A comparative study on fundamental movement skills among children with autism spectrum disorder and typically developing children aged 7-10.

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with unique differences in social interaction, communication, and a spectrum of behavioral characteristics. In the past, motor disturbance in individuals with ASD has not been considered a significant core deficit due to the predominant focus on sociability and communication issues. However, recent studies indicate that motor deficits are indeed associated with the fundamental symptoms of ASD. As there is limited research on the motor behavior of children with ASD, particularly in China, the objective of this study is to investigate the development of fundamental movement skills (FMS) in children with ASD and compare them to typically developing children. Method: The study recruited 108 children with ASD (87 boys, 21 girls) aged 7-10 years from two special education rehabilitation centers in Wuhan, China. For comparison, a control group of 108 typically developing children, matched by age and gender, was randomly selected from three local primary schools. FMS were assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children - Second Edition (MABC-2), which evaluates manual dexterity, aiming and catching, as well as static and dynamic balance. Group differences on MABC-2 percentile scores were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney U test. Effect sizes were also calculated for practical significance. Results: Findings from the study showed that a significant majority, around 80%, of children with ASD either displayed motor challenges or were at risk of developing such delays. When comparing to their typically developing peers, children with ASD scored notably lower in areas of manual dexterity, ball skills, and both static and dynamic balance (with all these findings being statistically significant at p < 0.001). Interestingly, gender did not show a significant influence on these results (p > 0.05). Conclusion: In addition to addressing the other skill development areas outlined in the diagnostic manual for ASD, clinicians diagnosing and treating children with ASD should also assess the presence of motor skill development. For individuals with ASD who have co-existing motor difficulties, it is essential to offer evidence-based interventions tailored to their specific needs.

Is It Possible to Improve Motor Competence through a Structured Balance Bike Program in Preschool Children Aged 3 to 6 Years?

This study aimed (1) to investigate the effect of a brief 9-week bike program on preschool motor competence levels and (2) to know the effects of the intervention program on gender. A total of 98 schoolchildren (3.86 ± 0.91 years) from La Coruña (Spain) participated. A pre-post-test quasi-experimental design was used with a control group (CG) made up of 39 students (18 boys) and an experimental group (EG) made up of 59 students (29 boys). Data were gathered using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2). The data demonstrate that the CG and the EG differ significantly from one another before the intervention program in favour of CG in manual dexterity (MD; p < 0.001), balance (Bal; p = 0.003), total test score (TTS; p = 0.001), and total percentile score (TPS; p < 0.001), except in aiming and catching (A&C, p = 0.588). After the application of the 9-week intervention program based on the balance bike, these differences disappear (i.e., MD (p = 0.166), A&C (p = 0.372), Bal (p = 0.219), TTS (p = 0.306), and in TPS (p = 0.259)). The information gathered indicates that implementing intervention programs such as the one applied in this study could have a positive impact on improving motor competence in preschool-aged boys and girls, increasing its level.

The Movement Assessment Battery for Children Second Edition in Ages 3 to 6 Years: A Cross-Cultural Comparison for Children in Taiwan.

OBJECTIVE: The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) is a popular assessment of children's motor skills in both Western and Eastern countries. Since children's motor skills are strongly influenced by the sociocultural context, it is essential to specifically examine the applicability of the MABC-2 in different cultures. The performance on the MABC-2 age band 1 of children in Taiwan was compared with the standardized sample from the United Kingdom. The sex differences in the performance on the MABC-2 were also investigated. METHODS: Children aged 3 to 6 years were recruited and categorized into 4 age groups. The researchers assessed the children with the MABC-2 age band 1, containing 8 tasks categorized into 3 components: manual dexterity, aiming and catching, and balance. Z tests and effect sizes were used to examine the cultural differences in the 3 components and in the total scale of the MABC-2. Independent t tests were used to check for sex differences in the MABC-2. RESULTS: Data on 615 children with a mean age of 4.95 years (SD = 0.97) were collected. Clinically significant differences (effect size > 0.5) were found in 2 components and the total scale of the MABC-2 across most age groups. Children in Taiwan performed better on manual dexterity, balance, and the total scale. Marginally clinically significant differences (absolute effect size > 0.4) were found in the aiming and catching component for the children aged 3 and 6 years old; children in Taiwan scored lower on aiming and catching than did children in the United Kingdom. Girls had significantly higher scores on manual dexterity, balance, and the total scale, while boys had significantly higher scores on aiming and catching. CONCLUSIONS: Cultural and sex differences exist in the MABC-2. Constructing a norm for children in Taiwan of different sex and modification of the items are suggested for application of the MABC-2 in Taiwan.

