Early motor and cognitive development in typically developing children and those with or at high risk of cerebral palsy: A scoping review

Aim To examine associations between motor skills and cognitive development from birth to 5 years in typically developing children and children diagnosed with or at high risk of cerebral palsy (CP). Method Following prospective registration, five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane) were searched to identify studies reporting motor and cognitive outcomes in children aged from birth to 5 years. Findings were synthesized using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) guidelines. Results Thirty‐three studies met the inclusion criteria. In typically developing children, motor skills consistently showed positive associations with later cognitive abilities, with fine motor skills having particularly strong predictive value. Among children with or at high risk of CP, developmental trajectories were more variable, yet motor delays were frequently associated with poorer cognitive performance. Interpretation Early motor proficiency is consistently associated with cognitive outcomes during early childhood. Motor impairments among children with or at high risk for CP may constrain cognitive development. Future research should investigate underlying mechanisms and explore integrated interventions targeting motor and cognitive domains.