Actual Motor Competence Research Articles

Actual and perceived motor competence in children with motor coordination difficulties: Effect of a movement-based intervention

BackgroundThe present study analyses the effect of a Movement-Based Intervention to improve Actual and Perceived Motor Competence in children with probable Developmental Coordination Disorder aged four and six years. Methods and proceduresA longitudinal pre-experimental study was designed with measurements conducted at pre-test, post-test and follow-up (after 5 months without intervention). The group, composed of children with probable Developmental Coordination Disorder or low motor competence, consisted of 57 participants, and the duration of a Movement-Based Intervention was 27 sessions allocated in nine weeks. Outcomes and resultsActual Motor Competence was evaluated with the Movement Assessment Battery for School children and Perceived Motor Competence with Pictorial Scale of Perceived Motor Skill Competence for Children. The results showed significant improvements in both study variables (Actual Motor Competence and Perceived Motor Competence), both at post-test and follow-up, five months after the end of the intervention.In conclusion, a Movement-based Intervention is effective in improving Actual and Perceived Motor Competence in the participants of this research, children with low motor competence or probable Developmental Coordination Disorder. What this paper addsConsidering the improvements observed after the program in Spanish sample, it seems that the usual practice in Early Childhood Education in our context may not be sufficient, i.e., it may not provide children with the necessary support (number of lesson and time) and appropriate learning contexts to promote the development of their motor skills. Considering the results, this study suggests that using an Movement-Based Intervention with an appropriate pedagogical approach, and offering different learning opportunities to children according to their needs, could positively influence their Actual and Perceived Motor Competence, and could motivate them towards future practice.

Early childhood physical activity parenting and sport club participation as predictors of perceived motor competence – a three-year longitudinal study

ABSTRACT Background & purpose Enhancing perceived motor competence (PMC) is an important factor in increasing the physical activity and motor competence of children. Longitudinal research is needed to identify the factors that support children’s positive and realistic PMC development. To address this research gap, we examined physical activity parenting (PAP) and sports club participation (SCP) as predictors of children’s PMC. Methods We assessed PMC using a modified pictorial scale of perceived movement skill competence (PMSC) for young children at the following two time points: in early childhood education and care (ECEC) (T1; N = 259; Mage = 6.27 ± .67; 50.2% boys) and approximately three years later in primary school (T2; N = 259; Mage = 9.45 ± .79 years). PAP and SCP (the type and number of sports) were examined using a parental questionnaire (N = 259; Mage = 36.2 ± 5.64). The children’s actual motor competence (AMC) was assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development – Third Edition (TGMD-3). Linear regression analyses were performed to examine how the number of sports in which a child participates (SCPsum) predicted PMC. Then, we analysed how participation in a specific type of sport (locomotor and ball sports) predicted PMC in terms of locomotor skills, ball skills and total skills. The analyses were adjusted for the T2–T1 time difference and AMC. Results PAP was a significant predictor of PMC three years later for ECEC-aged girls but not for boys. Moreover, participation in a ball sport at T1 predicted higher scores for girls’ PMC at T2. In addition, the girls who participated in more than one ball sport exhibited lower PMC at T2. For boys, higher AMC, higher BMI and less access to electronic devices at T1 predicted higher PMC at T2. Conclusion The results suggest that PAP in ECEC age is important for girls’ PMC development over time. The role of SCP was ambiguous in girls. Participation especially in ball sports may have different influences on PMC in girls depending on the frequency of participation. Therefore, parents, sport instructors and coaches should adapt their child rearing and pedagogical practices by considering child PMC development in addition to promoting physical activity and skills.

Do perceived motor competence and physical literacy mediate the association between actual motor competence and physical activity engagement?

Perceived motor competence (PMC) and physical literacy (PPL), in conjunction with actual motor competence (AMC) are relevant factors for engaging early adolescents in active lifestyles. The main purpose of this study is to analyze the mediating role of PMC and PPL in the association between AMC and physical activity (PA) participation. In this study, 222 students (112 girls; 50.5%) aged 12 to 14 years-old participated voluntarily. By using structural equation modeling, the relationship between AMC and PA and the mediating influence of PMC and PPL on this relationship was analyzed. Model one, considering PMC (CFI=.97, RMSEA=.08, SRMR=.04) and model two with PPL (CFI=.99, RMSEA=.05, SRMR=.03) fitted satisfactorily. Therefore, it is not only important to promote AMC, but also to develop psychosocial and emotional factors such as PMC and PPL to promote PA participation among adolescents.