Predictive value of Bayley-III Motor Index for later motor difficulties in children born extremely preterm.

AIM: To investigate the predictive ability of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III) Motor Index, in children born extremely preterm (<27 gestational weeks) without cerebral palsy. METHODS: Children from the EXPRESS study (all extremely preterm births in Sweden, 2004-2007) without neurosensory impairments assessed with Bayley-III at 2.5 years corrected age and Movement Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition (MABC-2), at 6.5 years comprised the eligible study population (n = 282). Motor difficulty was defined as MABC-2 ≤5th percentile. RESULTS: Motor difficulties were found in 57 of 282 children (20.2%) at 6.5 years. The Bayley-III explained 18.0% of the variance in the MABC-2 (p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating curve was 0.71 (95% confidence interval 0.64-0.79, p < 0.001). At a Bayley-III cut-off value of 85, sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values for motor difficulties were 26.3% (15.5-39.7), 92.9% (88.1-95.9), 48.4% (33.0-64.0) and 83.3% (80.9-85.4). Likelihood ratios were inconclusive. CONCLUSION: The Bayley-III at 2.5 years corrected age was a modest predictor of motor outcome in children born extremely preterm at 6.5 years, and underestimated the rate of motor difficulties. Children require follow-up beyond preschool age.

Cultural Adaptation of the MABC-2 Checklist as a Screening Tool for Developmental Coordination Disorder in Schools.

The purpose of this study was to adapt the MABC-2 Checklist to Czech primary schools by examining of its content validity and feasibility. The content validity achieved the satisfactory level in the second round of panels of experts on child motor development. The evidence on feasibility was obtained from classroom teachers who described this tool as clear, objective and having logical structure and its administration as comprehensible and fast. The MABC-2 Checklist is applicable instrument for the Czech school environment, but its adaptation to various countries should consider the items representing the common motor skills in local children.

Sustainability of a Given Ten-Week Motor Skills Training Program for Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder.

The aim of this research was to determine the sustainability of a given ten-week motor skills training program for children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Children with DCD in four kindergartens in the Khorezm region of Uzbekistan were selected to take part in the study. Participants were 24 children between 4 and 6 years old (5.25 ± 0.13 years), assigned to an intervention group (IG: 17 children; 10 boys) and a control group (CG: 7 children; 4 boys). The Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC-2) was used to assess motor competence pre-intervention, post-intervention, and retention test measurement after 18 months. The retention test results for the IG indicated a decline in all three motor domains of MABC-2. Despite this, the results that were acquired during the retention test came out to be better than the results that were achieved during the pre-test. At the same time, children who were allocated to the CG maintained their performance. The findings suggest that a preschool-based motor skill training program has the potential to increase motor skills in children with DCD. However, the positive benefits produced by the intervention may decrease over the course of time if the intervention is not continued.

Animal Fun: Supporting the motor development of Italian preschoolers.

The present literature supports the importance of physical activity from a very early age. However, there is a lack of information about evidence-based motor programs suitable for supporting preschoolers' development in Italy. The Animal Fun program, developed in Australia, might be a valuable tool to promote children's development. The aim of this study was to use Animal Fun to verify the motor improvements in balance, aiming and catching, and the manual skills of Italian preschoolers. One hundred nineteen preschool children (3- to 6-year- olds) from three Italian kindergartens were recruited. The kindergartens were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children - 2 (MABC-2) was administered to all children at the baseline and one-month follow-up. The kindergarten assigned to the control group followed the standard curriculum, involving general physical activity; the kindergartens assigned to the Animal Fun group followed the Animal Fun program activities (thirty minutes, three times a week). Data demonstrated the statistical differences between the scores of the two groups in each domain and total score of the MABC-2 (aiming and catching, balance, and manual dexterity). The results of this study suggest that Animal Fun can support the motor improvements of Italian preschoolers and that it is applicable in the Italian context, where there is a lack of movement programs supporting the development of young children with and without motor difficulties.

