The development of motor skills in children is essential for activities of daily living (ADLs) and can be assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development-3 (TGMD-3), an instrument that identifies delays in the acquisition of gross motor skills through thirteen skills, such as running, hopping, galloping, jumping with both feet, jumping on one foot, side running, kicking a ball, throwing a ball, and bouncing a ball. The distance of the jump is directly related to lower limb strength (LLS), a crucial component for the efficient execution of these movements.

To analyze the relationship between LLS and gross motor skills, assessed using the TGMD-3.

This is a cross-sectional and observational study conducted with school children aged 5 to 11 years old, of both sexes, who studied public schools. Neurodivergent children and those who had undergone amputation were excluded. The identification and characterization of the sample were carried out using a questionnaire developed by the authors, which included information such as age, sex, weight, and height. LLS was assessed by the distance of the jump in centimeters, and gross motor skills were analyzed using the TGMD-3. The analysis was based on the total score of the test, which ranges from 0 to 100 points. All assessments were conducted by a single trained evaluator to minimize biases in data collection. Data were analyzed descriptively and using Spearman’s correlation test. The strength of the correlation followed Cohen’s criteria (1988): r < 0.29 as a small correlation; 0.30 = r = 0.49 as a moderate correlation; and r > 0.50 as a strong correlation. All analyses were performed using SPSS 26.

The sample consisted of 77 children, with a mean age of 8.58 ± 1.24 years. The majority of the sample was female (63.60%), white (57.10%), and eutrophic (55.80%). The mean jump distance was 132.17 ± 20.43 cm, while gross motor skills had a mean score of 71.57 ± 9.92 points. The correlation test revealed a p-value < 0.001, indicating a significant relationship between the variables. A positive association was observed between jump distance and performance in gross motor skills, suggesting that children with greater lower limb muscle strength tend to have better motor performance, reinforcing the influence of muscle strength on motor development.

The results indicate a significant relationship between LLS and gross motor skills in children, suggesting that lower limb muscle strength may be a determining factor in the development of these skills. The analysis of these variables may contribute to the early identification of motor deficits and to the planning of interventions aimed at improving functionality in ADLs.

These findings highlight the importance of interventions that assess and promote adequate motor development from childhood. Physical therapists and other health professionals, such as physical education teachers, can integrate this knowledge into educational programs aimed at improving children’s motor performance, with positive impacts on their functional abilities.