Research progress on the relationship between fine motor skills and academic ability in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Fine motor measures were associated with academic measures, with relationships varying by skill and assessment.

systematic review and meta-analysis of associations · 2025

Who was studied

11 studies, predominantly involving preschool children; academic measures centered on reading and mathematics.

What the research found

Fine motor measures were associated with academic measures, with relationships varying by skill and assessment.

Limitations

Associations do not establish causality; definitions and measures varied, and the eligible literature was limited.

What this does not establish

That handwriting worksheets, tracing or a commercial fine-motor kit raise reading or mathematics attainment.

Read the original source

Research progress on the relationship between fine motor skills and academic ability in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Source checked: 2026-10-21. Publisher full text opened. Published 9 January 2025 although DOI and volume include 2024.

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