Implications for balance in 11- and 12-year-old children in northern Spain during SARS-CoV-2 lockdown.

Introduction: The home lockdown due to the appearance of SARS-CoV-2 in Spanish society led to changes in certain habits in children and adolescents. These habits were related to the practice of physical activity and the implications of higher rates of sedentary activities. This lockdown lasted from March to June 2020. The aim of this study was to determine the implication that lockdown in Spain due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus outbreak had on balance in 11-12 year-old schoolchildren. Materials and methods: In total, 50 Spanish children aged 11-12 years (M = 11.40, SD = 0.50) participated, 33 (66%) boys and 17 (34%) girls. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children 2 (Movement ABC-2) and an ad hoc questionnaire for sociodemographic data and other relevant information were used for the three data collections. Results: There are significant differences (p < 0.05) in the results for balance variables measured by static balance tests on supports in the total sample, in boys and girls. There are also significant differences in the total sample as well as in the boys in the heel-toe backward walking test. In addition, there are significant differences in mean, scalar and percentile dimension scores for balance between before and after lockdown in both boys and girls. No significant differences were found in the total sample or by gender in measurements related to the zigzag jumping test with dominant as well as non-dominant leg in girls (p = 0.317). Conclusion: As a consequence of SARS-CoV-2 confinement, there was a worsening of balance values in children aged 11-12 years.

Analysis of the motor performance of children with ASD and its relationship with personal and contextual variables.

Background: A high number of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) present motor deficits. The objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate the motor performance of children with ASD and (2) to analyze the influence that sociodemographic variables and difficulties related to learning have in the development of motor deficits. Method: Participants were 23 boys and 5 girls with ASD between 4-14 years old. Impairments in motor development were evaluated using the Movement assessment battery for children-2 (MABC-2). Parents provided information on the personal and contextual variables of the participants through a sociodemographic questionnaire and they reported the motor skills of their children through the Checklist of the MABC-2. Results: The results suggest that most children with ASD present difficulties in balance and in fine and gross motor skills. Likewise, the analysis of the χ2 tests suggested that curricular adaptations, the presence of siblings and traits such as impulsivity, hyperactivity and speech difficulties are factors related to their motor development. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need to address these difficulties from an early age to stimulate and encourage their development.

Variations in Manual Dexterity in 11- and 12-Year-Old Children in the North of Spain in the SARS-CoV-2 Lockdown.

Between March and June 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 virus broke out in Spain. The lockdown in response entailed the modification of certain habits in the infant−juvenile population, such as those related to the practice of physical activity and the implications derived from it. The aim of this study was to learn the impacts that lockdown had on manual dexterity in children aged 11−12 years. Methods: A total of 50 Spanish children aged 11−12 years (M = 11.40; SD = 0.50) participated, 33 (66%) boys and 17 (34%) girls. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children 2 (Movement ABC-2) and an ad hoc questionnaire for socio-demographic data and other relevant information were administered for the data collection. Results: There are significant differences (p < 0.05) in the results for the manual dexterity variables measured by the peg turning and line drawing tests as well as by the measured, scalar and percentile dimension scores for manual dexterity between before and after the lockdown in both boys and girls. No significant differences were found in measurements related to the triangle assembly variable (p = 0.125). Conclusions: A significant negative impact of SARS-CoV-2 lockdown on manual dexterity values was evident in boys and girls aged 11−12 years.

Visual occlusion effects on bipedal stance control in Chinese-speaking children with dyslexia.

