Abstract

Background: Speech development in early childhood is closely linked to motor skills, particularly fine motor coordination. Understanding this relationship may enhance early interventions for speech delays.
Aim: To assess whether motor activity predicts speech development in preschool children.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 64 children aged 3–6 years. Motor skills were evaluated using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2 (PDMS-2), and speech development was assessed using the Preschool Language Scale-5 (PLS-5) and NEPSY-II tests. Data were analyzed using correlation and regression analyses.
Results: A strong positive correlation was found between motor and speech scores. Fine motor skills were significantly associated with expressive language (r = 0.63; p < 0.001) and remained a predictor after adjusting for age and sex (β = 0.42; p = 0.003). Children with high motor activity had significantly better language outcomes.
Conclusion: Motor activity, especially fine motor coordination, is a strong predictor of speech development in young children. Incorporating motor-based exercises into early intervention programs may improve speech outcomes and support early detection of language delays.

Key words: speech development, motor activity, preschool age, fine motor skills, neuropsychology, articulation praxis, early diagnosis