Effects of Modified Invasion Games on Motor Competence and Self-Assessed Physical Condition in Elementary School Students in the Physical Education Classroom.

Modified invasion games promote the development of real and perceived motor competence. Children with higher motor competence are more likely to participate in physical activity practice and to remain in it, both in adolescence and adulthood. (1) Background: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of modified invasion games on the real motor competence and self-assessment of the physical condition fifth-grade students from a private school in Viña del Mar, Chile. (2) Methods: 40 girls and boys with an average age of 11.47 years (SD = 0.554) participated in this study during a 12-week intervention. The MOBAK 5-6 battery was used to assess actual motor competence, the SEMOK questionnaire was used to determine perceived motor competence, the International Fitness Scale (IFIS) self-assessment questionnaire was used to assess perceived physical fitness, and the weight/size ratio was used to determine BMI. A Friedman's nonparametric ANOVA analysis was applied to determine the effect of the intervention, in addition to an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to identify the influence of the covariates on motor competence. (3) Results: No statistically significant differences were established between weight, BMI, and waist circumference. There was a statistically significant difference after the intervention in the actual motor competence of object control (p = 0.005) and perceived motor competence of object control (p ≤ 0.001) (4) Conclusions: An intervention based on modified invasion games is effective for the improvement of actual and perceived motor competence of object control. It was not possible to identify a positive effect on the self-assessment of muscle strength after the intervention.

Can Special Olympics coaches accurately report on the motor competence of children with intellectual disabilities?

Motor competence is the ability to perform goal directed human movements in a co-ordinated, accurate and error free manner. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of coaches' perceptions of children's motor competence with their actual motor competence. This study examined the motor competence of children with intellectual disabilities (n = 100) and coaches' perceptions of children's motor competence (n = 10). Participants were assessed using TGMD-3. Coaches completed an adapted version of the pictorial scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence. The predictive power of coaches perceived motor competence versus children's actual motor competence was assessed. This research will provide insight for sports organisations to determine whether coaches can accurately report on the motor competence of children with intellectual disabilities.

The Relationship Between Actual Motor Competence and Physical Activity in Children: Mediating Roles of Perceived Motor Competence and Physical Activity Enjoyment

This study’s objective was to examine whether the relationship between actual motor competence and physical activity (PA) in children is mediated by perceived motor competence (PMC) and physical activity enjoyment. The participants consisted of a total of 167 students (male = 92, female = 75) in 10 different schools in the fourth grade of primary schools in the central district of Isparta Province, Turkey, during the 2020–2021 academic year. Multiple parallel mediation analysis was used to examine the mediation role in the analysis of the data, and regression analysis based on the bootstrapping method was performed. As a result of the research, it was seen that PMC had a full mediating role between actual motor competence and PA (b = 0.003, 95% confidence interval [0.002, 0.094]). On the other hand, it was determined that PA enjoyment did not have a mediating role in this relationship (b = 0.001, 95% confidence interval [−0.002, 0.005]). The total indirect effect was not significant (b = 0.005, 95% confidence interval [−0.000, 0.012]). The multiple mediation analysis showed that PMC accounted for 23.2% of the total effect of actual motor competence on PA. In conclusion, the findings show that PMC is an important variable in participation in PA. Therefore, PMC should be considered a key outcome in physical education.

Do Parental Beliefs and Support Predict the Motor Competence of Youth With Visual Impairments?

Parents tend to play a vital role in their child’s motor competence for youth with visual impairments. However, little research has explored parental mindsets and support (e.g., transportation) surrounding their child’s motor skills and how it may predict motor competence. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which parents’ mindset items along with parental support may predict their children’s actual motor competence. Parents of youth with visual impairments (N = 92; mothers = 69.5%, fathers = 18.1%; Mage = 42.91 years, SD = 8.08 years) completed the modified parents’ perception questionnaire. Youth with visual impairments ages 9–19 years (N = 95; Mage = 153.35 months, SD = 27.58 months, girls = 37.1%, boys = 53.3%, 9.6% missing) completed the Test of Gross Motor Development-third edition. Results from a backward linear regression convey parental beliefs (i.e., growth mindsets) and support variables (e.g., providing transportation) significantly predicted their child’s actual motor competence, F(6, 84) = 9.77, p < .001, adj. R2 = .37. Results could inform parents on their importance toward supporting and believing in developing their child’s motor competence.

