Gross motor skills, which involve large muscle movements such as running, jumping, or climbing, are enhanced when a person’s heart rate is elevated to a range that stimulates the body's physiological response without reaching a point of extreme exertion.
At a heart rate of 145-175 BPM, the body is typically operating in an aerobic zone where it can sustain activity while also enhancing coordination and strength. This heart rate range allows for an optimal level of blood flow to the muscles and enhanced oxygen delivery, which is crucial for performance.
In contrast, lower heart rates may not activate the body's systems sufficiently to enhance gross motor skills, and higher heart rates, particularly those above 175 BPM, might push the body into anaerobic activity. At this level, fatigue can set in more quickly, and fine motor skills or coordination may actually decrease as the body prioritizes maintaining stamina over skill execution.