Perceived Movement Skill Competence Research Articles

Psychometric Properties of the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence for Young Norwegian Children.

The objective of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence (PMSC) for young Norwegian children, a scale that is aligned with skills assessed in the Test of Gross Motor Development- Third Edition. We used convenience sampling to recruit 396 Norwegian-speaking children (7-10-year-olds) who completed the PMSC. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed factorial validity for the proposed three-factor model of the PMSC, encompassing measures of self-perceived ball, locomotor, and active play competence. Internal item consistency coefficients of these sub-scales were acceptable, and subsequent measurement invariant analysis found a gender difference such that boys rated their competence higher than girls in running, jumping forward, hitting a ball (racket), kicking, throwing a ball and rope climbing, while girls rated themselves higher, compared to boys, in galloping and skating/blading. Furthermore, there was a slightly better model fit for boys than for girls. Several items were significantly related to children's age, and the three-factor model exhibited differential age related factor mean differences across older and younger children. Overall, we found the PMSC to have acceptable psychometric properties for confident use in assessing perceived motor competence among 7-10-year-old Norwegian children, though we observed age and gender differences in children's responses that warrant careful interpretation of results and further research investigation.

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.

Association between parent-proxy-reported and child-self-reported perceptions of children’s motor competence and children’s performance-based motor skill abilities

Background When assessing motor skills, occupational therapists are encouraged to seek the perspectives of children and their parents to promote the delivery of client-centered care. Aim To investigate whether 9–12-year-old children’s views and their parents’ proxy views of the children’s motor skill competence and their performance on a standardized, performance-based assessment are associated. Materials and methods Thirty 9–12-year-old children completed the Perceived Motor Competence Questionnaire in Childhood (PMC-C) and the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence – version 2 (PMSC-2), while their parents completed the Movement Assessment Battery for Children–2nd Edition Checklist (MABC-2 Checklist). Children’s objective motor skills were measured by the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency–2nd Edition (BOT-2). Spearman’s rho correlations were used to analyze the data. Results Significant associations were found between the BOT-2 total motor composite and the PMC-C. A significant association was found between the MABC-2 Checklist and the BOT-2 Strength and Agility composite, as well as the PMC-C total score. Significance and conclusions Occupational therapists are encouraged to include children and their parents in the therapeutic process to capture individual perspectives and deliver client-centered care.

Sources of validity evidence in the assessment of perceived motor competence in Brazilian schoolchildren

Introduction: The judgment a child makes about his/her competence in the motor domain is known as perceived motor competence, a key element in building the child's healthy behavior; a Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence (PMSC) seems to be a suitable perceived motor competence’s assessment, but its validity needs to be evaluated. Objective: To examine the internal structure, the convergent validity, and the reproducibility of the PMSC. Methods: The sample comprised 187 Brazilian healthy schoolchildren (9.6 years ± 0.8); it was applied to the questionnaires PMSC and the Self-Perception Profile for Children scale. Results: PMSC's confirmatory factor analyses indicated adjustment indexes classified as adequate for a two-factor model; there were satisfactory reliability indices (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.654 and 0.652 for locomotion and object control sub domains, respectively); convergent validity (r=0.41 and r=0.56, p<0.001, for locomotion and object control sub domains, respectively). Conclusion: These results contribute to the accumulation of sources of evidence for the PMSC as a valid tool for perceived motor competence assessment in a local and global context.

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.

Are gender-stereotyped attitudes and beliefs in fathers and daughters associated with girls’ perceived motor competence?

