Which statement about development and practice of gross motor skills is true?

• A. Gross motor skills stop developing after early childhood.
• B. Gross motor skills continue to improve with practice throughout life.
• C. They are fixed by genetics and cannot be improved.
• D. They are unrelated to physical activity.

Answer: (B)

Gross motor skills involve using large muscle groups to perform movements like running, jumping, throwing, and catching. They develop and refine through practice because the nervous system learns and strengthens the coordination and sequencing of movements with repetition and feedback. This capacity for change—neuroplasticity—means improvements can happen at any age when there is deliberate practice, appropriate challenge, and consistent physical activity. So, after early childhood, continued practice can still enhance balance, speed, control, and overall movement efficiency.

In contrast, stating that these skills stop developing after early childhood, or that they’re fixed by genetics and unchangeable, or that they’re unrelated to physical activity, isn’t accurate.