Association Between Motor Skills and Musculoskeletal Physical Fitness Among Preschoolers

Abstract

Previous work is conflicted regarding the relationship between motor skill development and physical activity. One potential explanation for this equivocality is the difficulty and lack of precision in physical activity measurement, particularly within preschool populations. Our exploration of plank performance as a proxy measure for fitness addresses a void in the literature, as few studies have investigated the role of motor skill development on fitness. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential relationship between motor skill level and musculoskeletal endurance (via the plank test). Data from the 2012 National Youth Fitness Survey were used, which included 224 preschool-aged children (3-5years). Motor skill level was assessed from the Test of Gross Motor Development-Second Edition (TGMD2). Motor skill parameters included general motor skills, locomotor skills, and object control skills. Within this nationally representative sample of preschoolers, increased motor skills were positively associated with plank performance [General Motor Skills (β = 0.45; 95% CI 0.31-0.59), locomotor skills (β = 1.88; 95% CI 1.15-2.61), and object control skills (β = 2.05; 95% CI 1.11-2.98)]. Motor skill level in this national preschool sample was associated with musculoskeletal endurance. Thus, future interventions should aim to develop and refine motor skills among preschoolers.