Importance of Movement Practice before Musculoskeletal Examination for Young Children

[Purpose] As a basis for accurate assessment of musculoskeletal dysfunction in young children, this study examined the influence of prior movement practice on musculoskeletal examination results. [Participants and Methods] A total of 182 young children performed 3 movements: squat, standing forward bend, and single leg stand. They were divided into 2 groups with (motor learning group) and without (control group) practice before each movement, and the rate of being able to perform the movement was compared between the groups and among different school years in each group. [Results] In squat and standing forward bend, the learning effect of prior movement practice was marked on children aged 3–5, as the rates of being able to perform these movements were 90% or higher. As for single leg stand, the rate was significantly higher among children aged 5–6 in both groups. [Conclusion] Prior movement practice may be important to accurately assess musculoskeletal dysfunction in young children.