Levels Of Motor Competence Research Articles

Individual and combined impact of physical fitness on health-related quality of life during adolescence: DADOS Study

ABSTRACT The purpose of the present study was to investigate the individual and combined impact of physical fitness components at baseline on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at 24-month follow-up in adolescents. This longitudinal research included 199 adolescents (13.9 ± 0.3 years at baseline) from the DADOS study. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed using the 20-m shuttle run test. Muscular strength was assessed using the standing broad jump test. Motor competence was assessed using the 4 × 10-m shuttle run test. A physical fitness z-score was calculated as the mean of the z-scores values of each fitness test. A fitness index ranging from 0 to 3 was created according to the number of physical fitness components in which participants achieved high levels according to normative values. HRQoL was evaluated by the KIDSCREEN-10 questionnaire. Linear regression analyses showed that cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and the physical fitness z-score at baseline were individually associated with HRQoL at follow-up (β ranging from 0.123 to 0.183; all p < 0.05). Moreover, logistic regression analysis revealed that adolescents with a fitness index ≥1 at baseline were more likely to achieve high HRQoL at 24-month follow-up, compared with their peers with an index of 0 (OR ranging from 3.554 to 9.087; all p < 0.05). Our results revealed an individual and cumulative positive impact of physical fitness at baseline on HRQoL at 24-month follow-up. These findings underline the key role of promoting the enhancement of overall physical fitness components in order to improve adolescents’ health and well-being. Highlights Adolescents with high levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and motor competence will benefit from a greater physical and mental well-being over the time. The more physical fitness components with optimal levels, the greater likelihood of reaching better HRQoL over the time. Public health authorities should focus on the promotion of multiple physical fitness components to increase adolescent’s likelihood of achieving greater HRQoL over the time.

There Is an Inverse Correlation between Basic Motor Skills and Overweight in Schoolchildren Aged 8 to 12.

In the last three decades, childhood obesity has become a 21st century epidemic, a product of social development. The purpose of this study was to analyze the repercussions that overweight and obesity have for the basic motor skills of a group of children in primary school, as well as their interrelations. We analyzed a sample of 287 students from Spain, aged between 8 and 12 years. Anthropometric data were taken to determine their Body Mass Index (BMI). A scale of assessment of basic motor skills was used to evaluate their motor skills. The BMI data revealed that 11% of this sample was considered obese, and 26% was overweight. Children showed higher competence in locomotor skills than in object control and turn and rolling skills, for which motor competence levels were lower. Likewise, there was an inverse relationship between BMI and basic motor skills; children with obesity had the lowest levels of motor skills, and there was a significant difference regarding non-obese children (p ≤ 0.05). These results showed that overweight and obese children have lower basic motor skills, which can lead to the abandonment of physical activity and the preference for other activities that reinforce a sedentary lifestyle.

Motor competence assessment in physical education – convergent validity between fundamental movement skills and functional movement assessments in adolescence

ABSTRACT Background The meaningful assessment of motor competence is well positioned for school-based curricular emphasis, through the integration of motor skills and movement patterns in both primary, and second level school physical education. Aligned with the growing interest in holistic motor competence assessment in physical education, the aim of this study was to assess the convergent validity between fundamental movement skills and functional movement assessments in a large cohort of adolescent youth. Method A sample of 583 adolescents, aged between 12 and 16 years old participated in the study. Ten fundamental movement skills were assessed in line with the behavioural components from the Test of Gross Motor Development, and the Get Skilled Get Active resource. Seven specific functional movements were also assessed, using the existing protocol from the widely established Functional Movement Screen. All data were analysed using Bayesian procedures, in which the Bayes factors provided information about the probability of a hypothesis being true. Findings The results indicate that it is very probable (BF10 > 10,000:1) that boys show higher actual motor competence levels in the object control subset of fundamental movement skills, when compared to girls. Moreover, a positive association between the total scores of the Functional Movement Screen and the locomotion subset of fundamental movement skills was found to be very probable (BF10 = 7.737). Discussion This study provides evidence of convergent validity between functional movement and fundamental movement skill assessments in adolescence. This study presents an evidence-informed rationale for physical education pedagogues to move beyond traditional perceptions of movement as being exclusively pertaining to physical skills, to a more holistic concept of motor competence comprising of both movement skills and movement patterns. Conclusion The current study broadens the assessment perspectives of motor competence within physical education, by specifically heightening physical education teachers’ awareness towards the possible complementarity of both locomotion and movement patterns in the psychomotor domain of adolescent learning in physical education.

