07 (95 % CI −0.15, 0.01), p = 0.09, I2 = 66%). Meta-regression shows that age is associated with gender differences in object control skills (p < 0.05). In addition, through subgroup analysis, we found that boys’ advantage in object control skills increased with age (3 years: SMD = 0.27 (95% CI 0.00, 0.54), p < 0.00001; 4 years: SMD = 0.58 (95% CI 0.38, 0.77), p < 0.00001; 5 years: SMD = 0.59 (95% CI 0.31, 0.88), p < 0.00001; 6 years: SMD = 0.81 (95% CI 0.61, 1.01), p < 0.00001). In this meta-analysis, we found gender differences in FMS levels in children aged 3−6 years. Notably, gender differences in skill proficiency in object control were influenced by age. We recommend focusing on and developing girls’ object control skills starting at age 3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunfei Zheng
- College of Physical Education and Health Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China;
| | - Weibing Ye
- Institute of Human Movement and Sports Engineering, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China; (W.Y.); (M.K.)
| | - Mallikarjuna Korivi
- Institute of Human Movement and Sports Engineering, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China; (W.Y.); (M.K.)
| | - Yubo Liu
- Institute of Human Movement and Sports Engineering, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China; (W.Y.); (M.K.)
| | - Feng Hong
- Department of Sports Operation and Management, Jinhua Polytechnic, Jinhua 321007, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fasbender P, Korff TJ, Baltzopoulos VB, Linthorne NP. Optimal mass of the arm segments in throwing: A two-dimensional computer simulation study. Eur J Sport Sci 2020; 21:45-52. [PMID: 32172673 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2020.1730446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Producing a high release speed is important in throwing sports such as baseball and the javelin throw. Athletes in throwing sports might be able to achieve a greater throwing speed by improving the effectiveness of the kinetic chain. In this study a two-dimensional computer simulation model of overarm throwing was used to examine the effect of changes in forearm mass and upper arm mass on the release speed of a lightweight (58 g) projectile. The simulations showed that increasing the mass of the forearm decreases release speed, whereas increasing the mass of the upper arm initially increases release speed. For a given forearm mass there is an optimal upper arm mass that produces the greatest release speed. However, the optimal upper arm mass (5-6 kg) is substantially greater than that of an average adult (2.1 kg). These results suggest that athletes might be able to throw faster if they had a stronger tapering of segment mass along the length of their arm. A stronger taper could be readily achieved by attaching weights to the upper arm or by using hypertrophy training to increase the mass of the upper arm. High-speed overarm throwing is a complex three-dimensional movement and this study was a preliminary investigation into the effect of arm segment mass on throwing performance. Further simulation studies using three-dimensional throwing models are needed to generate more accurate insights, and the predictions of the simulation studies should be compared to data from experimental intervention studies of throwing sports.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Fasbender
- Centre for Human Performance, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Department of Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK.,Hamburg/Schleswig-Holstein Olympic Training Centre, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas J Korff
- Centre for Human Performance, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Department of Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK.,Frog Bikes, Ascot, UK
| | - Vassilios B Baltzopoulos
- Centre for Human Performance, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Department of Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK.,School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Nicholas P Linthorne
- Centre for Human Performance, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Department of Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Maselli A, Dhawan A, Russo M, Cesqui B, Lacquaniti F, d'Avella A. A whole body characterization of individual strategies, gender differences, and common styles in overarm throwing. J Neurophysiol 2019; 122:2486-2503. [PMID: 31577474 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00011.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Overarm throwing is a fundamental human skill. Since paleolithic hunter-gatherer societies, the ability of throwing played a key role in brain and body co-evolution. For decades, throwing skill acquisition has been the subject of developmental and gender studies. However, due to its complex multijoint nature, whole body throwing has found little space in quantitative studies of motor behavior. In this study we examined how overarm throwing varies within and between individuals in a sample of untrained adults. To quantitatively compare whole body kinematics across throwing actions, we introduced a new combination of spatiotemporal principal component, linear discrimination, and clustering analyses. We found that the identity and gender of a thrower can be robustly inferred by the kinematics of a single throw, reflecting the characteristic features in individual throwing strategies and providing a quantitative ground for the well-known differences between males and females in throwing behavior. We also identified four main classes of throwing strategies, stable within individuals and resembling the main stages of throwing proficiency acquisition during motor development. These results support earlier proposals linking interindividual and gender differences in throwing, with skill acquisition interrupted at different stages of the typical developmental trajectory of throwing motor behavior.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Unconstrained throwing, because of its complexity, received little attention in quantitative motor control studies. By introducing a new approach to analyze whole body kinematics, we quantitatively characterized gender effects, interindividual differences, and common patterns in nontrained throwers. The four throwing styles identified across individuals resemble different stages in the acquisition of throwing skills during development. These results advance our understanding of complex motor skills, bridging the gap between motor control, motor development, and sport science.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Maselli
- Laboratory of Neuromotor Physiology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Aishwar Dhawan
- Laboratory of Neuromotor Physiology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Russo
- Department of Systems Medicine and Center of Space Biomedicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetta Cesqui
- Department of Systems Medicine and Center of Space Biomedicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Lacquaniti
- Laboratory of Neuromotor Physiology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine and Center of Space Biomedicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea d'Avella
- Laboratory of Neuromotor Physiology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Proximal-to-Distal Sequencing and Coordination Variability in the Volleyball Spike of Elite Youth Players: Effects of Gender and Growth. JOURNAL OF MOTOR LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT 2018. [DOI: 10.1123/jmld.2017-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this article was to examine changes in elite youth volleyball players’ performance, proximal-to-distal sequencing, and coordination variability of the spike motion between the start and after 1 year of a talent development program. Eight boys and eight girls in late puberty/early adolescence were measured with 3D motion capturing for 2 consecutive years. Performance and performance variability increased and decreased, respectively, but both changes were not significantly correlated with growth. Gender differences were identified for proximal-to-distal sequencing, but a very strong similarity between both years was observed for all seven degrees of freedom (pelvis and trunk rotation, trunk flexion, shoulder horizontal adduction, shoulder internal rotation, elbow extension, and wrist flexion). The fact that this sequence was kept stable, despite marked growth effects, likely indicates that this sequence is biomechanically efficient and the motor control systems try to preserve it. Coordination variability was analyzed by coordination profiling with self-organizing maps. The decrease in coordination variability correlated strongly and significantly with increase in body height. Participants with stronger growth rates were observed to show smaller decreases in coordination variability, which possibly represents a mechanism to explore various coordination patterns to adapt to the more rapidly changing organismic constraints.
