Exploring the Relationship Between Play Activities and Motor Development in Preschoolers Using PDMS-2: An Observational Study

Play Activities and Motor Development in Preschoolers

Abstract

Background
Motor development in early childhood is fundamental to overall growth and later physical competence. Play activities—including toy availability, child playtime, and parent- child interaction—are key contributors to motor skill acquisition. With increasing screen time among preschoolers, it is essential to assess how play activities impact their motor development.

Objective
This study aimed to explore the relationship between various play-related factors and motor development in preschool children. Specifically, it examined the influence of toy availability, playtime duration, and parent-child interaction on motor skills. Additionally, it sought to identify age-related trends in these factors and their impact on motor development.

Method
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 578 preschool-aged children (3–5 years) in Belagavi, India. Participants were selected through randomized preschool recruitment. Parents provided data on play-related factors through structured interviews. Motor development was assessed using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2 (PDMS-2), and statistical analysis included independent t-tests, two-way ANOVA, and regression analysis.

Results
Toy availability and playtime significantly influenced motor development in four-year-olds (p = 0.0435) and five-year-olds (p = 0.0030). Parent-child interaction was most impactful in three-year-olds (p = 0.0475). Regression analysis identified caregiver influence and the father’s occupation as key predictors in younger children, while the mother’s age and residence duration affected older children’s motor scores.

Conclusion
The study highlights the importance of play factors in fostering early motor development. While toy availability and playtime positively influence motor skills, the effect of parent-child interaction is more pronounced in younger children. These factors tend to improve with age but plateau beyond a certain developmental stage.