Senso-perceptive abilities and motor coordination in 8-9 year old children: evidence from a school-based study

Abstract

Gross motor coordination reflects the integration of sensori-motor processes, including visual-spatial orientation and proprioceptive feedback, which are essential for efficient movement execution during childhood. Disruptions in this integration may restrict participation in physical activity and adversely affect quality of life. The purpose of this study was to evaluate gross motor coordination in children aged 8-9 years and to examine potential gender-related differences in motor performance. A total of 145 children (74 boys and 71 girls) from public primary schools in the urban area of Shkodra, Albania, participated in the study. Gross motor coordination was assessed using the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK), which includes the Backward Walking, Hopping for Height (Right and Left leg), Lateral Jumps, and Platform Shifting. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted. Boys demonstrated significantly higher performance in Hopping Right (p = .039) and Platform Shifting (p = .032), whereas girls performed significantly better in Backward Walking (p = .026). Moderate to strong positive correlations were identified among the KTK subtests (r = 0.40-0.70), suggesting interrelated yet distinct dimensions of sensori-motor coordination. Overall, children in this age group exhibited a stable level of gross motor coordination with only minor gender-related differences. These findings provide region-specific evidence on sensori-motor development in early school-age children and support the inclusion of targeted sensori-motor coordination programs in primary school curricula.