Study design: Quantitative design including statistical analysis.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine if there is an association between core strength, postural control, fine motor precision and integration, specifically in typical children in the first and third grades, ages 6-10. The secondary purpose of this study was to determine if there was an association between BMI and fine and gross motor ability in this same population.

Background: The relationship between core strength, postural control and fine motor skills in children is not well understood. The assumption that trunk stability and control are necessary for the maturation of manual dexterity has influenced the development of therapeutic treatment methods. This is based on the idea that postural control and balance are the ability of the body to maintain its position in space for the purpose of stability.

Methods and measures: 113 children were tested using the strength, balance, precision, and integration subtests of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, second edition (BOT-2). Age, height, weight, percent body fat, and activity information were obtained.

Results: An association was found between the subscales of strength and integration, integration and precision, and precision and balance. Significant associations were also found between BMI and the gross motor subtests.

Conclusion: This study was among the first to examine the association between core strength, postural control, and fine motor skills. Further research is needed to determine if fine and gross motor skill attainment is correlated when a specific intervention is administered.