ABSTRACT Background Children can internalise social and parental gender stereotypes and this may influence their perceived motor competence (PMC). This study aimed to examine the association between father and daughter gender-stereotyped attitudes/beliefs and girls’ PMC. Methods Girls (N = 68, M age   = 8.9 years, SD = 1.7) and their fathers were recruited at baseline from a physical activity intervention. Girls’ PMC was assessed using the pictorial scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence. Gender-stereotyped attitudes/beliefs of girls and fathers were assessed using the Occupation, Activity, and Trait – Attitude/Personal instrument. The girls’ questions were interviewer administered to ensure comprehension, whilst fathers completed an online survey. Correlations were calculated, followed by linear regressions adjusted for girls’ age and fathers’ education. Regression models were used to investigate associations between father-daughter gender-stereotyped attitudes/beliefs, and whether these attitudes/beliefs were associated with girls’ perceptions of their object control/locomotor, active play, and overall skill competence. Results Girls’ gender-stereotyped attitudes negatively correlated with overall PMC, r(60) =  –.36, p = .004, and object control perception, r(60) =  –.36, p = .004. These associations remained evident in linear regression analysis. No other associations were found. Conclusions Girls with more gender-stereotyped attitudes have lower motor skill perceptions, which may impact negatively on physical activity and sport participation. Future interventions aimed at reducing sociocultural gender stereotypes in children may improve girls’ motor skill perception and positively impact physical activity.

Psychometric Properties of the French Version of the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence for Young Children (PMSC)

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of a French version of the pictorial scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence for Young Children (PMSC), which is aligned with the third version of the Test of Gross Motor Development. MethodA sample of 219 French-speaking Canadian children (5 to 12 years old) participated in this study. ResultsResults supported the factor validity and reliability of a 13-item version of the PMSC encompassing two factors (i.e., ball skills and locomotor skills). Subsequent analyses supported the weak, partial strong, and partial strict invariance of responses to the PMSC as a function of sex. Additionally, analyses revealed that boys displayed significantly higher perceived ball skill competence than girls. Results also supported a lack of differential item functioning (DIF) and latent mean differences as a function of body mass index and physical activity/sport involvement, but revealed evidence of DIF and latent mean differences as a function of age. More precisely, these results show that older children displayed significantly: (a) higher scores on the sliding item and lower scores on the kicking item relative to younger children; and (b) lower scores on perceived locomotor skills competence than younger children. ConclusionOverall, results suggest that the French version of the PMSC has acceptable psychometric properties and can be confidently used in research or practice to assess children's perceived movement skill competence.

Is there an association between daughters’/fathers’ gender-stereotyped beliefs and girls’ perceived movement skill competence?

Background: Girls have lower perceived movement skill competence (PMSC) than boys, and this can negatively affect their physical activity participation. Fathers play a significant role in shaping their children’s attitudes and behaviours towards physical activity. Fathers with stereotypical gender schemas may induce similar schemas in their children. The aim was to examine if there was an association between girls’ PMSC and fathers’/daughter’s gender-stereotyped attitudes and beliefs.

What factors relate to three profiles of perception of motor competence in young children?

ABSTRACT The study aims were to 1) examine profiles of perception of motor competence (PMC) in relation to actual motor competence (AMC), i.e. under-estimators (UEs), realistic estimators (REs) and over-estimators (OEs) and 2) investigate associations between the profiles and selected socioecological factors at the individual, family and environmental levels. PMC (Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence) and AMC (Test of Gross Motor Development-Third Edition) were administered to a representative sample of children from 37 childcare centres in Finland (n=441;6.2±0.6yrs;52% boys). Socioecological factors were investigated using a parental questionnaire. The three profiles were formed based on age- and gender-adjusted PMC and AMC z-scores. Multinomial logistic regression showed that OEs (n=81; p=0.04) tended to be younger than REs (n=306; p=0.04) and UEs (n=54; p=0.03). Parents of OEs reported more child health and developmental issues than parents of REs (p=0.03). Parents of UEs self-reported providing more support for physical activity than parents’ of REs (p=0.04). REs tended to live in denser population areas than UEs (n=54; p=0.03). Whilst PMC profiles revealed some socioecological differences, future research needs to focus on a broader range of potential correlates and untangle methodological analyses challenges to deepen the knowledge about PMC development in children.