THE EFFECT OF A GREEK TRADITIONAL DANCE PROGRAM ON THE MOTOR COMPETENCE OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

It is usual for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to demonstrate deficits in motor behavior. Participation in movement programs has been suggested to elicit improvements in their motor competence (MC) level. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of a Greek traditional dance (GTD) program on the MC of 6-14-year-old children with ASD. The study design included eight participants (two girls, six boys), who were randomly allocated into two equal-sized groups, group A (its members participated only in the regular Physical Education lessons provided by their school) and group B (its members additionally followed an 8-week GTD program of two 40-min sessions per week). Children’s MC was assessed prior and immediately after the completion of the GTD program by the Bruininks- Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2 SF). Due to study’s small sample size and participants’ heterogenous ASD characteristics, the results will be interpreted as outcomes of multiple single case studies. Overall, it was observed that the MC of all participants was considerably poor; however, members of group B made greater improvements in both the total BOT-2 point score and most item raw scores compared to those of group A, with balance and body coordination skills presenting the greater improvements. Even though the results of this study stress the positive effect of GTD on the MC of children with ASD, future studies employing wider sample sizes and/or implementing longer programs are required to further confirm its merit. &#x0D; &#x0D; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0874/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

It's Not Just What You Do but the Way You Do It: A Systematic Review of Process Evaluation of Interventions to Improve Gross Motor Competence.

Motor competence is an important predictor of health behaviours. However, levels of motor competence are low in children and adolescents. Many interventions have improved motor competence, yet intervention effects were highly variable. Potential causes of such variations are not fully understood. Process evaluation can assist with the understanding of why an intervention worked or not, but its application and reporting in motor competence interventions has received little attention. The primary aim of this review was to investigate whether process evaluations have been reported in interventions to improve motor competence and, if reported, which process evaluation measures have been used. A secondary aim was to explore the association of intervention characteristics and process evaluation findings (outcomes of process evaluation measures) with intervention outcomes, in a search for what process evaluation measures may impact on intervention functioning and outcomes. The process of conducting and reporting this review adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019124412). A systematic search of seven electronic databases (i.e. MEDLINE [via EBSCOhost], Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [CENTRAL], CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, Education Database, SPORTDiscus and Scopus) was conducted with no date restrictions. Eligibility criteria included the following: (1) a study sample of typically developing children and adolescents aged 5-18years, (2) an intervention aimed to improve motor competence, (3) an intervention included a control group, (4) a report of motor competence outcome at both pre- and post-intervention. Only original articles published in English in peer-reviewed journals were considered. Process evaluation measures and findings were extracted using the UK Medical Research Council's process evaluation framework in order to provide overarching descriptions on the implementation, mechanism of change and context of interventions. Univariable meta-regressions were performed to ascertain whether selected study-level covariates moderated the improvement in motor competence outcomes in interventions. The search identified 60 intervention studies. Only 30 studies (50%) reported process evaluation measures. No studies reported (or employed) theoretical frameworks to guide process evaluation. Process evaluation measures relating to implementation were most commonly reported, with the most prevalent aspect being fidelity. This was followed by reporting on measures relating to mechanism of change and context of the intervention. Meta-analysis results suggested intervention duration, dose, inclusion of process evaluation aim, provision of lesson plans, sample size and sex as potential moderators. Reporting of process evaluation measures may help build our understanding of the optimal characteristics of motor competence interventions. However, process evaluation is under-used and/or under-reported. This review serves as a call for more process evaluations and better reporting in motor competence interventions.