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Object control skills (OCS) provide children the means to be physically active. However, gender equality in some OCS remains elusive. Particularly troublesome is the basic throwing pattern and, by extension, the striking pattern, both of which rely on forceful, rapid rotation of the pelvis, trunk, and shoulders. Some scholars argue that sex differences in throwing and striking are rooted in human evolution. The purpose of this study was to examine development of throwing and striking at the fundamental movement level. The design was multi-cohort sequential: 280 boys and girls grades K–8 (ages 4–15) were tested up to three times per year for 5 years on the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2). Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) was applied to analyze individual growth curves. As anticipated, significant (p < .001) age-related gains were found for throwing and striking. In terms of sex (biology) or gender (sociocultural) differences, boys performed better longitudinally at throwing (p < .05) and striking (p < .05). These results reinforce theories that girls may be disadvantaged in achieving proficiency in throwing and striking. Interventions designed to enhance development of these skills should be in place long before grade 4, when most physical education curricula transitions to games and sports.
Collapse
|
7
|
Lombardo MP, Deaner RO. On The Evolution of The Sex Differences in Throwing: Throwing is a Male Adaptation in Humans. QUARTERLY REVIEW OF BIOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1086/698225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
8
|
Lombardo MP, Deaner RO. Born to Throw: The Ecological Causes that Shaped the Evolution of Throwing In Humans. QUARTERLY REVIEW OF BIOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1086/696721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
9
|
Gärdenfors P, Lombard M. Causal Cognition, Force Dynamics and Early Hunting Technologies. Front Psychol 2018; 9:87. [PMID: 29483885 PMCID: PMC5816055 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
With this contribution we analyze ancient hunting technologies as one way to explore the development of causal cognition in the hominin lineage. Building on earlier work, we separate seven grades of causal thinking. By looking at variations in force dynamics as a central element in causal cognition, we analyze the thinking required for different hunting technologies such as stabbing spears, throwing spears, launching atlatl darts, shooting arrows with a bow, and the use of poisoned arrows. Our interpretation demonstrates that there is an interplay between the extension of human body through technology and expanding our cognitive abilities to reason about causes. It adds content and dimension to the trend of including embodied cognition in evolutionary studies and in the interpretation of the archeological record. Our method could explain variation in technology sets between archaic and modern human groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Gärdenfors
- Cognitive Science, Department of Philosophy, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study, Wallenberg Research Centre, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Marlize Lombard
- Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study, Wallenberg Research Centre, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Centre for Anthropological Research, Department of Anthropology and Development Studies, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
The proximal-to-distal sequence in upper-limb motions on multiple levels and time scales. Hum Mov Sci 2017; 55:156-171. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2017.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
|
11
|
Grund BS. Behavioral Ecology, Technology, and the Organization of Labor: How a Shift from Spear Thrower to Self Bow Exacerbates Social Disparities. AMERICAN ANTHROPOLOGIST 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/aman.12820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brigid Sky Grund
- Department of Anthropology University of Wyoming Laramie WY 82072
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Butterfield SA, Angell RM, Mason CA. Age and sex differences in object control skills by children ages 5 to 14. Percept Mot Skills 2012; 114:261-74. [PMID: 22582694 DOI: 10.2466/10.11.25.pms.114.1.261-274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Object control skills provide children the tools to be physically active-a major societal priority. At the fundamental movement level, object control skills form the foundation of further sports skill development. The purpose of this study was to examine children's (ages 5 to 14 years, Grades K-8) development of four key object control skills: catching, throwing, kicking, and striking. 186 children were tested on selected items from the Object Control Subtest of the Test of Gross Motor Development-2, using a cross-sectional and correlational design. As anticipated, significant differences were found for age on all four skills. These improvements were characterized by early, rapid gains at ages 9 to 10, beyond which development occurred at a slower rate for catching, throwing, and kicking; striking development continued at a steady rate to age 14 years. Contrary to previous findings, no overall sex differences were found for catching or kicking. Overall sex differences favoring boys were observed for throwing and striking. Implications for evolutionary contributions to throwing and striking were discussed.
Collapse
|