Flexibility is associated with motor competence in schoolchildren

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Exercise Science
• Human Movement Studies
• Child Development

Background:

• Limited data exists on the link between motor competence (MC) and flexibility in children.
• Previous research presents inconclusive findings regarding this association.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between flexibility and motor competence (MC) in a cohort of Portuguese schoolchildren.
• To determine if flexibility is a significant predictor of MC in children, considering other fitness components.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated motor competence (MC) using the Körperkoordination Test für Kinder.
• Assessed flexibility using the back-saver sit and reach and trunk-lift tests.
• Employed Analysis of Variance and regression analysis on data from 596 children aged 9.7 ± 0.6 years.

Main Results:

• Children in the healthy zone for flexibility demonstrated significantly higher MC scores (P < 0.001).
• Flexibility measures (back-saver sit and reach, trunk-lift) were significant predictors of MC (P < 0.05) after adjustments.
• These findings held true for both genders, irrespective of other physical fitness components, age, BMI, and socioeconomic status.

Conclusions:

• Promoting flexibility is vital for achieving adequate motor competence (MC) in schoolchildren.
• Flexibility, alongside other physical fitness components, plays a key role in children's overall motor development.
• Interventions targeting flexibility may enhance MC and contribute to better physical health outcomes in children.