DOES MOTOR PROFICIENCY INFLUENCE SLEEP, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND MENTAL WELLBEING IN AUSTRALIAN CHILDREN?

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Motor impairments such as poor timing, balance, sequencing, and dexterity often impact on the child’s quality of life, both physically and emotionally. Sleep and physical activity are modifiable behaviours that have a bi-directional association with mental health outcomes. However, there is very limited research on sleep in children with motor difficulties. The aim of this study is to examine if level of motor proficiency influences physical activity, sleep behaviour, and mental well-being. METHODS Children aged between 6 and 12 years attended one ∼90-minute testing session where they completed the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC; 2nd edition), the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD; 3rd edition), and a brief physical activity assessment. Questionnaire were completed by the children and parents (Adolescents Motor Competence Questionnaire (AMCQ), Short Moods and Feelings, Kids Screen, Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire, Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). RESULTS Currently, 15 children (9 males, mean age 9.2 ± 1.97 yrs) have completed the study. Preliminary results show a mean TGMD index of 104.93 ±1.97, suggesting motor skills performed to an average level. The MABC percentile rank was 56.93 ±27.05, one participant below 5th percentile (motor impairment). AMCQ mean 87.00±8.9, however four participants had perceived low motor competence. Interestingly mean sleep score suggests high sleep disturbance among the sample (CSHQ mean 42.33 ± 9.73) with 9 out of 15 participants identifying with a paediatric sleep disorder (three low motor competence and six high motor competence has a paediatric sleep disorder). CONCLUSION Results indicate some interesting findings with both high and low motor competence children demonstrating a sleep disorder. Further analysis looking at actigraph sleep data, sleep diary and physical activity collected over 7 days will be presented during the conference.