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Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary behavior in children with and without developmental coordination
Jane Jie Yu1, Catherine M Capio2, Bruce Abernethy3
1Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Zhejiang University, China.
Insights
Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) show poorer fundamental movement skills (FMS). Improving FMS, especially ball skills like catching, is crucial for increasing physical activity in children with DCD.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric physical activity
- Motor development
- Childhood health
Background:
- Physical inactivity is a global concern in children.
- Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) exhibit lower physical activity levels than typically developing (TD) peers.
- Fundamental movement skills (FMS) are potential correlates of physical activity in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between FMS and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior (SB).
- To compare these associations in children with DCD and TD.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 172 children (aged 6-10 years) with DCD (n=73) or TD (n=99).
- FMS assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development-second edition (process and product measures).
- MVPA and SB measured via accelerometers.
Main Results:
- Children with DCD demonstrated significantly lower FMS proficiency in specific patterns (jumping, catching) and outcomes (running, jumping, catching, kicking) compared to TD children.
- MVPA and SB were associated with process-oriented FMS, moderated by motor coordination and sex.
- Catching skills significantly predicted meeting MVPA guidelines (OR=1.686, p<.05).
Conclusions:
- Developing FMS, particularly ball skills, is vital in early childhood.
- Targeted FMS interventions may help mitigate physical inactivity in children, especially those with DCD.
- Addressing FMS deficits can combat related health issues associated with sedentary behavior.
Background:
There is a pandemic of physical inactivity in children. Compared to children with typical development (TD), those with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) are less physically active. Mastery of movement skills such as fundamental movement skills (FMS) are potential correlates of physical activity.
Aims:
To examine the associations of FMS with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior (SB) in children with DCD and TD.
Methods And Procedures:
This cross-sectional study included 172 children with DCD (n = 73; boys = 49) or TD (n = 99; boys = 48) aged 6-10 years. Five components of FMS (running, jumping, throwing, catching, kicking) were assessed using process- and product- oriented approaches using the Test of Gross Motor Development-second edition. The time spent in MVPA and SB was measured using accelerometers.
Outcomes And Results:
Children with DCD had significantly poorer performance in FMS proficiency in terms of specific movement patterns (jumping and catching) and outcomes (running, jumping, catching, and kicking) when compared to children with TD. MVPA and SB were significantly associated with certain process-oriented FMS assessments in children, which was moderated by motor coordination status and sex. Movement patterns of catching (odds ratio = 1.686, p < .05) was a significant predictor of children's attainment of the MVPA guideline.
Conclusions And Implications:
It is important to develop FMS patterns and ball skills in early childhood, particularly for children with DCD, to combat physical inactivity and its related health problems.
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