Abstract:
This study examined the relationship between motor skill competence, and physical activity in 8–9 years-old girls (N=352). Locomotor and object control skill competence was assessed, using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2, and the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children was used to assess physical activity. Regression analysis revealed that locomotor proficiency accounted for 20% (P = 0.001) of variance associated with self-reported moderate to vigorous physical activity. The findings warrant future investigations that examine interventions that focus on locomotor skills to promote physical activity in girls.
Machine summary:
"ABSTRACT This study examined the relationship between motor skill competence, and physical activity in 8– 9 years-old girls (N=352).
Locomotor and object control skill competence was assessed, using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2, and the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children was used to assess physical activity.
Studies investigating the relationship between MSC and PA in children and adolescents provide little consensus, with commence in motor skills weakly (11-13) to moderately (12) associated with PA, and explaining as little as 3%, and as much as 25% (14) of the variance in habitual activity.
The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the relationship between process- measured MSC, and self-report measured moderate-to-vigorous PA in school girls and to investigate if the relationships differ by fundamental movement skills sub-domains?
The theoretical basis explaining the mechanism of a positive association between MSC and PA, it was found among girls in the current study, purports that competence in motor skills provides the behavioral proficiency required for participation in variety of PA (9); and may influence other determinants of behaviors, such as, perceptions of competence (22).
Partitioning fundamental movement skills in sub-domains in the current study and others (11-13), has suggested that locomotor skill relate to girls’ PA, and this plausible considering their role in popular activities participated by elementary/primary school- aged girls, based on facilities in their school.
Perceived sports competence mediates the relationship between childhood motor skill proficiency and adolescent physical activity and fitness: a longitudinal assessment."