Configurations of actual and perceived motor competence among elementary school children in China: differences in physical activity.

Actual motor competence (AMC) and perceived motor competence (PMC), as determinants of children's active participation in physical activity (PA), were important for children's healthy development. The correlation between the two had been confirmed. To further understand this relationship, this study investigated the current status of AMC, PMC, and PA in Chinese school-age children, used a person-centered approach to reveal the characteristics of the development of motor competence (MC) in Chinese school-age children and the differences in the level of PA among different MC profiles of children. A total of 532 children (age: M = 9.37, SD = 1.80 years-old) from grades 1 to 6 participated in this cross-sectional study (male, n = 284, 53.4%; female, n = 248, 46.6%). The Test of Gross Motor Development-3 (TGMD-3) was used to measure children's AMC, the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence (PMSC) to measure children's PMC, and the revised Chinese version of Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) to assess children's PA levels. There were some gender differences in AMC but no significant gender differences in PMC and PA in children. AMC and PA levels increased as the children aged, while PMC showed some decline. Cluster analysis identified four groups of children with different MC profiles. Two groups of children had corresponding AMC and PMC levels (the "high-high" cluster, N = 200, 38.91%; the "low-low" cluster, N = 63, 12.26%), and the other two groups were inconsistent in AMC and PMC (the "high-low" cluster, N = 100, 19.46%; the "low-high" cluster, N = 151, 29.38%). Significant differences in PA levels were found between children with different MC profiles. The "high-high" cluster children had the highest PA levels, whereas the "low-low" cluster children demonstrated the lowest PA levels. AMC, PMC, and PA in Chinese school-age children were consistent with the pattern of child growth and development. Children with high AMC and high PMC usually had high levels of PA. Therefore, it was recommended to seize the best opportunity to intervene with children, and family, school, and community should synergize to help children improve AMC and PMC, and then actively participate in PA.

The Mediating Role Played by Perceived Motor Competence in the Relationship between Motor Competence and Physical Activity in Spanish Adolescents

The promotion of regular physical activity (PA) is becoming one of the main tools applied in developed countries to address health and obesity problems, particularly in view of the proven benefits of PA on a physical, psychological, and social level. Indeed, childhood and adolescence are crucial periods for an active lifestyle can be established, with the prospect of prolonging it in adulthood. The conceptual model propounded by Stodden provides a theoretical underpinning for the relationship between motor competence (MC) and PA. This study’s objective was to explore the predictive value of motor competence (MC) regarding physical activity (PA), along with the mediating role played by self-perceived motor competence (SPMC) and comparatively perceived motor competence (CPMC), with the purpose of confirming the theoretical model propounded by Stodden, as well as the relationships among variables in our own conceptual model. To this end, we tested a random sample of 925 adolescents (53.6% males; 46.3% females, age 13.75 years, SD = 1.28). Participants completed the Multidimensional Sportcomp Battery to evaluate MC and the Achievement Motivation in Physical Education test (AMPET4) to evaluate their perception of their competence; moreover, to evaluate PA, we used three indicators from the WHO Health Behaviour in Schoolchildren survey in the Spanish version. Our final theoretical model explains 19.9% of the variance of sport practice in boys and 24.2% in girls; moreover, it ascribes an important role to self-perceived motor competence (SPMC) and to comparatively perceived motor competence (CPMC) as mediating variables in the relationship between MC and PA in both sexes. Notably, we found a direct relationship between motor coordination/control tests and PA. Overall, this study underscores the degree to which adolescents’ perceived motor competence affects their actual motor competence.

Motor competence, motivation and enjoyment in physical education to profile children in relation to physical activity behaviors

