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Building a Healthy Future: Functional Motor Skill Development in Precocious Prevention of Childhood Obesity
Debora Porri1,2, Malgorzata Wasniewska1,2, Giovanni Luppino1,2
1Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98124 Messina, Italy.
Insights
Early functional movement skills (FMS) are key to preventing childhood obesity (CO). Many children lack these skills, and parents often overestimate their child's abilities, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood obesity (CO) is a growing concern, linked to sedentary lifestyles.
- Developing functional movement skills (FMS) early is vital for promoting physical activity and preventing CO.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess FMS in preschool-aged children.
- To investigate the relationship between FMS, physical activity, BMI, and parental perception.
- To inform strategies for CO prevention.
Main Methods:
- Assessed FMS in 102 children (aged 3-5) using the MOBAK test battery.
- Parents completed questionnaires on their child's motor competence.
- Analyzed data for correlations with BMI, physical activity, and demographic factors.
Main Results:
- Only 20.5% of children achieved satisfactory FMS scores, despite 61.1% participating in regular sports.
- Significant gender disparities were found in locomotor skills and overall performance.
- Parents significantly overestimated their children's FMS (p=0.0001), and a negative correlation between BMI and FMS was observed (p<0.030).
Conclusions:
- Early interventions focusing on FMS are crucial for CO prevention.
- Parental education regarding FMS is essential for effective intervention strategies.
- Promoting lifelong physical activity requires addressing FMS deficits in early childhood.
Background:
The rising prevalence of childhood obesity (CO) has been strongly linked to physical inactivity and sedentary behavior. Early development of functional movement skills (FMS) is crucial for fostering active lifestyles and preventing CO.
Methods:
We assessed the FMS of 102 children aged 3-5 using the MOBAK test battery. Parents completed a Likert-scale questionnaire evaluating their perception of their child's motor competence.
Results:
A total of 102 children and 92 parents participated. Although 61.1% of children engaged in regular sports activities, only 20.5% reached a satisfactory MOBAK total score (Score 3). Significant gender differences emerged in locomotor skills (Score 2) and overall performance (Score 3), with p-values < 0.026 and <0.016, respectively. A significant negative correlation between BMI and Score 2 was observed (p < 0.030). Parents significantly overestimated their children's FMS (p = 0.0001).
Conclusions:
Findings emphasize the importance of early interventions targeting FMS enhancement and parental education to effectively support CO prevention strategies and promote lifelong physical activity.
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