Psychological and educational findings show that preschool years play a very
important role in educating and developing children. One of the dimensions of
development is motor development. The survey of motor performance with respect
to anthropometric characteristic is of utmost importance. Thus, the aim of this
study was to survey the relationship between dimensional anthropometric
characteristic and motor performance and to determine the difference in motor
performance in all preschool children from Shiraz city (157 boys and girls aged
between 3 and 6). The method of this research was analytical descriptive.
Demographic information form, (AC) recording sheet and motor performance test
were used to collect data. One-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient and t
test were used to analyze the data. The results showed significant differences
between girls and boys in vertical jump (F=25.47, df=2, P?0.000) and horizontal
jump (F=14.15, df=2, P?0.000). 5-year-old subjects were stronger in vertical jump
and 4-year-old subjects in horizontal jump. Also, boys were better in vertical jump
(t=1.70, df=155, P?0.008) and ball throwing (t=1.98, df=155, P?0.030). In
investigation of the relationship between dimensional AC and motor performance,
weight and length dimension showed the highest relationship. The results showed
the gradual increment of muscular strength parallel with age. Gender difference
observed in some variables necessitates more research. It is suggested that other
samples and tools be used in anthropometric characteristics.