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Physical activity and movement skills proficiency of young Filipino children
Catherine M Capio1, Cindy H P Sit, Kathlynne F Eguia
1Institute of Human Performance, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Insights
Filipino children meet daily physical activity (PA) recommendations. Greater fundamental movement skills (FMS) proficiency correlated with increased PA on weekends, suggesting a link between motor skills and activity levels.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Exercise Science
- Child Development
Background:
- Rising overweight prevalence in Filipino children.
- Established link between physical activity (PA) and obesity.
- Need for objective PA monitoring in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively monitor physical activity (PA) in Filipino children.
- To investigate the relationship between PA and fundamental movement skills (FMS) proficiency.
- To compare PA levels during weekdays and weekends.
Main Methods:
- Accelerometer-based PA monitoring for 7 days in 32 children (aged 6.54 ± 2.45 years).
- Assessment of five fundamental movement skills (FMS): throw, catch, kick, run, jump.
- Analysis of PA duration in relation to FMS proficiency and day type (weekday/weekend).
Main Results:
- Children met the World Health Organization's recommendation of 60 minutes of daily PA.
- Higher PA levels were observed on weekdays compared to weekends.
- Children with superior FMS proficiency exhibited greater PA engagement during weekends.
Conclusions:
- Filipino children generally achieve recommended PA levels.
- A positive association exists between FMS proficiency and weekend PA.
- Further research is needed to explore PA-FMS links and the influence of social interactions.
Abstract:
Recent reports indicate an increasing prevalence of overweight among Filipino children. Considering the known association of physical activity (PA) with obesity, this study reports the findings of an objective monitoring of PA in a sample of Filipino children. The study also explores the relationship of PA with fundamental movement skills (FMS) proficiency. Thirty-two children (6.54 ± 2.45 years old) wore an accelerometer for 7 days of PA monitoring and were assessed on five FMS (throw, catch, kick, run, jump). The children met the World Health Organization's recommendation of 60 min of PA per day, with more active time being accrued during weekdays than weekends. Children with greater FMS proficiency were found to spend more time in PA than those who were less skillful during weekends. Further research is recommended to examine PA and FMS proficiency associations, exploring the role of social interactions on weekends and weekdays.
