Date of Award

5-2024

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Mohamed Elhamadany

Keywords

Early Childhood Development, Season of Birth, gross motor development, Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ, Neurodevelopmental.

Abstract

Background and Purpose: While many different factors may affect early childhood development, one significant factor is the season of birth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the season of birth and early childhood gross motor development in healthy children ages 0-5 years old in the greater Midwest area.

Methods: Parents of 372 children completed self-reports on their children’s gross and fine motor development using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). Parents were provided with an online survey version of the ASQ. Data was based upon closed-ended questions and analyzed using the percentages of responses for each category.

Results: Children born in the spring had a mean gross motor score of 50.76 with a standard deviation of 11.74, and a fine motor score of 43.44 with a standard deviation of 15.17. Children born in the summer had a mean gross motor score of 48.65 with a standard deviation of 11.75, and a fine motor score of 43.46 with a standard deviation of 15.57. Children born in the autumn had a mean gross score of 47.94 with a standard deviation of 13.47, and a fine motor score of 47.35 with a standard deviation of 12.97. Children born in the winter had a mean gross motor score of 51.37 with a standard deviation of 10.35, and a fine motor score of 43.11 with a standard deviation of 14.88.

Conclusion: Based on the results, winter-born children may have a neurodevelopmental advantage for gross motor development, while autumn-born children appear to have an advantage when it comes to fine motor development.

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