The Play Study: Perception Is Everything. Physical Literacy And Reported MVPA In Children.

Abstract

PURPOSE: To investigate the association between self-reported 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)/day and motor skill competence in children. METHODS: Children 6-11 years participating in an after school or summer local YMCA program were enrolled. Study participants completed the PLAY study questionnaire, a two part questionnaire, with the first section completed by parents, and the second section by the child along with parents. Each child attested yes or no to participating in the current recommendation of 60 minutes of MVPA/day. The questionnaire targets elements of physical literacy including family and child knowledge/understanding, daily behavior, confidence and motivation, surrounding physical activity. Correlation analysis was performed between questionnaire answers and six tests of physical literacy; sit-and-reach, grip strength, y-balance, vertical jump, obstacle course time and points. To quantify physical literacy, principal components analysis was used to generate a linear combination of six physical assessment scores. The first weighted component was divided at the median, with scores ≥ to the median deemed physically literate, and scores less than this value deemed not physically literate. Fischer analysis was used for comparison statistics. RESULTS: Eighty-nine children participated in the study; mean age 7.2 ±2.3 years, 53% (N=47) female. Seventy percent (N=62) answered yes to the question “Do you get 60 minutes of MVPA/day?” while 29% (N=26) answered no. Only 51% (N=45) of study participants were deemed physically literate. Correlation analysis revealed no statistical difference in physical literacy scores between children who report 60 minutes of MVPA/day and children who report otherwise(P=0.816). More importantly, of children who perceived they spent 60 minutes/day in MVPA/day, only 52% could be considered physically literate. Of children who perceived they did not get 60 minutes of MVPA/day, 54% were considered not physically literate. CONCLUSIONS: Simply asking about daily MVPA will not suffice as a screening tool for childhood physical inactivity and motor skill competency. These results emphasize the need for a clinically useful sensitive and specific screening tool that predicts motor skill competence in children required for sustained PA.