Effect of age-appropriate play on promoting motor development of preschool children

This study aim was to determine whether a structured age-appropriate playing programme with involvement of parents could promote healthy motor skills in preschool children. In this two group randomization pre-posttest quasi-experimental study, 160 children 3–5 years-old with their mothers were selected and equally allocated in two groups. For intervention group, four theoretical and 20 practical sessions in five groups of 6–8 participants, consisting of mothers and children of the same age, was conducted. After intervention, the gross and fine motor skills of intervention group were promoted (p < 0.05). The study results provide positive evidence about creating opportunities to practice of age-appropriate play in childhood, especially with parental engagement and support, on motor development.