Visual processing of complex character configurations is especially challenging for Chinese-speaking children with dyslexia (CSCD). The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of visual occlusion on postural control between dyslexic and non-dyslexic Chinese-speaking children by examining their visual-perceptual capacity and movement coordination with scale measures. Sixteen dyslexic children (10 males and, 6 females, 9.46 ± 1.26 yrs) and sixteen non-dyslexic children (10 males and 6 females, 9.91 ± 1.18 yrs) were recruited from the campus in Taiwan. Motor and visual perceptual performance were assessed with the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, 2nd Edition (MABC-2) and the Test of Visual-Perceptual Skills, 4th Edition (TVPS-4). Root mean square (RMS) and sample entropy (SampEn) of center of pressure (COP) were characterized during a bilateral upright stance with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC). The results showed significant group differences in six of the seven TVPS-4 subscales (P <.001-0.017) and one category of the MABC-2 (P =.006). In the EO condition, the children with dyslexia showed a greater RMS of COP specifically in the anterior-posterior (AP) direction than did the non-dyslexic children (P =.029). However, SampEn of COP in the two directions were not group dependent (P >.05). In the EC condition, RMS and SampEn of COP did not vary with group (P >.05). RMS of COP in the AP direction was negatively correlated with the sub-score of visual figure-ground in the TVPS-4 (r = -0.381, P =.031). In summary, postural control of Chinese-speaking children with dyslexia is more affected with eyes open than with eyes closed, and the effect is related to visual disturbance of the foreground and background.

Do We Drop the Ball When We Measure Ball Skills Using Standardized Motor Performance Tests?

BACKGROUND: Ball skill performance changes over time during childhood and depends on the child's physical and psychological characteristics, environmental opportunities, and task constraints. The aim of this study was to examine whether different standardized ball skill-items measure similar constructs and whether results differentiate among age groups. Methods: A total of 250 children (6-10 years) were administered the Movement Assessment Battery for children second edition (MABC-2), the subtest upper-limb coordination of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency second edition (BOT-2), the tennis ball throw of the Fitness Test Battery (FTB), and the ball skills and overhead throw of the Performance and Fitness test (PERF-FIT). Results: Correlations among scores of BOT-2, FTB, and PERF-FIT ranged from fair to moderate, but correlations were low with the MABC-2. Principal component analysis retrieved three components: the first component contained catch, dribble, bounce, and throw items (MABC-2, BOT-2-SF, and PERF-FIT, respectively); the second contained throwing for distance (PERF-FIT and FTB); the third contained aiming (MABC-2). Most ball skill scores differed significantly between 6-7 and 7-8 years, but less between 8-9 years; the PERF-FIT discriminated best between age groups. Conclusion: Most ball skill items in motor tests belong to a comparable construct containing throw, dribble, bounce, and catch skills. However, aiming tasks belong to a separate category. Additionally, throwing for distance is a task that requires predominantly explosive power.

A Ten-Week Motor Skills Training Program Increases Motor Competence in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of a motor skills training program in children with DCD considering their gender. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC-2) classified the children and assessed their skill changes over time. The study was implemented at four kindergartens in the Khorezm region of Uzbekistan. In the study, all the children suffered from DCD (5.17 ± 0.70 years; 10 girls), and all the indicators of MABC-2 were less than 16%. The participants were divided into an experimental group (n = 17), receiving ten weeks of motor skills training program for 45 min twice per week; and a control group (n = 7), which proceeded with exercises of everyday living. The ANCOVA showed differences between the groups in the post-test concerning each domain: manual dexterity (F (1, 20) = 18.703, p < 0.001; η2 = 0.471); aiming and catching (F (1, 20) = 9.734, p = 0.005; η2 = 0.317); balance (F (1, 20) = 35.140, p = 0.000; η2 = 0.626); and total MABC-2 test score (F (1, 20) = 66.093, p < 0.001; η2 = 0.759), with all the children in the EG exhibiting better results. The Wilcoxon test revealed statistically significant differences for the EG between moments for all the variables (p < 0.001) but not for the CG (p > 0.050). The effectiveness of the intervention program was similar across both genders. The study suggests that a 10 week motor skills training program can increase the quality of children's motor competence and represent a valuable procedure for physical education specialists to enhance motor competence for children with DCD.

Ecological validity of the PERF-FIT: correlates of active play, motor performance and motor skill-related physical fitness.

