Influence of relative age effect (RAE) on motor performance of preschool children: a systematic review

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the influence of relative age effect (RAE) on motor competences (MC) and physical fitness (PF) of preschool children. The search was conducted through three different databases: Web of Science, Scopus and EBSCO up to 11 August 2023. This study was conducted and reported according to the PRISMA statement. Out of 2494 studies, 10 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Five studies investigated the influence of RAE on MC, while five examined its influence on PF in children aged 3–6 years. According to the main results of these studies, children born in the first quarter had significantly higher scores in MC and PF. However, there is a tendency for RAE decreases as age increases. Due to method and sample differences of the studies, further research are required to understand better the existence of RAE on motor performance skills in preschoolers.

KEYWORDS:

• Quarter of birth
• early childhood
• motor performance
• movement competence
• growth and development
• physical activity

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ahmet Macun

Ahmet Macun is a Research Assistant at the Department of Elementary Education of Trabzon University. His research interest includes physical development and movement education of preschool children.

Mustafa Söğüt

Mustafa Söğüt is an Associate Professor at the Department of Physical Education and Sports of Middle East Technical University. He is conducting studies on sports and exercise physiology.