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Developmental and physical-fitness associations with gross motor coordination problems in Peruvian children
Raquel Nichele de Chaves1, Alcibíades Bustamante Valdívia2, Alan Nevill3
1Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Technology - Parana, Av. Sete de Setembro, 3165, 80230901 Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
Insights
Children with poor physical fitness, especially lower flexibility and explosive strength, are more prone to gross motor coordination problems. Early identification and intervention are crucial for improving developmental outcomes in youth.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Gross motor coordination (GMC) difficulties affect children's participation in physical activities and overall development.
- Understanding the factors associated with GMC problems is essential for targeted interventions.
- Physical fitness is increasingly recognized as a potential influencing factor in childhood development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine developmental characteristics, including biological maturation and body size, linked to GMC problems in Peruvian children.
- To investigate the relationship between physical fitness and the likelihood of experiencing GMC problems.
- To explore geographical variations in GMC problem prevalence.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 5193 Peruvian children aged 6-14 years.
- Assessment of developmental characteristics (biological maturation, body size, BMI).
- Evaluation of physical fitness components (flexibility, explosive strength) and their association with GMC problems.
Main Results:
- Children with GMC problems exhibited lower flexibility and explosive strength.
- Increased likelihood of GMC problems was associated with older age and higher body mass index (BMI).
- Higher biological maturation correlated with a lower likelihood of GMC problems, while altitude presented a higher risk.
Conclusions:
- Lower physical fitness, particularly reduced flexibility and explosive strength, significantly increases the risk of GMC problems in children.
- Developmental factors like age, BMI, and maturation play a role in GMC difficulties.
- Geographical factors (altitude) and fitness levels are critical considerations for identifying and supporting children with GMC challenges.
Abstract:
The aims of this cross-sectional study were to examine the developmental characteristics (biological maturation and body size) associated with gross motor coordination problems in 5193 Peruvian children (2787 girls) aged 6-14 years from different geographical locations, and to investigate how the probability that children suffer with gross motor coordination problems varies with physical fitness. Children with gross motor coordination problems were more likely to have lower flexibility and explosive strength levels, having adjusted for age, sex, maturation and study site. Older children were more likely to suffer from gross motor coordination problems, as were those with greater body mass index. However, more mature children were less likely to have gross motor coordination problems, although children who live at sea level or at high altitude were more likely to suffer from gross motor coordination problems than children living in the jungle. Our results provide evidence that children and adolescents with lower physical fitness are more likely to have gross motor coordination difficulties. The identification of youths with gross motor coordination problems and providing them with effective intervention programs is an important priority in order to overcome such developmental problems, and help to improve their general health status.
