Investigation Of Factors Affecting Motor Competence In Early Adolescents

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to retrospectively evaluate the fundamental motor competence of early adolescents and to examine the affecting factors. Methods: 89 children aged 11.33±0.95 were included in the study. Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT) for manual dexterity, 9-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT) for finger dexterity, Korebalance™ Premiere for balance, manual muscle strength measurement device for quadriceps muscle strength, hand dynamometer for hand grip strength, EMG Biofeedback for muscle activation was used. Results: Compared by gender, there was a statistically significant difference in the right and left-hand placing of MMDT and 9-HPT (p=0.004, p=0.041, p=0.004, respectively). Comparison’s of age groups, there was a statistically significant difference in the left-hand placing and turning subtests of MMDT and left grip strength (p=0.010, p=0.048, p=0.025, respectively). In a correlation analyses, age had a correlation with the left-hand placing of MMDT (r=-0.336,p=0.001); and left grip strength (r=0.219,p=0.039). Height and weight had a correlation with dynamic balance (r=-0.242,p=0.022; r=-0.244,p=0.021). Weight and BMI had a correlation with static balance (r=0.342,p=0.001; r=0.305,p=0.004) and EMG Biofeedback score (r=0.237,p=0.025; r=0.212,p=0.046). Conclusion: Manual dexterity and hand grip strength develop with age in children, and girls' manual and finger dexterities are better than boys. While the increase in BMI and weight affect static balance negatively, the increase in height and weight affect dynamic balance positively. It is thought that investigating the factors affecting motor competence will be important in evaluating the development of children and directing them to appropriate sports.
 Keywords: Balance, Manual dexterity, Finger dexterity, Muscle activation