Competency in Object Control Skills at an Early Age Benefit Future Movement Application: Longitudinal Data from the NW-CHILD Study.

Anita E Pienaar,Carli Gericke,Wilmarié Du Plessis

doi:10.3390/ijerph18041648

Anita E Pienaar, Carli Gericke + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041648

Copy DOI

Abstract

The level of competency in object control skills (OCSs) during early childhood is considered to be a possible determinant of the successful generalization of these skills during later childhood. This study aimed to determine if an association exists between competency in object control skills during early childhood (6–9 years) and the application of these skills during later childhood (12 years). The NW-CHILD longitudinal study (2010–2016), included a baseline and two time-point follow-up measures in grades 1, 4, and 7 of South African children. A total of 374 participants (boys = 178, 47.59% and girls = 196, 52.41%) completed testing at all three time-points and were analyzed. The Test of Gross Motor Development, Second Edition, and the Canadian Agility and Movement Skill Assessment were used to determine associations between object control skill competency during early and later childhood by using descriptive statistics, Spearman rank order correlations, and stepwise regression analysis. The level of object control skill competency at 6 and 9 years, significantly influences the application of these skills at 12 years. A high overall and significant contribution of OCS (4.6%, p < 0.01) to the variance in the skills and time scores at 12 years; p < 0.05 were found. Competence in object control skills at an early age can provide a baseline from where opportunities for progression or transfer of skills can result in more advanced skillful executions which consequently can be considered to be a cornerstone of improved future physical activity and healthier lifestyles.

Highlights

Fundamental motor skills (FMSs) are considered to be an important aspect of general motor competence, the promotion of fundamental motor skills (FMS) is considered to be integral to a holistic view of development [1,2]
It is argued in this regard that when children already obtained good object control skills (OCSs) in grade 1, it will provide them with confidence and motivate them to engage in a variety of physical activities, including sport activities during early childhood that can foster and refine the development of these skills even further
This study confirmed that competency in object control skills (OCS) should be considered as a key pathway to future physical and motor skill development of children, as it can contribute to a sustained level of capacity to engage in an active lifestyle

Summary

Introduction

Fundamental motor skills (FMSs) are considered to be an important aspect of general motor competence, the promotion of FMS is considered to be integral to a holistic view of development [1,2]. Object control skills (OCSs), which are considered to be a subcategory of FMS (i.e., throwing, kicking, catching, rolling, dribbling), referred to as manipulative skills, demand high levels of functional coordination and control to make controlled contact with objects in one’s environment which requires the controlling of objects with the hand, foot or implements [2]. These skills can be regarded as core and baseline skills to provide children with the best possible chance to successfully and continually engage in a range of physical activities and health enhancing activities [2,8,9].

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion