Motor Competence and Physical Activity in Children Aged 4-6: Associations With Parental Perceptions

Determination of Motor Competence and Physical Activity Levels in Children Aged 4-6 and Their Relationship With Parental Perceptions: A Qualitative Study

This study aims to determine motor competence and physical activity levels in children aged 4-6 years and to explore their relationship with parental perceptions. The study will use a qualitative research approach supported by quantitative assessments. Children's motor competence will be evaluated using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-Second Edition (PDMS-II), while parents will participate in semi-structured interviews to explore their perceptions, attitudes, and experiences related to their children's motor development and physical activity. Data will be collected in educational settings without any intervention. The findings are expected to contribute to a better understanding of family-related factors influencing motor development in early childhood.

Study Overview

• Status: Active, not recruiting
• Conditions: Physical Activity; Motor Development

Detailed Description

This observational study aims to examine motor competence and physical activity levels in children aged 4-6 years and to explore their relationship with parental perceptions. Early childhood is a critical period for motor development, during which family-related factors may influence children's physical activity participation and motor skill acquisition.

The study will be conducted using a qualitative-dominant mixed-methods design with an embedded quantitative component. Children's motor competence will be assessed using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-Second Edition (PDMS-II), a standardized and validated tool for evaluating gross and fine motor skills in young children. Quantitative motor assessment data will be used to support and contextualize qualitative findings.

Parental perceptions will be explored through semi-structured interviews conducted separately with mothers and fathers. Interviews will focus on parents' views regarding their children's motor abilities, physical activity participation, and factors influencing these behaviors. Interviews will be conducted face-to-face, audio-recorded with participant consent, and transcribed verbatim for analysis.

The study will be carried out in educational settings in Bursa and Afyonkarahisar provinces. Participation will be voluntary, and written informed consent will be obtained from all parents prior to data collection. No interventions or experimental procedures will be applied during the study.

Quantitative data will be analyzed descriptively, while qualitative data will be analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes related to parental perceptions. Integration of quantitative and qualitative findings is expected to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between motor competence, physical activity, and family perceptions in early childhood. The results may inform family-centered approaches in child health, education, and rehabilitation.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Estimated): 20

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Turkey (Türkiye)
  • Bursa, Turkey (Türkiye)
    • Mudanya University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation/Afyonkarahisar University of Health Sciences - Atatürk Vocational School of Health Services - Physiotherapy Program

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Child
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

This study population consists of children aged 4-6 years who were born at term (≥37 weeks of gestation) and do not have any physician-diagnosed neurological, physical, or developmental conditions, along with their parents who serve as the primary caregivers. The study includes children who are able to independently perform the motor assessment tests and parents who voluntarily agree to participate, provide written informed consent, and are able to communicate in Turkish.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

Children

• Children aged 4-6 years based on chronological age,
• Children without any physician-diagnosed physical, intellectual, or neurological disorders,
• Children born at term (≥37 weeks of gestation),
• Children with no history of serious perinatal or postnatal complications (e.g., prolonged neonatal intensive care unit stay, intracranial hemorrhage, requirement for advanced respiratory support),
• Children able to independently complete the motor assessment tests used in the study.

Parents

• Parents who voluntarily agree to participate in the study and provide written informed consent,
• Parents with sufficient proficiency in reading, understanding, and expressing -themselves in Turkish,
• Parents who are the primary caregivers of the child included in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

Children

• Children younger than 4 years or older than 6 years,
• Children with a history of preterm birth (<37 weeks of gestation),
• Children with any physician-diagnosed neurological, physical, developmental, or chronic conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy, pervasive developmental disorders, genetic syndromes, musculoskeletal disorders),
• Children with congenital or acquired orthopedic conditions that prevent completion of the motor tests used in the study,
• Children with attention, behavioral, or communication difficulties that would prevent completion of the test procedures.

Parents

• Individuals who have difficulty communicating in Turkish or are unable to participate in the interview process,
• Parents who do not complete the interview process, do not consent to audio recording, or voluntarily withdraw from the study were defined as exclusion criteria.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Number of groups / cohorts

1

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort

4-6 Years Old Children and Their Parents; This cohort includes typically developing children aged 4-6 years and their parents. Children's motor skills will be assessed using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales - II (PDMS-II), and parents' perceptions of their children's motor abilities and physical activity will be evaluated through semi-structured interviews. No interventions or treatments will be applied.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Motor Development Scores (PDMS-II)	Children's gross and fine motor skills will be assessed using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales - Second Edition (PDMS-II). The PDMS-II consists of gross motor and fine motor subtests and yields standard scores and composite scores. Raw scores are converted to standard scores, with a possible score range of 1 to 20 for subtests, and composite motor quotients ranging from 35 to 165. Higher scores indicate better motor performance and more advanced motor development. This measure provides objective and standardized data on motor development in children aged 4-6 years.	12/2025-04/2026

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Parent-Child Motor Skill Concordance	The relationship between parental perceptions and children's actual PDMS-II motor scores will be examined using correlation analyses to explore discrepancies or alignments.	12/2025-04/2026
Parental Perception Scores	Parents' perceptions and attitudes regarding their children's motor skills and participation in physical activity will be explored using semi-structured interviews. This outcome measure is qualitative in nature and does not involve a standardized scale or numerical scoring system. Interview data will be analyzed using thematic qualitative analysis to identify key themes related to parental understanding, perceptions, and support.	12/2025-04/2026

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Pamukkale University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): January 10, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): April 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): April 3, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: January 16, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: January 16, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): January 26, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): January 29, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: January 27, 2026
• Last Verified: January 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Physical activity; Qualitative research; Preschool children; Motor development; Motor competence; Parental perceptions
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Behavior; Motor Activity
• Other Study ID Numbers: 2025/15-804

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No