Parents Modeling Physical Activity Boosts Motor Skills in Kids with

A recent study from **Oregon State University** found that parents who model and support physical activity in daily life can significantly improve the motor skills of their children with developmental disabilities. The study, published in the **Disability and Health Journal**, surveyed 135 parents of children with developmental disabilities ages 5-7 and found that parents who reported spending more time on physical activities observed better motor skills in their children. This is especially important for younger children, as intervening early sets them up for more opportunities for physical activity in the future. As **Megan MacDonald**, a researcher at OSU's College of Public Health and Human Sciences, notes, 'When we see 12-year-olds playing soccer, we'll have some 12-year-olds with developmental disabilities, and their motor skills might look more like a 6-year-old.' By prioritizing physical activity, parents can help their children with developmental disabilities improve their gross motor skills, such as jumping and running, and object control skills, like throwing and catching. For example, parents can take their kids to the park, play games with them, or engage in other physical activities that promote social skills and reciprocal communication. This not only improves their motor skills but also provides opportunities for socialization and fun. As **Byungmo Ku**, the primary author of the study, suggests, parents can use physical activity as a way to teach social skills and promote healthy development in their children. The study's findings have significant implications for parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals working with children with developmental disabilities, highlighting the importance of early intervention and parental involvement in promoting physical activity and motor skill development.

• Parents who model and support physical activity in daily life can improve the motor skills of their children with developmental disabilities
• The study's findings emphasize the importance of early intervention and parental involvement in promoting physical activity and motor skill development
• Parents can use physical activity as a way to teach social skills and promote healthy development in their children
• The study's results highlight the need for further research on the impact of physical activity on the development of children with developmental disabilities
• Parents can work with healthcare professionals to develop personalized physical activity plans that meet their child's unique needs and abilities

The study's results highlight the complex relationship between physical activity and motor skill development in children with developmental disabilities. While the findings suggest that parental modeling and support can have a positive impact, more research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and to develop effective interventions. As **Byungmo Ku** notes, 'We need to consider the individual needs and abilities of each child and develop personalized approaches to promoting physical activity and motor skill development.' Additionally, the study's results may have implications for healthcare professionals and policymakers, who can use this information to develop targeted programs and services that support the health and well-being of children with developmental disabilities. For instance, healthcare professionals can work with parents to develop physical activity plans that incorporate the child's interests and abilities, while policymakers can allocate resources to support the development of inclusive physical activity programs.

The study's findings offer a promising solution for parents and caregivers of children with developmental disabilities. By prioritizing physical activity and modeling healthy behaviors, parents can help their children develop essential motor skills and improve their overall health and well-being. As **Megan MacDonald** notes, 'Taking your kid to the park, providing these opportunities, counts on many levels. It’s fun and it’s healthy.' This approach not only benefits the child but also promotes a healthy and active lifestyle for the entire family. With the right support and resources, parents can help their children with developmental disabilities thrive and reach their full potential. For example, parents can work with occupational therapists to develop personalized physical activity plans that meet their child's unique needs and abilities.

Despite the study's promising findings, there are several challenges and limitations to consider. For example, some parents may face significant barriers to engaging in physical activity with their children, such as lack of access to safe and accessible recreational spaces or limited financial resources. Additionally, the study's results may not be generalizable to all children with developmental disabilities, and more research is needed to understand the complex factors that influence motor skill development in this population. As **Bridget Hatfield** notes, 'We need to be mindful of the potential limitations and biases of our study and to consider the diverse needs and experiences of children with developmental disabilities.' Furthermore, the study's findings may be influenced by various confounding variables, such as the child's age, diagnosis, and level of cognitive functioning, which can impact the effectiveness of physical activity interventions.

Originally reported by Oregon State University