Smith, L; van Jaarsveld, CHM; Llewellyn, CH; Fildes, A; López Sánchez, GF; Wardle, J; Fisher, A; (2017) Genetic and Environmental Influences on Developmental Milestones and Movement: Results From the Gemini Cohort Study. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport , 88 (4) pp. 401-407. 10.1080/02701367.2017.1373268.

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Abstract

PURPOSE: Variability in the timing of infant developmental milestones is poorly understood. We used a twin analysis to estimate genetic and environmental influences on motor development and activity levels in infancy. METHOD: Data were from the Gemini Study, a twin birth cohort of 2,402 families with twins born in the United Kingdom in 2007. Parents reported motor activity level for each of the twins at age 3 months using the Revised Infant Behavior Rating Scale and reported the ages at which they first sat unsupported, crawled, and walked unaided. RESULTS: Activity level at 3 months and ages when first sitting and crawling were about equally influenced by the shared family environment (45%-54%) and genes (45%-48%). Genetic influences dominated for age when children took their first independent steps (84%). CONCLUSION: Aspects of the shared family environment appear to be important influences on motor activity levels and early milestones, although the timing of walking may have a stronger genetic influence. Further research to identify the specific environmental and genetic factors that promote early activity may be important for longer-term health outcomes.

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