Exploring the importance of diversified physical activities in early childhood for later motor competence and physical activity level: a seven-year longitudinal study

BackgroundResearch indicates that childhood motor competence (MC) can predict physical activity (PA) levels later in life and it has been argued that frequently engaging in a wide diversity of physical activities will eventually improve children’s MC. However, no longitudinal or experimental studies have confirmed this theoretical rationale. The aims of this study are to explore the longitudinal associations between diversified physical activities at age six and later MC and PA (time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA) (age nine and 13). Furthermore, we explore to what extent the longitudinal association between diversified physical activity and PA is mediated by MC.MethodsLongitudinal data from the Copenhagen School Intervention Study were used for this analysis, where 704 participated (69% response rate). Diversified physical activity (self-reported), MC (The Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder battery of postural stability and locomotor skills) and PA (accelerometer) were assessed in the children at age six, age nine and age 13. A total of 654 participated in at least two of the measures and, therefore, were included in the analysis. Two structural equation models were constructed, with diversified physical activity at age six and MC and PA at age nine as predictors of PA and MC at age 13.ResultsThe data from both models demonstrated good model fit. Diversified physical activity at 6 years of age was significantly associated with physical activity and MC at age 13, when adjusting for sex, age, intervention, weight, height, and previous levels of PA and MC. Diversified physical activity at age six was also positively associated with PA and MC at age nine, which were, in turn, positively related to PA at age 13 but to a lesser degree than diversified PA at age six. The association between diversified physical activity at age six and PA at age 13 was not mediated by MC at age nine.ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that diversified physical activity at age six is important for the development of MC and PA in adolescence. Increasing the diversity of children’s daily physical activities, not only the amount and intensity, seems important for future PA behavior and thereby health promotion in a life course perspective.

Association Between Motor Competence And Cardiorespiratory Fitness With Overweight In Children

It has been observed in last years a decline in motor competence (MC) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CF) levels, followed by an increase in overweight among pediatric population. PURPOSE: To determine the association between MC and CF with overweight in children. METHODS: The sample comprised 262 schoolchildren (136 boys), aged 6-10 years (8.62 ± 1.63 years), from Santo Antônio do Grama and Viçosa cities (Minas Gerais, Brazil). To estimate the MC, the TGMD-2 test battery was used (based on motor quotient values, children were classified as "on average" or "below average"); height and body mass were measured to estimate the body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) (children were classified as "normal weight” or "overweight", based on WHO cut-points); and the CF was estimated by the 6-minute running and walking test (based on the PROESP-BR Battery, children were classified as having "good" or "low" CF). Bivariate analyses were performed between the outcome variable and each independent variable, and the Poisson regression, with robust variance was computed, having MC and CF as predictors of the model, allowing the estimation of the crude prevalence ratios (PR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS: The mean values of the variables were: MC, 74.67 ± 10.09 points; BMI, 16.92 ± 2.87 kg/m2; CF, 863.28 ± 122.75 m. Results indicated that the both independent variables were associated with overweight (p < 0.05). Furthermore, children classified as “on average” for MC have lower chances to be classified as overweight (PR = -1.24; p = 0.030); on the other hand, children classified as having a "low" CF showed higher chances to be overweight (PR = 1.21; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: So, children with adequate levels of MC tend to present an adequate BMI, while low levels of CF seem to act to increase the chances to have excess weight among pediatric population. The development of health-related physical fitness components are relevant for children health, as well as the development of MC, given that increasing the MC also increases the possibilities to children be engaged in in different physical activities, which can contribute to improve health outcomes.