BACKGROUND: Active games are important health enhancing physical activities in children with and without developmental disorders and will help children to develop fundamental motor skills, while inactivity exacerbates coordination difficulties and increases the risk of obesity. Regular engagement in active play promotes physical, social and cognitive development. It is therefore important to know if children have the capabilities for healthy behavior. Motor skills and muscular fitness are both important components to participate in play, sport and leisure. The Performance and Fitness (PERF-FIT) test battery integrates motor skills (running, jumping, hopping, catching, bouncing, throwing, balance) and muscular fitness (explosive power and muscular endurance) needed in many forms of active play. AIM: To test the ecological validity of the PERF-FIT test battery; a field-based test integrating motor skill proficiency and muscular fitness. METHODS: Seventy-five children were assessed on the PERF-FIT, Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC)-2 and performance in 6 active games was scored. Of these children, 52 children scored in the normal range and 23 (or 30.3%) below the 16th percentile of the MABC-2. Association between the outcomes of the two tests and the 6 games was calculated. RESULTS: High to moderate associations were found between game scores and PERF-FIT items; moderate to low associations between game scores and MABC-2 items. Principle axes factor analysis with oblique rotation revealed communalities between the explosive power and agility items of the PERF-FIT and the running and ball catching games but not between the games and the balance items. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Scores on the PERF-FIT are significantly related to performance in active play. The tool is able to measure aspects of motor skills, muscle endurance and explosive power needed in children's active games and could be used as an additional tool to measure requirements for participation in everyday physical activity in children with and without developmental disorders .

Is Quarter of Birth a Risk Factor for Developmental Coordinator Disorder in Preschool Children?

The purpose of this study was to determine the probability that preschool children have severe motor difficulties or are at risk of motor difficulties, according to quarter of birth and gender. Five hundred and eighty-eight preschool-age children were evaluated, of which 318 (54.08%) were boys and 270 (45.92%) were girls, with a mean age of 4.66 years (SD = 0.53). The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) was used to collect the data. The results obtained were the following: Regarding students with severe motor difficulties: 6.7% born in quarter 1 (Q1); 13.3% born in the second quarter (Q2); 20.0% born in the third quarter (Q3); and 60.0% born in the fourth quarter (Q4). The probabilities found (OR) were: Q1 vs. Q2 (OR = 3.15; p < 0.05); Q1 vs. Q3 (OR = 4.68; p < 0.005); Q1 vs. Q4 (OR = 12.40; p < 0.001); Q2 vs. Q4 (OR = 4.04; p < 0.001); and Q3 vs. Q4 (OR = 2.65; p < 0.005). The adjusted ORs, with respect to the probabilities of having severe motor difficulties, were the following: Being born in Q4 is 13.03 times more likely than being born in Q1 (p < 0.001); those born in Q3 are 4.85 times more likely than those born in Q1 (p < 0.05); and those born in Q2 4.14 times more than those born in Q1 (p < 0.05). The conclusion is that children born in Q4 are more likely to be classified as children with severe difficulties compared to children born in the other quarters of the same year.

Changes in Motor Competence after a Brief Physical Education Intervention Program in 4 and 5-Year-Old Preschool Children.

Low motor competence (MC) can cause low participation in physical activities in preschool children, and together with a high caloric intake, it can lead to obesity. Interventions on motor skills are effective in the short term to improve MC, therefore the objectives of this study were (1) to investigate the effect of a short six-week program on levels of motor competence in preschool children, and (2) to examine the effects of gender-based intervention. A total of 156 preschool children (5.20 ± 0.54 years old) from Lugo (Spain) participated. A quasi-experimental pre-post-test design was used with a control group of 76 students. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2nd Edition (MABC-2) was used to collect the data. Significant differences between the control and experimental groups were found after the intervention program in aiming and catching (p < 0.001), balance (p < 0.001), the total score of eight tests (p < 0.001), and total percentile score (p < 0.001). The results regarding gender in the experimental group showed a reduction in differences with respect to the initial results except in aiming and catching, where scores were higher in boys. The data suggest that the application of specific intervention programs in MC could positively influence the improvement of MC in preschool children, thus reducing differences between genders.

Is It Possible to Reduce the Relative Age Effect through an Intervention on Motor Competence in Preschool Children?

