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Motor coordination as predictor of physical activity in childhood
V P Lopes1, L P Rodrigues, J A R Maia
1Department of Sports Science, Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), Bragança, Portugal. vplopes@ipb.pt
Insights
Motor coordination (MC) is a key predictor of physical activity (PA) in children aged 6-10. Higher initial MC levels help maintain PA levels as children age, while lower levels are associated with a decline in activity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Sports Science
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Physical activity (PA) is crucial for child development.
- Understanding predictors of PA, such as motor coordination (MC) and physical fitness (PF), is essential for promoting lifelong activity.
- Longitudinal data on these relationships in childhood is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal relationships among motor coordination (MC), physical fitness (PF), and physical activity (PA) in children from 6 to 10 years of age.
- To determine if MC is a significant predictor of PA.
- To examine how initial levels of MC and PF influence the trajectory of PA over time.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study followed 285 children (142 girls, 143 boys) from age 6 to 10.
- Measurements included height, weight, skinfolds, PA (Godin-Shephard questionnaire), MC (Körperkoordination Test für Kinder), and PF (five fitness items).
- Hierarchical linear modeling was used to analyze the predictors of PA.
Main Results:
- Baseline PA differed significantly between boys (48.3 MET/week) and girls (40.0 MET/week).
- The interaction between MC and a 1-mile run/walk test positively influenced PA levels.
- Children with higher initial MC showed a negligible decline in PA, while those with lower initial MC experienced a greater annual decrease in PA.
Conclusions:
- Motor coordination (MC) is a significant and primary predictor of physical activity (PA) in children aged 6-10.
- Early motor coordination skills play a vital role in maintaining physical activity levels throughout childhood.
- Interventions aimed at improving MC may be effective in promoting sustained PA in children.
Abstract:
This study considers relationships among motor coordination (MC), physical fitness (PF) and physical activity (PA) in children followed longitudinally from 6 to 10 years. It is hypothesized that MC is a significant and primary predictor of PA in children. Subjects were 142 girls and 143 boys. Height, weight and skinfolds; PA (Godin-Shephard questionnaire); MC (Körperkoordination Test für Kinder); and PF (five fitness items) were measured. Hierarchical linear modeling with MC and PF as predictors of PA was used. The retained model indicated that PA at baseline differed significantly between boys (48.3 MET/week) and girls (40.0 MET/week). The interaction of MC and 1 mile run/walk had a positive influence on level of PA. The general trend for a decrease in PA level across years was attenuated or amplified depending on initial level of MC. The estimated rate of decline in PA was negligible for children with higher levels of MC at 6 years, but was augmented by 2.58 and 2.47 units each year, respectively, for children with low and average levels of initial MC. In conclusion MC is an important predictor of PA in children 6-10 years of age.