Effects of an 8-Week Intervention Targeting the Veridicality of Actual and Perceived Motor Competence Among Irish Adolescents in Project FLAME.

High levels of perceived motor competence and low levels of actual motor competence in youth populations have been reported world-wide. Both perceived and actual motor competence have been deemed independent correlates of health and physical activity (PA) behavior, and past research has indicated that their alignment may be linked to more consistent PA. Moreover, there is potential for a movement-based intervention to strengthen the alignment between perceived and actual motor competence, perhaps then guiding future health, PA, and community sport engagement globally. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of an 8-week movement-based intervention on increasing the alignment (i.e., veridicality) between PMC and AMC among Irish adolescent youth. We collected data on adolescents (n = 324; females = 149; M age = 14.5, SD = 0.88 years) across six second-level schools in Ireland, including measurements of actual and perceived, motor competence at pre- and post-intervention. We observed low levels of actual in contrast to high levels of perceived motor competence. We found a small but significant veridical alignment between perceived and actual motor competence, but there was no intervention effect on alignment. Future research should prioritize a longer intervention duration that targets student learning and understanding in order to develop veridical perceptions in adolescents that might sustain their participation in PA.

Physical and emotional development of adolescents with low motor competence: Mothers’ perspectives

Background Parent support influences adolescent’s social-emotional well-being. One factor that may influence parent’s perception of support is their child’s level of motor competence. Aim The purpose of this study was to explore mothers’ experience of providing support for the health of adolescents with low motor competence physical and emotional development. Methods A phenomenological approach was used to guide this study. After initial screening, five one-on-one interviews with mothers of adolescents aged 12–16 years were conducted. Results Analysis of the interviews identified five themes of ‘supportive building blocks’, ‘building achievement and commitment,’ ‘building mechanisms for future support’ ‘building stability in relationships’ and ‘building confidence and a sense of autonomy’. Mother’s awareness of their child’s motor difficulties resulted in their active provision of alternative strategies for their child by building self-confidence and seeking support from health professionals. Conclusion Mothers were aware of their child’s inadequacies and actively sought support to help with their development. Support services that recognise low motor competence could better help mothers support their adolescent’s development. One implication arising from this study is the importance of using multi-disciplinarian teams such as occupational therapist, exercise physiologist and parents to help children with low motor competence.

Associations of fitness, motor competence, and adiposity with the indicators of physical activity intensity during different physical activities in children

We investigated the associations of peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak), ventilatory threshold (VT), muscle strength, motor competence (MC), and adiposity with the indicators of PA intensity during different physical activities used to create absolute PA intensity cut-offs among 35 children 7–11-years-of-age. V̇O2peak was defined as the highest V̇O2 achieved in the maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on a cycle ergometer, self-paced running, or running on a treadmill at 8 km/h. VT was defined from the CPET data. Peak isometric knee extensor and flexor strength was assessed by a dynamometer, MC by the Körperkoordination test für Kinder tests, and body composition by the bioelectrical impedance analysis. PA intensity was assessed using V̇O2 as a % of V̇O2reserve or V̇O2 at VT, mean amplitude deviation (MAD) measured by accelerometry, metabolic equivalent of task (MET), and muscle activity measured by textile electromyography during walking or running on a treadmill at 4, 6, and 8 km/h, playing hopscotch, walking up and down the stairs, self-paced walking, and self-paced running. Children with lower V̇O2peak, V̇O2 at VT, and MC operated at higher intensity level during given physical task than their peers with higher fitness and MC when PA intensity was expressed using relative PA intensity using V̇O2 as a % of V̇O2reserve or V̇O2 at VT (p < 0.05). MAD and METs during different tasks were not able to discriminate PA intensity between children with varying levels of physical fitness or MC. Traditionally used absolute measures of PA intensity based on accelerometry or MET underestimated PA intensity in children with lower V̇O2peak, V̇O2 at VT, and MC.

