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Gender Differences in Fundamental Movement Patterns EssayRaudsepp and Paasuke (1995) tested 60 8-year olds (33 boys and 27 girls), finding that there be no sex differences in the kinematics of running. However, they found that boys perform better in overhand throwing and in tasks evaluating motor performances and muscle strength. Girls outperformed the boys in two tasks sit and spend a penny and balance (p. 294). This study merits discussion on several fronts. First, the researchers hypothesize that factors other than biologic deem for the gender differences in motor skills that they found in their tests (p. 301). Second, the researchers distinction that biological variables had been considered in previous studies (p. 294), and they made this point a significant aspect of their own investigation. Third, the children were given classes before the testing sessions (p. 295). In trying to account for the results of their study, the authors hypothesize that factors other than bio logical could account for the gender differences. Biological factors include age, height, weight, and body fatness (p. 294). A factor that could explain these differences is experience.Indeed, the authors note that, in the subject area of overhand throwing, girls do not acquire the same amount of experience as boys, and that boys have more memories of practicing overhand throwing (p. 295). In trying to eliminate biological factors from the results of their study, Raudsepp and Pausuke standardised the age factor, as they chose only 8-year olds for their study. They also measured the height, weight, and BMI of their subjects, finding that there were no significant sex differences in height and BMI.However, the boys were heavier than the girls (p. 297). In their pick of subjects, the researchers have chosen groups that differ only in the biological factor of weight. This is a significant point for their study, however, there are other biological factors that could have been conside red and that possibly might account for some of the differences the authors observed. For instance, could joint length (in proportion to height) account for the difference in stride lengths in the running kinematics test?Also, if the boys and girls are similar in height and BMI, what aspects of the body composition of boys accounts for their heavier weight? An intriguing aspect of this study is that the researchers gave the children classes before the testing sessions. In these classes, children were taught the proper techniques of running and throwing (p. 295). As these classes likely impacted the childrens performance in the tests, additional information should have been provided to the reader. Who taught these classes?Were the instructors male or female? Were the children separated by gender in the classes, or were boys and girls taught together? An additional component that could make an ideal subject for future investigation would be to test the children both before and after t he fostering sessions. In this way, the elements of experience and technique could be weighed against performance, particularly in the task of overhand throwing. In summary, this study largely confirmed findings from previous studies.The authors, in their attempts to standardize biological factors, bring up important questions to consider in future studies. In the area of biological factors What accounts for the boys heavier weight? Does limb length account for differences in stride length? Is there a difference in body composition or limb length that accounts for girls increased flexibility and balance? In respect to environmental factors How did the technique classes affect the childrens performance?