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

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.

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.