The impact of motor competence on energy expenditure during object control skill performance in children and young adults

BACKGROUND: An understanding of how motor skill performance levels relate to energy expenditure (EE) is an important, yet relatively unexplored topic that may better inform physical activity interventions. AIM: This study examined the impact of motor competence (MC) on EE during the performance of object control skills in children and young adults. METHOD: Forty-two children (Mage 8.1 years) and 40 young adults (Mage = 23.4 years) completed sessions of throwing and kicking at varying intensity intervals. Polynomial regressions with response surface analysis were conducted to analyze the impact of process- and product-oriented MC levels on EE. RESULTS: Moderate positive associations among process-oriented motor competence levels and EE were demonstrated in all trial interval conditions with stronger associations shown for shorter trial intervals. CONCLUSION: Individuals’ movement quality (process) demonstrated greater associations with EE than performance product (speed), especially with higher intensity skill practice. These results provide additional evidence of the positive impact that MC has on the health benefits of physical activity, specifically during participation in activities that inherently require repeated performance of object control skills.

Associations Between Motor Competence, Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity, and Body Mass Index Among Preschoolers Over 1 Year.

To examine the associations between motor competence (MC), moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and body mass index (BMI) changes over 1year in preschoolers. Fifty-four preschoolers (24 girls; 42.4%) aged 4-5years old from the metropolitan area of Porto, Portugal comprised the sample. Height, body mass, and BMI were calculated. MC was assessed according to the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2. MVPA was measured by accelerometry. For each participant, changes in MVPA, MC, and BMI over a year were computed. Different levels of MC were calculated; and then data were analyzed. The MVPA increased over time in all levels of MC in the follow-up. The BMI decreased over time for all levels in follow-up (P = .001). The preschoolers classified as at a high level of MC were more likely to spend more time in MVPA (in minutes) than their counterparts with low MC in follow-up. Multiple linear regression analyses, adjusted by sex and age, were fit to predict Δ% MC by Δ% MVPA and Δ% BMI. The Δ% MC was positively associated with Δ% MVPA. Increases in MC were positively associated with MVPA. Higher performance in MC increases due to time spent in MVPA. Improvement of MC in young children has potentially relevant policy implications related to MVPA and public health.

Changes in Motor Competence after a Brief Physical Education Intervention Program in 4 and 5-Year-Old Preschool Children.

Low motor competence (MC) can cause low participation in physical activities in preschool children, and together with a high caloric intake, it can lead to obesity. Interventions on motor skills are effective in the short term to improve MC, therefore the objectives of this study were (1) to investigate the effect of a short six-week program on levels of motor competence in preschool children, and (2) to examine the effects of gender-based intervention. A total of 156 preschool children (5.20 ± 0.54 years old) from Lugo (Spain) participated. A quasi-experimental pre–post-test design was used with a control group of 76 students. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children—2nd Edition (MABC-2) was used to collect the data. Significant differences between the control and experimental groups were found after the intervention program in aiming and catching (p < 0.001), balance (p < 0.001), the total score of eight tests (p < 0.001), and total percentile score (p < 0.001). The results regarding gender in the experimental group showed a reduction in differences with respect to the initial results except in aiming and catching, where scores were higher in boys. The data suggest that the application of specific intervention programs in MC could positively influence the improvement of MC in preschool children, thus reducing differences between genders.

Do Adolescents with Low Motor Competence Have Increased Risk for Overweight and Obesity?

