Abstract
Physical activity (PA) and motor competence are closely related to each other since motor competence is mainly, although not entirely, determined by PA patterns (i.e., Light PA [LPA], Moderate PA [MPA], and Vigorous PA [VPA]) in adolescence (Stodden et al, 2009). How the development of the motor competence may be influenced by PA patterns and how the interaction of these two variables may be correlated with obesity in adolescent years are understudied. PURPOSE: The main purpose of this study was to investigate the relation among PA patterns including LPA, MPA, and VPA, motor competence, and obesity (body composition, waist circumference) in adolescents. The second purpose was to test the gender differences among the study variables. METHODS: Participants were 307 students (Mage = 12.5 ± 0.9; boys =142, girls = 165) randomly recruited from four middle schools in the U.S.. Students’ PA patterns were assessed using Actical monitors for 5 consecutive school days. Students’ ball skill competence including volleyball, soccer, and ultimate Frisbee (PE MetricsTM; NASPE, 2010) were assessed in PE classes. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were used to represent indices of obesity in this study. RESULTS: Both LPA and VPA were significantly correlated with BMI and waist circumference (p < .05). All three ball skills were significantly associated with both MPA and VPA (r ranges from .21 to .33). Regression analyses indicated that only VPA and soccer skill merged as significant predictors of BMI (β = -.16; β = -.24, p < .05) and waist circumference (β = -.15; β = -.15, p < .05), respectively. Structural equation modeling suggested a mediating role of motor competence in the relationship between PA patterns and obesity. After controlling for all the covariates, MANCOVA indicated boys had higher levels of VPA than girls (p < .001), but no significant differences were found for overall motor competence and MPA. Girls had higher waist circumference and LPA than boys. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that engaging in at least vigorous PA may lead to higher and more accurate ball skill competence among adolescents. The potential “physical activity divide” may occur especially among girls between low-skilled adolescents and their skilled counterparts, which suggests a potential trajectory of obesity in adolescent years.
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