Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

What aspect of development is primarily assessed by a child’s ability to walk and run?

1. Cognitive development

2. Gross motor development

3. Fine motor development

4. Social development

The correct answer is: Gross motor development

The ability of a child to walk and run is primarily indicative of gross motor development. Gross motor skills involve the large muscle groups and are essential for basic movements such as walking, running, jumping, and climbing. These skills are fundamental in a child's physical development as they allow for increased mobility and interaction with their environment. Gross motor development typically progresses in a predictable sequence, starting with head control, followed by rolling over, sitting without support, crawling, and eventually walking and running. Mastery of these skills is crucial because it not only helps children engage physically but also fosters their confidence and encourages social interactions through play and exploration. In contrast, cognitive development relates to the child's ability to think, learn, and solve problems, while fine motor development focuses on smaller muscle groups that enable tasks such as grasping, writing, or using utensils. Social development encompasses the ways in which children interact with others and form relationships. Thus, while all aspects of development are interlinked, the ability to walk and run is a hallmark of gross motor development specifically.