Perceptions of Ability Mediate the Effect of Motor Coordination on Aerobic and Musculoskeletal Exercise Performance...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Exercise Science
• Developmental Psychology
• Motor Control

Background:

• Children at risk for developmental coordination disorder (rDCD) often face challenges in motor skill execution.
• Perceptions of motor abilities can significantly influence participation and performance in physical activities.
• Understanding this relationship is crucial for developing targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of perceived motor abilities on aerobic and musculoskeletal exercise performance in children at risk for DCD.
• To examine whether perceived motor abilities mediate the relationship between rDCD and exercise performance.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Coordination and Activity Tracking in Children (CATCH) study (N = 539).
• Identified children at risk for DCD using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (2nd Edition).
• Assessed perceived motor abilities via the Perceived Efficacy and Goals Setting system and exercise performance through the Bruce Protocol treadmill test, standing long jump, and Wingate Anaerobic test.

Main Results:

• Children at risk for DCD reported lower perceived motor abilities.
• These children demonstrated poorer performance across all measured exercise tests (aerobic and musculoskeletal).
• Perceived motor abilities were found to mediate the link between rDCD and exercise performance.

Conclusions:

• Low perceived motor ability is a significant concern in children at risk for DCD, even at a young age.
• Interventions should focus on enhancing both motor skills and self-perceptions of ability in this population.
• Addressing these factors can improve exercise performance and overall physical well-being.