The purpose of the study was to find out whether a short 6-week intervention on motor competence can reduce the Relative Age Effect (RAE) of preschool children born in the first quarter, compared to those born in the fourth quarter of the same year. Seventy-six preschool children (5.20 ± 0.54 years) from Lugo (Spain) participated. A quasi-experimental pre-post-test design was used with an intervention group (n = 32) and a control group (n = 44). The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) was used to collect data before and after the intervention. The data show that, before the intervention, there are significant differences between the control and the intervention group in favor of the former (born in the first quarter of the year) in manual dexterity (p = 0.011), balance (p = 0.002), total test score (p = 0.008), and total percentile score (p = 0.010). After the application of the specific intervention, statistically significant differences were found in aiming and catching (p < 0.001), balance (p = 0.022), total test score (p = 0.001), and total percentile score (p < 0.001) in favor of the intervention group (born in the last quarter of the year). The results obtained suggest that the application of a specific intervention on MC could positively influence the improvement of MC in preschool children (boys and girls) and reduce the differences produced by the RAE.

Effect of a 6-Week Physical Education Intervention on Motor Competence in Pre-School Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder.

The objective of this research was to analyze the impact of an intervention program performed by a specialist in physical education (PE) to contribute to the development of motor competence (MC) in pre-school children with motor development problems. The sample consisted of 28 children (12 from the intervention group and 16 from the control group) aged between 4.1 and 5.9 years (mean = 4.71 ± 0.54) who were in the fifth and sixth grades of pre-school education in two schools from Lugo, Spain. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) was used for data collection. The data revealed that, in the pre- and post-test intervention groups, there are statistically significant differences in manual dexterity (p < 0.001; d = 2.63), aiming and catching (p < 0.002; d = 1.13), balance (p < 0.001; d = 1.68), total test score (p < 0.001; d = 3.30) and total percentile score (p < 0.001; d = 1.88). Between the control and intervention post-test groups, significant differences were found in manual dexterity (p = 0.015; η2 = 0.22), aiming and catching (p = 0.003; η2 = 0.32), balance (p = 0.050; η2 = 0.15), total test score (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.47) and total percentile score (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.48). Based on the results obtained, a specific MC program implemented by a PE specialist contributed to the improvement of manual dexterity, aiming and catching and balance, as well as a better percentile in the general MC of pre-school children diagnosed with motor skill problems.

Gender Differences on Motor Competence in 5-Year-Old Preschool Children Regarding Relative Age.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences on motor competence between 5-year-old boys and girls and to investigate the existence of Relative Age Effect (RAE) on their motor competence. A total of 232 preschool children were evaluated of whom 134 (57.8%) were boys and 98 (42.2%) were girls. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) was used to collect data. The data show a main effect on gender factor; there was a main effect in total score of manual dexterity (MD; p = 0.010), in total score of balance (Bal; p < 0.001), in total test score (TTS; p < 0.001), and in total percentile score (TPS, p < 0.001). In the semester of birth factor, there were differences in aiming and catching (A&C, p < 0.001), in Bal (p = 0.029) and in total percentile score (TPS, p = 0.010). Girls perform better in MD, Bal, TTS, and TPS than boys. Preschool children born in the first semester obtain, in general, a higher percentage and a higher percentile than their peers born in the second one. RAE is present in A&C, Bal, and TPS, with higher scores obtained by preschool children born in the first semester compared to those born in the second one.

Study of Motor Competence in 4-5-Year-Old Preschool Children: Are There Differences among Public and Private Schools?

The objectives of this study were (1) to investigate the presence of preschool children with severe motor difficulties (SMDs) and (2) to evaluate the existence of differences in the motor competence (MC) of preschool children from public and private schools based on gender. A total of 581 preschool children (4.66 ± 0.52 years) from Galicia (Spain) were assessed. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) was used to collect the data. Preschool children from public schools presented a greater number of SMDs (OR = 20.65; CI = 9.99-85.53; p < 0.001). Preschool children from private schools have higher scores on the variables studied (for example, manual dexterity (p < 0.001), aiming and catching (p < 0.001), balance (p < 0.001), total test score (p < 0.001), and total percentage score (p < 0.001)). Regarding the gender factor, differences were found in manual dexterity (p < 0.001), aiming and catching (p = 0.014), balance (p < 0.001), total test score (p < 0.001), total percentage score (p < 0.001), and in the interaction of both factors in balance (p < 0.001), total global score (p = 0.004), and total percentage score (p < 0.001). Preschool children from private schools are less likely to have severe movement problems and score higher on all dimensions of the MABC-2 than preschool children from public schools analyzed in this study. Likewise, girls score higher than boys in all dimensions, except in aiming and catching.