Fundamental Motor Skill among Preschool Children in Rural of Kuching, Sarawak

Fundamental motor skill development is crucial in preventing preschool children from early adoption of obesogenic lifestyles. This study aims to determine the motor skill level in preschool children and its gender differences in rural of Sarawak. This was a cross sectional study with a total of 153 children from 9 kindergartens. Children in this study performed better for object control skills (14.7 ± 3.60) than loco-motor skills (13.2 ± 4.14). Girls achieved better in loco-motor skills (15.0 ± 3.79) such as run, gallop and hop; whereas boys produced better in object control skills (15.5 ± 3.26) namely kick, throw, and roll. These findings help to highlight the need to provide gender-separated games or sports, so that both boys and girls can achieve equal level of motor skills for participation in wider range of physical activities.