Relationship Between Actual and Perceived Locomotor and Ball Skills Competence Among Children: A Person–Centered Approach

ABSTRACT This study examined whether profiles varying in actual and perceived locomotor and ball skill competencies would be identified and whether these profiles would differ in relation to children’s characteristics. Participants were 127 (70 boys; 57 girls) French-speaking Canadian children (5–11 years). Actual and perceived motor competencies were, respectively, measured using the Test of Gross Motor Development – Third version and the pictorial scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence. Latent profile analyses revealed four profiles: (1) Non-Alignment: Devaluation (children underestimated their slightly below average competencies; 17.9%); (2) Non-Alignment: Overestimation (children overestimated their slightly below average competencies; 24.7%); (3) Non-Alignment: Underestimation (children slightly underestimated their above average competencies; 24.9%); (4) Alignment: Low Competence (children displayed accurate but slightly below average competencies; 32.5%). Girls were more likely to correspond to profiles 1 and 4, older children and children more frequently involved in physical activity/sport practice were more likely to correspond to profile 3, and younger children were more likely to correspond to profile 2. These results emphasise the importance of considering the alignment between perceived and actual motor competencies. They also indicate that age and physical activity/sport practice were associated with higher competencies, whereas girls and younger children were associated with lower competencies.

Pictorial Scale of Physical Self-Concept for Brazilian Children: Validity and Reliability

This study aimed to translate the Pictorial Scale of Physical Self-Concept for Brazilian Children (PSPPS-BR) into the Brazilian-Portuguese language, conduct a transcultural adaptation of it, and investigate its validity.Method: The authors adopted the reverse translation procedures to obtain the PSPPS-BR’s Brazilian-Portuguese version. Three motor behavior experts assessed the scale items’ clarity and pertinence. Ten professionals participated in the face validity study. Children (N = 300; 150 girls and 150 boys; 8–10 years old;Mage = 9.0,SD = 0.81) were randomly selected from six schools in Brazil and assessed using the PSPPS-BR, the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence, and the Self-Perception Profile for Children. The children (N = 100) were reassessed for test–retest reliability.Results: High clarity and pertinence agreement among experts (content validity coefficient from 98.4% to 100%; Gwet’s agreement coefficient from .85 to 1.00,p < .001) and among professionals (content validity coefficient clarity: 83–100%, relevance: 90–100%) were obtained. The confirmatory factorial analysis showed adequate model fits (root mean square error of approximation = .067; comparative fit index = .968; Tukey–Lewis index = .949). Polychoric correlations showed an adequate internal consistency for total scale (α = .78) and items (alpha from .73 to .78). The intraclass coefficient correlation shown strong test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient > .95).Conclusion: The PSPPS-BR showed adequate validity and reliability for Brazilian children.

Dose response effects of the BWF Shuttle Time Programme on children’s actual and perceived fundamental movement skill competence

This study examined dose-response effects of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Shuttle Time programme on fundamental movement skills (FMS) and perceived FMS competence in 6–9-year olds. Children (n = 158, 83 boys, 75 girls, Mean ±  SD age = 7.6 ± .97) were randomly allocated into three conditions: Shuttle Time 2Xweek; Shuttle Time 1Xweek; 3) control (CON) group. The intervention groups undertook the BWF Shuttle Time programme over a 10-week period in place of both or one of their statutory Physical Education lessons. FMS was assessed from the Test of Gross Motor Development 2. Perceived competence was assessed via the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence. Assessments were undertaken pre, post and 10 weeks post intervention. For FMS, a significant time X group interaction (P = .001) was evident. There was no significant difference in FMS between groups at pre (P > .05). Post intervention there were significant differences in FMS between 2X week and 1XWeek (P = .007), 2Xweek and control (P = .0001) and 1X Week and control (P = .007). From post to 10-weeks post there were significant improvements in FMS (P = .001) for the 2X week group. A significant time X group interaction (P = .0001) also indicated that perceived competence increased significantly pre to post for 1Xweek and 2Xweek groups, but not CON groups and was maintained at 10 weeks post (all P = .001).

