Comparison of motor competence, anthropometric values and body mass index of children aged 4-6 in three environments; kindergarten, home and nursery

Childhood is the most important period of human prosperity and the most basic basis for health in the later periods of life, physically, mentally, socially and cognitively. In this regard, one of the most important factors affecting children's overall development is environmental factors. The present study aimed to compare motor competence, developmental dimensions and body mass index of children aged 4-6 in 3 environments; kindergartens, home and nursery in Tehran. This descriptive study was of causal-comparative type. The statistical population of the study was 4-6 years old girls in Tehran city in three different setting environments (home, kindergarten and nursery). Ninety children (30 in each environment) were selected by sampling method and based on inclusion criteria. Data were collected using a personal profile questionnaire, the short form of Bruininx-Oseretsky Expedition Test, anthropometric measurements and body mass index. There is a significant difference between motor skills of children at home, kindergarten and nursery. The kindergarten children have higher prevalence rates than home and nursery children. The effect of different environments on developmental factors was significant in height, percent of fat, shoulder width, pelvic width, and head circumference. Comparing the averages showed that kindergarten children had a higher height and fat percentage compared with children at home and nursery, while children at home had wider shoulder, pelvic and head circumference than kindergarten children. Differences in other developmental factors and body mass index were not significant but the values were higher in home and kindergarten children compared to children in nursery environment. The results showed that the type of environment in which the child was reared influences development of motor skill and some other developmental dimensions.