Abstract
Proper growth and development of young school children require mastering different skills, especially gross motor skills - basic locomotor and manipulative skills. It is essential to monitor the physical activity of nine-year-old children necessary for further proper development and healthy habits, which will continue into adulthood. This study aims to determine physical activity level, BMI, and gender differences in the performance of gross motor skills in children aged nine years (± six months). The study involved 40 participants (20 girls and 20 boys). Their body height, body weight,
 and body mass index were 140.46 ± 5.72 cm; 37.84 ± 8.21 cm; and 19.09 ± 3.56, respectively. All participants completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children and performed the Test of Gross Motor Development, Second Edition (TGMD-2), and two sub-tests of BOT-2 (Speed and Agility and Upper-Limb Coordination). T-test for independent samples was used to compare groups according to physical activity level (physically active and inactive group) and explore interactions with gender and BMI, and gross motor skills variables. F-values, p-values, and partial eta squared (ɳ2) values were reported as MANOVA outcomes. The results showed a significant difference between physical activity level and locomotor skills but not in manipulative skills. Further research should focus on various exercise programs that contribute to developing skills and participation in organized physical activity of children of different ages.
Highlights
Regular physical activity is of great importance for the proper growth and development of children, their psycho-physical progress, and cognitive abilities (FLORIANI - KENNEDY, 2008)
Adequate childhood activity can be an essential determinant of health in adulthood, as there are numerous risk factors associated with inadequate physical activity in childhood (HILLS et al, 2011)
The results of this study showed that there are significant differences between physical activity level and locomotor skills, but not with manipulative skills
Summary
Regular physical activity is of great importance for the proper growth and development of children, their psycho-physical progress, and cognitive abilities (FLORIANI - KENNEDY, 2008). Manipulative skills include top and bottom throwing, rolling, shooting, headbanging, kicking, panting, and catching (DERRI et al, 2001) They may consist of the upper (arms or head) or lower extremities and can be transmitted by force to an object to move away from the body or to place some part of the body in front of an approaching object to turn or stop it (CHEN et al, 2016). They depend on the children's abilities, the rules of the game or activity, the level of skill development, etc. This study aims to determine the physical activity level, BMI, and gender differences in the gross motor skills of nine-year-old children
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