The Validity and Reliability of Scales to Measure Perceived Movement Skill Competence in Iranian Young Children

The aim of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Perceived Movement Skill Competence scales for Iranian children. In particular, the scales aligned with the second and third versions of the Test of Gross Motor Development and the active play skills. The total sample was 314 children aged 4–8 years (Mage = 6.1 years,SD = 1.1). From this, a random sample of 74 were recruited for face validity. The data from the remaining 240 children were used to establish construct validity using Bayesian Structural Equation Modeling. The data from a second random subsample of 126 children were used to investigate Perceived Movement Skill Competence reliability using ordinal alpha coefficients and intraclass correlations coefficients. The majority of children correctly identified the skills and understood most of the pictures. Internal consistency was very good (from 0.81 to 0.95) for all scales and subscales. Test–retest reliability was excellent with intraclass correlation coefficient values above .85. For construct validity, the initial hypothesized models for three-factor (i.e., locomotor, object control, and play skills) and two-factor (i.e., locomotor and object control) models showed a reasonable fit. The pictorial scales for Perceived Movement Skill Competence are valid and reliable for Iranian young children.

Physical ACTivity in Survivorship (PACTS): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial evaluating a goal-directed therapeutic exercise program in pediatric posterior fossa brain tumor survivors

BackgroundPosterior fossa brain tumors (PFBT) are the most common solid tumor in children. Recent increases in survival rates are encouraging; however, survivors may experience a plethora of disease- and treatment-related complications that can persist into adulthood. Therapeutic exercise interventions have been shown to improve quality of survivorship in other pediatric cancer diagnoses. There is also evidence that goal-directed interventions are effective at improving motor activities, function, and self-care in children with complex health conditions. Yet, there is currently no evidence on the efficacy of goal-directed therapeutic exercise in pediatric PFBT survivors. The Physical ACTivity in Survivorship (PACTS) study aims to investigate the effects of a novel goal-directed therapeutic exercise program on cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity-related goal attainment in pediatric survivors of PFBT.MethodPFBT survivors, aged five to 17 years, who underwent surgery at least 12 months earlier and completed radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy at least 6 months prior will be recruited from the Queensland Children’s Hospital (Brisbane, Australia) (target n = 48). Following baseline assessment, participants are randomized into either the intervention or usual care group. The intervention group will receive weekly individualized, goal-directed exercise therapy delivered face-to-face for 12 weeks, along with an accompanying home-based program (three sessions per week). Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at 6- and 12-months post-intervention. The primary outcomes are cardiorespiratory fitness (Peak VO2) and physical activity-related goal attainment. Secondary outcomes are cardiorespiratory endurance, high-level mobility skills, functional muscle strength, habitual physical activity, gait, balance, quality of life, fatigue, participation, perceived movement skill competence and parameters of body composition.DiscussionPACTS is the first study to investigate the efficacy of goal-directed therapeutic exercise in children with PFBT and provide evidence needed to inform clinical practice recommendations for managing quality of survivorship in PFBT survivors.Trial registrationACTRN12619000841178.

Perceived movement skill competence in stability: Validity and reliability of a pictorial scale in early adolescents.