Background: Adolescence is an important time for establishing behavioral patterns which favorably affect health, including weight status. Yet, the prevalence of adolescent overweight/obesity is high, and it is unknown whether low levels of motor competence are a risk factor. The purpose of this study was to assess whether adolescents with low motor competence are at increased risk of overweight/obesity. Methods: A total of 142 adolescents (47.2% boys) aged 12-14 years were recruited from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Motor competence level was assessed using the Körperkoordinationtest fur kinder (KTK) and classified in two categories: "low" and "adequate." BMI measures were used to classify weight status as "healthy" or "overweight/obese." The correlation between motor competence level and BMI was tested. A binary logistic regression model was executed adjusting for potential confounders (age, sex, and stature). Results: Motor competence was moderately associated with BMI (r = -0.573, p < 0.001). Nearly four in five adolescents with low motor competence were overweight/obese. Further, adolescents with low motor competence had a risk six times higher of being overweight/obese (odds ratio = 6.832, p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval = 2.477-18.845). Conclusions: This study showed that a low level of motor competence is linked to the odds of being overweight/obese in adolescents. This is a concern given the high prevalence of low motor competence in youth worldwide. However, our cross-sectional design does not allow the determination of causal mechanisms. Regardless, we reinforce the recommendation that young people should establish behavioral patterns favorable to adolescent health, including adequate levels of motor competence.

How Important is Motor Competence for Healthy Weight Status across Adolescence?

Background: Although evidence supports that motor competence is negatively associated with adiposity levels in children, less is known about how motor competence and weight status relate in adolescence. Adolescence is a critical period to study this relationship because the associations between these elements are expected to strengthen over developmental time. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between motor competence and weight status across adolescence. Methods: A longitudinal study (2-year follow-up) was conducted with 122 participants (59.8% girls) aged 12-13 years at baseline. They were assessed annually at three time points. Body fatness, motor competence, physical activity, and musculoskeletal fitness levels were determined through skinfold thickness, Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK), Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C), and sit-up tests. Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) models were conducted adjusting for potential confounders (age, gender, anthropometry, physical activity, and fitness). Results: Motor competence and body fat showed moderate-to-high negative correlations (r = -0.65 to -0.69, p < 0.001) across time. Furthermore, motor competence significantly predicted body fat over time (B = -0.05, p = 0.05), even after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusions: There is a lot of emphasis in the literature on increasing physical activity to maintain a healthy weight status or to prevent unhealthy weight gain, but this study has highlighted the role of motor competence on these aspects across the critical period of adolescence. Therefore, it seems plausible to recommend initiatives that foster the development of motor competence in early adolescence with the aim to prevent obesity.

Effects of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Portuguese Children's Motor Competence.

During long periods without school, children are more susceptible to unhealthy behaviors, such as an increase in sedentary behaviors, which has a negative impact on children’s motor competence (MC). The COVID-19 lockdown offered us a unique opportunity to test, in a quasi-experimental setting, the impact of lockdown movement restrictions on children’s MC. We assessed the motor competence of 114 children aged 6–9 years using the motor competence assessment. All children were tested before and after the COVID-19 lockdown. Chi-square and 2 × 2 ANOVA (sex by moment) were used to further analyze the data. Regardless of sex, motor performances in all tests (except for jumping sideways in boys) were lower when compared with performances before lockdown. There was a marked decreasing trend in children’s levels of MC, shifting from an upper to a lower quartile in different tests. The results after the lockdown were always significantly inferior to the results before lockdown in all motor tests (except jumping sideways), in the three components of MC, and in global MC. Children’s global MC score decreased by an average of 13 points in boys and 16 points in girls. The imposed movement restrictions had a negative effect on children’s motor competence development.

Content/face validity of motor skill perception questionnaires for youth with visual impairments: A Delphi method

