Abstract
[Objective] In recent years, decreases in infantsʼmotor skills and changes in their somatotypes have been regarded as a social issue. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between the somatotype and motor skills, involving preschool infants. [Subjects] The subjects were 123 preschool children aged 4-6 years old.[Methods] After measurement of the height and body weight, the results of the following motor skill tests for infants, developed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology,were evaluated: 25-meter run, standing broad jump, ball throw, two-legged hop, and body support time. For statistical analysis, the infants were divided into 2 somatotype-based groups, ecto- and mesomorphic, and their motor skill test results were compared. The sex ratio was also compared between the groups. [Results] There were no significant differences in the sex ratio between the ecto and mesomorphic groups. No marked differences were observed between them in any of the measured motor skill test items.[Conclusion] During infancy, the relationship between the somatotype and motor skills may be weak. It was also suggested that ectomorphy is frequently observed during this period.