Perceived motor competence (PMC) is important to health as it mediates the association between actual motor competence (AMC) and physical activity. Many instruments assess the broader construct of physical self-perception but no scale has been developed to assess PMC in stability. The aim of this study was to develop and analyze the reliability and validity of a new pictorial PMC in stability skill assessment when completed by early adolescents. A Delphi method showed ≥70% of experts' consensus in the seven proposed items. A sample of 904 students (11-14years old) self-reported PMC in locomotion, object control, and stability using two pictorial scales: Perceived Movement Skill Competence (PMSC) and the newly developed Stability (PMSC_Stability). The Körperkoordinations test for Kinder (KTK) was also administered as a measure of AMC in skills that utilize stability. Two different subsamples were randomly assigned to criterion validity and reliability assessments. Spearman's correlation, confirmatory factor analysis, and a general linear model for sex and age were conducted. The internal consistency (α) and test-retest (intraclass correlation coefficient) reliability values were good (>0.70). A single-factor latent model represented stability and did not differ by sex. Stability perception was associated with AMC (rho=0.51). Stability is important to the performance of many movement skills (eg, single-leg balance or moving on a narrow surface). Understanding which adolescents have poor stability perception could highlight stability as an area that needs targeting in order to increase physical activity and sport participation.

Association between Physical Activity and Fundamental Movement Skills in Preschool-Aged Children: Does Perceived Movement Skill Competence Mediate This Relationship?

Objectives: The purpose of this research is to examine whether perceived fundamental movement skills (FMS) competence mediated the relationship between actual FMS and physical activity (PA) in Hong Kong preschool-aged children. Design: A cross−sectional study. Methods: 148 preschool-aged children (43% girls; mean age = 4.52 ± 0.67 years) from five preschools/childcare centres completed all assessments. Actual FMS was rated using the Test of Gross Motor Development−2, whilst perceived FMS was assessed via the Pictorial Scale for Perceived Movement Skill Competence. PA was measured through accelerometry. A bootstrap method was used to assess the potential mediating effect of perceived movement skill competence on the relationship between actual FMS and PA. All mediation models were adjusted for sex and age. Results: Mediation analyses showed that the direct path between actual FMS and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was significant (b = 0.228, p = 0.008), as was the path between MVPA and actual FMS (b = 0.214, p = 0.008). However, perceived FMS competence did not mediate the association between actual FMS and MVPA in the models. Conclusions: Our results showed evidence of reciprocal pathways between actual FMS and MVPA, reinforcing the need to simultaneously target both domains as part of broader developmental strategies, initiated in early childhood. Unlike emergent adolescence, perceptions of movement skill competence do not play a significant role in influencing the relationship between actual FMS proficiency and MVPA in this developmental period.

Examining early adolescents’ motivation for physical education: associations with actual and perceived motor competence

ABSTRACT Background: The dynamic nature of physical education (PE) requires careful consideration of lesson planning and delivery in order to promote health and wellbeing and to achieve various learning goals. One such goal is promoting personal and social development to support students to value and lead a healthy and active lifestyle, especially during transition into adolescence. In order to design learning environments that support students’ engagement in PE, it is important to understand how outcomes such as motor competence (MC) influence motivation for PE. There are two approaches to understand MC, actual and perceived MC, and both have implications for healthy lifestyles in childhood and adolescence. Therefore, this study examined associations of actual and perceived MC with young adolescents’ motivation for PE. Method: A sample of 236 students 11–14 years of age (M = 13.01, SD = .72) participated in the study. Assessments included actual MC (Körperkoordinations test for Kinder; KTK), perceived MC (self-administered form of the pictorial scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence; PMSC) and motivation for PE (Perceived Locus of Causality Scale; PLOC). Polynomial regression with Response Surface Analyses were conducted to examine the influence of actual and perceived MC on motivation for PE. Findings: The results showed weak-to-moderate positive associations of actual and perceived MC with students’ motivation for PE. Perceived MC explained about 12% of the variance of student’s self-determined motivation towards PE. This effect was larger in students with lower levels of perceived MC compared to students with higher levels of perceived MC. Discussion: Taking into account that both actual and perceived MC are synergistically related but only perceived MC explains self-determined motivation, our results suggest that perceived MC is an important factor to consider when attempting to promote an active and healthy lifestyle. Using the developmental model of motor competence [Stodden et al. 2008. “A Developmental Perspective on the Role of Motor Skill Competence in Physical Activity: An Emergent Relationship.” Quest 60 (2): 290–306] and self-determination theory [Deci and Ryan 2000. “The “What” and “Why” of Goal Pursuits: Human Needs and the Self-Determination of Behavior.” Psychological Inquiry 11 (4): 227–268. doi:10.1207/S15327965PLI1104_01], we discuss the findings in relation to the importance of considering perceived MC as an explicit outcome in the PE curriculum. Conclusion: During early adolescence, PE programs should not only focus on teaching movement skills but also fostering perceived MC in order to promote motivation for PE, especially among students with lower levels of self-perception. For this, pedagogical approaches such as need supportive teaching derived from self-determination theory can be used to help students become competent, confident and motivated movers.

