Bibliometric analysis of the effects of fundamental motor skills on children from 1988 to 2023

To identify research hotspots on the effects of fundamental motor skills (FMSs) on children from 1988 to 2023, predict the research frontier and development trend, and provide additional perspectives for the study of the significance of FMSs.

Using CiteSpace and VOSviewer software to construct charts, 1,206 studies on the effects of FMSs on children in the Web of Science core collection database were visually analyzed.

Interest in FMSs in children has increased over the past 30 years. More than 20 countries and regions, mainly the U.S., have participated in relevant research, with U.S. institutions publishing the most highly influential results. The studies could be summarized in three domains: effects on physical-activity levels and fitness, cognitive function, and motor control. Children who lack FMSs are more likely to experience marginalization and to self-awareness and self-confidence because they are behind in this area. They are also less likely to participate in sports, leading to physical health deficits.