Correlação entre coordenação motora e idade de pré-escolares no Norte do Brasil

AbstractObjective:To analyze the development of gross motor coordination, using the PROESP-Br and Psychomotor Battery (BPM) test batteries, in preschool children from a school in the northern region of Brazil. Methods:Cross-sectional quantitative research. The Projeto Esporte Brasil (PROESP-Br) and Psychomotor Battery (BPM) test batteries were used. The PROESP-BR test battery was used to assess the following variables: Body Mass Index (BMI), upper limb strength (ULS), lower limb strength (LLS) and flexibility. The BPM was used to assess the following skills: Balance, lateralization and global praxis, which were later classified into hyperpraxic, eupraxic, dyspraxic and apraxic profiles. Results:Eighteen children with a mean age of 5 years (standard deviation = 0.62) participated in the study. The mean lower limb strength was 133 cm, 108 cm for upper limb strength and 72 cm for flexibility. According to the BPM assessment, more than 50% of the children had a hyperpraxic profile in the items immobility, straight foot support, dynamic balance and pedal lateralization; a eupraxic profile in the items eye-foot coordination, hand lateralization and eye lateralization; a dyspraxic profile in the items eye-hand coordination, upper/lower limb dissociation and agility; and, finally, the apraxicprofile was more prevalent in the static balance variable. Conclusion:The sample presented adequate levels of gross motor coordination in some activities analyzed, but on the other hand, the skills eye-hand coordination, upper/lower limb dissociation and agility and static balance had negative results, indicating that theseabilities need to be developed.