Object control skills influence the physical activity of children with intellectual disability in a developing country: The Philippines

Abstract

Background Children with intellectual disability (ID) tend to have difficulties in reaching developmental milestones at predictable rates, including fundamental movement skills (FMS) proficiency. Low FMS proficiency tends to have a negative association with physical activity (PA) engagement. This study examined whether FMS components (locomotor, object control) influence PA levels in children with ID in the Philippines.Method The sample consisted of 60 children aged 5–14 years (M = 9.56, SD = 3.23) from special schools. PA was measured using pedometers (daily step count). FMS proficiency was measured using the Test of Gross Motor Development – Second Edition.Results Participants’ overall mean daily step count (M = 7,014.92, SD = 3,124.86) was significantly lower than the global public health standard of 12,000 daily steps. FMS scores were significantly lower than the full score for locomotor (M = 24.80, SD = 8.90, p < .001) and object control skills (M = 20.95, SD = 6.53, p < .001). Significant positive associations were found between FMS components and PA, with object control skills accounting for 26.7% of overall daily step count variance.Conclusion Findings suggest that programs are needed to facilitate proficient FMS and sufficient PA for children with ID in the Philippines. Although object control skills influence PA, further studies are needed to examine other factors.