ABSTRACT Background: Motor competence (MC) has been recognized as a main goal in Physical Education (PE) and a determining element for the promotion of Physical Activity (PA). The interaction between MC and PA would be mediated not only by physical factors, but also by psychological and affective factors, so their study should consider an integral perspective. Evidence suggests that actual and perceived motor competence, motivation and enjoyment of PE classes play an important role in schoolchildren's PA practice. However, not all the schoolchildren behave in a similar manner, so it is necessary to understand how the combination of these variables can establish different subpopulations with different individual realities. Purpose: Following a person-centered approach, the present study aims (1) to examine profiles of Chilean children according to Actual Motor Competence (AMC), Perceived Motor Competence (PMC), intrinsic motivation and enjoyment of PE classes, and (2) to analyze how these profiles behave in relation to BMI and Physical Activity. Methods: Seven hundred and thirty schoolchildren (46.3% girls, age M = 11.22 SD = 0.70) in 5th and 6th grade of primary school participated. The instruments used for assessment were: MOBAK 5–6 test (AMC); SEMOK questionnaire (PMC); Questionnaire of Motivation in PE in Primary Education (intrinsic motivation); Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (enjoyment); and ActiGraph wGT3X-BT accelerometers (PA). Latent class analysis was conducted to identify homogeneous groups of schoolchildren with respect to AMC, PMC, intrinsic motivation and enjoyment of PE classes. Findings: Three-class solution was the best fit for the data. Profile 1 (high aligned) represents 21.9% of the sample, with high levels of AMC, PMC, motivation and enjoyment of PE classes. Profile 2 (nonaligned) represents 67.5% of the sample, with low levels of AMC, medium levels of PMC, and high motivation and enjoyment. Profile 3 (low aligned) represents 10.5% of the sample, with low levels of AMC and PMC, motivation and enjoyment. Schoolchildren of profile 1 were more active, with more daily minutes of MVPA, compared to schoolchildren of profile 2 or 3. The schoolchildren of profile 1 have a lower BMI than the schoolchildren of profile 2 or profile 3. Conclusion: Children of two of the profiles, involving the majority of the sample, may be at risk of unhealthy lifestyles, with less motivation and enjoyment for PE classes. Therefore, for PE classes and PA programs, it is important to give the same importance to psychological and affective factors as to purely physical ones. The teaching methodologies should put an emphasis on the development of AMC and PMC, through didactic strategies that encourage autonomous motivation and provide pleasant experiences for the schoolchildren.

Perceived motor competence in early childhood predicts perceived and actual motor competence in middle childhood.

The study aims were to (1) identify perceived motor competence (PMC) and actual motor competence (AMC) profiles in children at two time points (early and middle childhood) 3 years apart, (2) explore transitions between the profiles from T1 to T2, and (3) investigate how PMC-AMC profiles at T1 differ in their mean values for AMC and PMC variables at T2. PMC was assessed by the pictorial scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence for young children (PMSC). At T1, AMC was measured with Test of Gross Motor Development-third version (TGMD-3), and at T2, a shortened TGMD-3 was used. To identify the PMC-AMC profiles using latent profile analysis, the Mplus statistical package (version 8.7) was used. For aim 3, the Bolck-Croon-Hagenaars (BCH) method was used. There were 480 children (mean age 6.26 years, 51.9% boys) at T1, 647 children (mean age 8.76 years, 48.8% boys) at T2 (some children were too young to have the PMC assessment at T1), and 292 at both time points. For aim 1, three profiles were identified at each time point for each gender. Boys had two realistic profiles with medium and low levels of PMC-AMC, and an overestimation profile. Girls had a medium realistic profile, an overestimation, and an underestimation profile. The PMC-AMC profile in early childhood predicted the PMC-AMC profile (aim 2) and AMC and PMC variables (aim 3) in middle childhood, especially if a child had low PMC in early childhood. Children with low PMC in early childhood are at risk of low PMC and less AMC development in middle childhood.

“Profiles of motor competence and its perception accuracy among children: Association with physical fitness and body fat”

The main goals of this study were to identify profiles in school-aged children based on actual Motor Competence (MC) and accuracy of Perceived Motor Competence (PMC) and to examine how children with different profiles differ in terms of Physical Fitness (PF) and Body Fat percentage (BF%). The MC of a total of 287 children (51.6% boys, aged between 6 and 10 years-old) was assessed using the Motor Competence Assessment (MCA) instrument, and the accuracy of the PMC was measured using motor tasks (standing long jump, throwing, kicking, and walking backwards). PF and BF% were assessed using the 20m shuttle run test and TANITA, respectively. Cluster (C) analysis revealed four profiles, two of which were aligned – high MC-accurate PMC (C4) and low-inaccurate (C2), and two that were non-aligned – high-inaccurate (C1) and low-accurate (C3). Children in C4 performed better on PF and had less BF% than children in C3 and C2.

