What happens to gross motor skills when an individual is under high levels of stress?

When an individual is under high levels of stress, gross motor skills, which involve large movements and coordination of major muscle groups, typically become diminished. This effect occurs because stress can trigger physiological responses that interfere with fine and gross motor control. High levels of stress can lead to muscle tension, decreased focus, and impaired coordination, which negatively impact the performance of gross motor skills. Instead of enhancing these skills, stress generally causes individuals to struggle with physical tasks that require movement and coordination. In high-stress situations, reactions may become less fluid and more erratic, highlighting the adverse effects on motor skills rather than improving them. Therefore, the accurate understanding is that gross motor skills tend to diminish under stress rather than enhance or change complexity.