Youth with visual impairments (VIs) tend to have lower levels of motor competence and physical activity with increased sedentary behavior and risk of obesity when compared to their peers without VIs. Knowing the influence that motor competence plays on physical activity behaviors in childhood, it is important to identify factors, such as self and others’ perceptions, that may be supporting/inhibiting motor competence levels for youth with VIs. To rigorously examine self-perceptions, parents’ perceptions, and metaperceptions, it is important to have instruments with appropriate content and face validity. Therefore, the purpose of this Delphi study was to determine the content/face validity of the self-perception, parents’ perception, and metaperception questionnaires for youth with VIs. Participants ( N = 13, male = 2; female = 11) included experts from four categories: (1) teachers directly working with students with VIs in schools (teachers of the visually impaired [TVI], orientation and mobility specialists [O and M], adapted and general physical educators [ n = 6]); (2) researchers who publish studies in the field of physical education, motor behavior, or VIs ( n = 3); (3) parents of children with VIs ( n = 2); and (4) individuals with documented VIs ( n = 2). After two rounds of completing the Delphi procedure, results showed means above 4.0 out of 5.0 for all three questionnaires. The panel of experts deemed the content/face validity of the instruments acceptable.

Motor Difficulties in Elementary School and Its Relationship with Extracurricular Sport Activities

Motor difficulties have prevalence between 5% and 18% in children aged between 4 and 11 years old depending on the measuring instruments. These children do not enjoy with the PE lessons neither with other extracurricular sport activities, so that they do not receive the numerous physical health benefits from this practice. However, the aim of the study was to determine how children performing other sport activities could reach higher levels of motor competence. 138 school children were observed, and the MABC-2 checklist was completed per each. At the same time, a socio-sport questionnaire was filled. Results showed how those children older and performing more extracurricular sport activities had a better motor performance in the way of the previous research showing how the practice could help to improve in the motor competence regardless of the original motor level.

10-13 Yaş Arası Çocuklarda Motor Yeterlik ve Beden Kitle İndeksi Arasındaki İlişki

Objective: The purposes of this study were to examine the association between motor competence (MC) and body mass index (BMI) in children aged 10-13 and to determine gender-related differences in motor competence. Material and Methods: Participants were male (n=59) and female (n=44) children between the ages of 10 and 13 (12.1±1.2 years). Body height and weight were measured and BMI was calculated as dividing the body weight by the square of the body height. 'Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK)' was used to assess the MC of the participants. The KTK includes four subtests; walking backward, hopping on one leg, jumping sideways, and moving sideways. The raw scores for each subset were converted to the age- and genderspecific motor quotient. The sum of four items was used to calculate the total KTK motor quotient scores. Finally, the total KTK motor quotient scores were utilized to classify the MC levels of children. Results: The results of the study indicated that 33% of participants performed below the normal level in motor competence. Further, there were no significant (p>0.05) differences between boys and girls in terms of anthropometric characteristics and the total KTK motor quotient scores. Regardless of gender, results revealed that MC was significantly (p=0.001) and negatively associated with BMI. Conclusion: Based on these findings, it may be stated that increasing BMI has a negative effect on MC in children aged 10-13.

Perceived Motor Competence Mediates the Relationship Between Gross Motor Skills and Physical Activity in Youth With Visual Impairments

ABSTRACT Children with visual impairments typically demonstrate lower levels of motor competence, physical activity, and perceived motor competence compared to their peers without visual impairments. Stodden and colleagues purport that perceived motor competence mediates the relationship between motor competence and physical activity for youth without visual impairments. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test whether perceived motor competence mediates the relationship between motor competence and physical activity for youth with visual impairments. Methods: Participants (N = 138; boys = 81, girls = 57) were age 9–18 years (Mage = 13.37, SD = 2.34) with visual impairments. Participants completed the Test of Gross Motor Development-3, the Test of Perceived Physical Competence-VI, and the Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: Locomotor skills predicted perceived motor competence, which predicted physical activity. Perceived motor competence showed a mediation effect on the path from locomotor skills to physical activity. There was no significant relationship between locomotor skills and physical activity. Conclusion: The results from this study provide initial evidence to support the hypothesis proposed by Stodden and colleagues. These data provide a rationale to include both perceived and actual motor competence within targeted intervention strategies to increase physical activity behaviors for youth with visual impairments. Future research should consider following participants longitudinally to test the roles of perceived and actual motor competence as factors supporting positive developmental trajectories for health.