Objective and Subjective Physical Activity Assessment in Adolescents with Motor Difficulties

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Sports Science
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Motor difficulties, often linked to developmental coordination disorder, persist into adolescence.
• These difficulties can impact engagement in physical activities, crucial for adolescent health.
• Understanding these challenges is vital for promoting active lifestyles in youth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify motor difficulties in adolescents using standardized assessments.
• To compare objective and subjective physical activity levels between adolescents with and without motor difficulties.
• To investigate the relationship between motor coordination and physical activity participation.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-nine adolescents were screened for motor difficulties using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition.
• Objective physical activity was measured with pedometers over one school week.
• Subjective physical activity was assessed using the Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire.

Main Results:

• Approximately 7.2% of adolescents exhibited significant motor difficulties, with 5.8% at risk.
• No significant differences in objective weekly physical activity were observed between groups.
• Adolescents with motor difficulties reported lower subjective physical activity, particularly in high-intensity and total activity.

Conclusions:

• Motor difficulties are prevalent in adolescents, but objective activity levels may not be significantly affected.
• Discrepancies between subjective and objective physical activity assessments highlight the need for combined evaluation methods.
• A dual-assessment approach provides more reliable insights into physical activity in adolescents with and without motor challenges.