Which assessment tool is commonly used to measure gross motor skills in children?

The Peabody Developmental Motor Scales (PDMS) is a well-established assessment tool specifically designed to measure gross motor skills in children. It is widely recognized for its comprehensive evaluation of a child's motor abilities, including both gross and fine motor skills. The PDMS assesses the child's performance through various tasks that reflect typical motor development across different age ranges, enabling practitioners to identify developmental delays and plan appropriate interventions.

This tool's focus on the developmental milestones in gross motor skills—such as crawling, walking, jumping, and running—makes it particularly valuable for educators and healthcare professionals working with young children. Its structured approach allows for standardized scoring, providing a clear picture of a child's motor abilities compared to normative data, making it an essential resource for assessing motor skills in young populations.