Actual and Perceived Motor Competence in Chilean Schoolchildren before and after COVID-19 Lockdowns: A Cohort Comparison.

(1) Background: the measures applied in Chile to reduce COVID-19 infections have been very strict, mainly for children who have experienced lockdowns and school closures for almost two years. Emerging evidence indicates that lockdowns have had several negative effects on children; therefore, the present study seeks to analyze the secular effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on Chilean students' actual motor competence (AMC) and perceived motor competence (PMC). (2) Methods: using a sequential cohort design, data from 523 fifth-grade students at nine elementary schools (46.8% girls, age M = 11.11, SD = 0.66) were assessed in 2018-19 (pre-lockdown) (n = 265) and 2022 (post-lockdown) (n = 258). (3) Results: in the domain of object control (AMC and PMC), no significant differences were found (AMC p = 0.559; PMC p = 0.682). In the self-movement domain of AMC and PMC, the significant differences found presented a small effect size (AMC p = 0.044, ηp2 = 0.01; PMC p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.03). (4) Conclusions: although the differences encountered were not drastic, self-movement skills tended to be greatly affected by the lockdowns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings broaden information on the negative consequences of the pandemic on students in aspects related to an active and healthy life.

The mediational role of motivation in the model of motor development in childhood: A longitudinal study

The aim of this study was twofold: first, to examine the stability of the hypothesized conceptual model of motor development (without and with including various types of motivation) when children are followed up one-year later, and second to examine longitudinally whether changes in one model variable predict changes in other variables, according to the hypothesized pathways in the model. A sample of 361 Spanish students (50.7% girls, 8–11 years old) voluntarily participated in this study. In relation to the first aim, structural equation modeling revealed the expected positive relationship between the model variables in both measurement times. That is: actual motor competence (MC) predicted physical activity (PA) (p < .001), perceived MC mediated the relationship between actual MC and PA (p < .001), and autonomous motivation mediated the relationship between perceived MC and PA (p < .05). Moreover, the comparison of the invariance analysis showed non-practical differences between the unconstrained model and the constrained model, supporting the stability of the model over time. In relation to the second aim, the hypothesized model in Time 2 controlling for Time 1 values showed that changes in children’s actual MC positively predicted changes in their perceived MC (p < .001), which in turn, predicted changes in their autonomous motivation (p < .001), and PA (p < .001) at Time 2. Based on these findings Physical Education teachers are recommended to foster children’s actual and perceived MC as well as their autonomous motivation over time in order to promote PA strategies for lifelong health.

Actual and Perceived Motor Competence, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Physical Activity, and Weight Status in Schoolchildren: Latent Profile and Transition Analyses

Engagement in physical activity plays a central role in the prevention and treatment of childhood overweight/obesity. However, some children may lack the skills and confidence to be physically active. This 3-year follow-up study aimed to form profiles based on cardiorespiratory fitness, actual motor competence, perceived motor competence, physical activity, and weight status, and to examine if these profiles remain stable from late childhood to early adolescence. All these variables were annually assessed in 1,162 Finnish schoolchildren (girls = 583 and boys = 564, Mage = 11.27 ± 0.32 years). Latent profile analysis was used to identify profiles and latent transition analysis to examine the stability of latent statuses. Three profiles were identified: normal weight with high movement, normal weight with low movement, and overweight–obese with low movement. Profile memberships remained relatively stable over time, indicating that children with low actual and perceived motor competence, cardiorespiratory fitness, and physical activity in late childhood also tended to exhibit these characteristics in early adolescence.

Developmental associations of actual motor competence and perceived physical competence with health-related fitness in schoolchildren over a four-year follow-up

The developmental associations between actual motor competence (MC), perceived physical competence (PC), and health-related fitness (HRF) in schoolchildren were investigated over a four-year period. Participants were 1147 (girls 582, boys 565) schoolchildren aged between 11 and 13 years (M = 11.27 ± 0.33 years) in the beginning of the study. Data were collected at five time points in 2017–2021. MC was measured with three product-oriented (i.e., outcome of the movement) motor competence skill tests: side-to-side jump, five-leaps, and throw-catch. PC was assessed with the Physical Self-Perception Profile. HRF was assessed with the 20m shuttle run, curl-up, and push-up tests. The random intercept cross-lagged panel model with birth month and sex as covariates, was tested using repeated measures (within level) and PC, MC, and HRF levels (between level). The key findings were: 1) PC, MC, and HRF levels were reciprocally associated over time; 2) repeated measures of HRF at each time point were positively associated with PC and MC one year later; 3) PC decreased, MC increased, and HRF remained stable over time; and 4) MC was more important than PC in explaining the variability in HRF levels and repeated measures. The positive reciprocal associations of MC, PC, and HRF from late childhood to early adolescence found in this study are important as they indicate that to support HRF in schoolchildren, both MC and PC can be promoted through investment in MC exercises.

