title: Efficacy of gross motor skill interventions in young children: an updated systematic review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to provide an update of the evidence on the efficacy of gross motor development interventions in young children (0-5 years) from 2007 to 2015.
  
  
  METHODS
  Searches were conducted of six electronic databases: PUBMED, Medline (Ovid), ERIC (Ebsco), Embase, SCOPUS and Psychinfo. Studies included any childcare-based, preschool-based, home-based, or community-based intervention targeting the development of gross motor skills including statistical analysis of gross motor skill competence. Data were extracted on design, participants, intervention components, methodological quality and efficacy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seven articles were included and all were delivered in early childhood settings. Four studies had high methodological quality. Most studies used trained staff members/educators to deliver the intervention (86%) and five studies lasted 18 weeks or more. Six studies reported statistically significant intervention effects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite the proven importance of gross motor skill development in young children and the recommendations made in the previous review, this review highlights the limited studies evaluated to improve such key life skills in young children over the past 8 years.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  CRD42015015826.
authors.affiliation: Early Start Research Institute, Faculty of Social Sciences , University of Wollongong , Wollongong, New South Wales , Australia.
authors.forename: Sanne L C
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Veldman
authors.affiliation: Early Start Research Institute, Faculty of Social Sciences , University of Wollongong , Wollongong, New South Wales , Australia.
authors.forename: Rachel A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.affiliation: Early Start Research Institute, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Anthony D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Okely
keywords: Children; Children and exercise; Physical activity; Review