Are children with a higher sense of perceived motor competency more physically active one year later?

Abstract

Introduction: Motor competence is important for physical activity participation. Perceived motor competency (i.e. how good a child perceives their motor skill level) is a specific construct within the broader construct of physical self-perception. Research shows physical self-perception and physical activity are associated but there is limited research regarding associations between perceived motor competency and physical activity. The aim was to explore whether perceived motor competency (locomotor, e.g. running, and object control skills, e.g. ball skills) predicts physical activity in children across a 12-month period.