Longitudinal association of movement behaviour and motor competence in childhood: A structural equation model, compositional, and isotemporal substitution analysis

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to analyse the association between physical activity and motor competence in primary school children using traditional and compositional data analysis approaches over time (time 1 and time 2). DesignA longitudinal observational design was used to study 124 typically developed children (45.2% girls), 5–10 years old at baseline. MethodsChildren's objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behaviour, actual and perceived motor competence were assessed at two time points, one year apart. Longitudinal association of movement behaviors with actual and perceived motor competence, in locomotion, ball skills and overall motor competence was explored using structural equation models, compositional analysis, and isotemporal substitution. ResultsWhen adjusted for sex, age, and body mass index, structural equation models and the composition consistently predicted actual and perceived motor competence at time 1 and time 2 (p < 0.01). Reallocation of 10 min from sedentary to light, or to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, was associated with changes in actual motor competence, which was consistent from time 1 to time 2. Additionally, regarding self-perception, in time 1, isotemporal substitution of sedentary to light physical activity was the only reallocation associated with increases in perceived motor competence. In time 2, however, such positive associations were only found when reallocating time from sedentary or light to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. ConclusionsAchieving adequate levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, at the expense of sedentary and light physical activity, is associated with increases of actual and perceived motor competence over time.

The role of motivation in the conceptual model of motor development in childhood

The aim of this study was twofold: first, to investigate whether perceived motor competence (PMC) mediates the relation between actual motor competence (AMC) and physical activity (PA) according to the conceptual model of motor development, and second to examine the role of different motivational regulations (i.e., intrinsic, identified, introjected, and external regulation) in the relationship between PMC and PA. A sample of 504 Spanish students (46.2% girls, 8–12 years old) voluntarily participated in this study. In relation to the first aim, structural equation modeling revealed that PMC indeed mediates the association between AMC and PA. In relation to the second aim, positive associations between AMC and PMC (β = 0.32, p < .001), which in turn was positively related to intrinsic and identified regulations (β = 0.46 and β = 0.43 respectively, p < .001), were found. The model showed direct paths from intrinsic and introjected regulation to PA (β = 0.27 and β = 0.22, p < .05) and indirect paths from PMC through intrinsic motivation to PA (β = 0.13, p < .05). This study confirms that intrinsic motivation mediates the association between PMC and PA. Strategies targeting to build and develop children’s AMC and PMC, and fostering children’s intrinsic motivation should be targeted to promote children’s PA engagement and motor development.

School-Age Children's Actual Motor Competence and Perceived Physical Competence: A 3-Yr Follow-up.

This study examined school-age children's actual motor competence (MC) and perceived physical competence (PC) over 3 yr along with the covariate effects of gender and body mass index (BMI). Participants were 1121 (girls 573, boys 548) children (mean age, 11.26 ± 0.32 yr) from 35 randomly selected public schools across Finland. MC was assessed using three movement tests targeting locomotor, stability, and object control skills, and PC was assessed using the sport competence subscale of the Physical Self-Perception Profile via four-phase monitoring. MC and PC remained stable over time. Of the three variables, locomotor skills showed the strongest association with PC. Lower BMI was associated with advanced MC skills and a less steep decrease in locomotor and stability skills over time. The acquisition of fundamental motor skills in childhood and early adolescence is a prerequisite for enhancing MC and PC. The contribution of locomotor skills to PC indicated that versatile lower limb strength, speed, dynamic balance, and movement skills are important for positive subjective beliefs about PC capability. Increasing the MC skills of the children in most need, particularly those with high BMI scores, merits special attention.

The Role of Cardiovascular Fitness and Perceived Motor Competence in Relationship Actual Motor Competence and Physical Activity Elementary School Students

The Role of Cardiovascular Fitness and Perceived Motor Competence in Relationship Actual Motor Competence and Physical Activity Elementary School Students