Effect Of Traditional And Non-traditional Pre-sporting Activities On Perceived And Actual Motor Competence

Previous research has analyzed the effect of motor interventions (MI) on perceived motor competence (PMC) and actual motor competence (AMC) on children and adolescents. No research had focused on pre-sporting activities (PSA) as part of MI. PURPOSE: To analyze the effect of traditional and non-traditional PSA on PMC skills (perceived locomotion [PL], perceived object control [POC], perceived gross motor [PGM], and global PMC [GPMC]) and AMC skills (locomotion [L], object control [OC], gross motor [GM]) on elementary boys and girls. METHODS: 72 children from fourth grade of elementary school (mean age 9.6 ± 0.6 yrs. old) had their parents’ authorization and volunteered to participate in the study. Four treatments were randomly assigned to four intact classes: traditional PSA (T), non-traditional PSA (NT), combined PSA (C), and control group (CG). The intervention consisted of 7 sessions of 80 minutes each, once per week. T group (n=18) received track and field and gymnastics PSA; NT group (n=21) received goalball and field hockey PSA; C group (n=15) received PSA of the four sports, and CG (n=18) had no physical education. PMC was assessed with the Pictorial Scale for Perceived Movement Skill Competence for Young Children; while AMC was assessed with the Test of Gross Motor Development-2. RESULTS: A two-way ANOVA (groups by measurements) showed no significant results for POC (M±SD values for pretest [T: 3.3±0.4, NT: 3.3±0.5, C: 2.99±0.6, CG: 3.1±0.4] and posttest [T: 3.3±0.5, NT: 3.2±0.5, C: 3.2±0.4, CG:3.2±0.4]) nor PGM (M±SD values for pretest [T: 3.1±0.4, NT: 3.1±0.4, C: 3.0±0.5, CG: 3.0±0.3] and posttest [T: 3.2±0.5, NT: 3.2±0.3, C: 2.99±0.4, CG: 3.1±0.3]. PL, GPMC, L, OC, and GM did not show normal distribution, therefore a one-way ANCOVA (4 groups; pretest as co-variable) was used. The ANCOVA revealed that the three experimental groups (T: 3.9±1.8, NT: 3.5±2.0, C: 4.3±2.1) had significantly higher scores at posttest than the CG (1.1±0.4) in OC. No significant differences were found between groups at posttest for L (T: 4.9±1.7, NT:4.9±1.7, C:4.4±1.9, CG:2.3±1.3), GM (T: 8.6±1.9, NT: 7.8±3.3, C: 9.0±3.3, CG: 3.5±1.4), PL (T: 3.2±0.6, NT: 3.1±0.5, C: 3.0±0.5, CG:3.2±0.4), and GPMC (T: 3.0±0.5, NT: 3.0±0.3, C:3.0±0.4, CG:3.0±0.3). CONCLUSION: Traditional and non-traditional PSA can be used to enhance OC in fourth graders.

Movement competence: Association with physical self-efficacy and physical activity

BackgroundThe purpose of this paper was to investigate whether physical self-efficacy mediates the relationship between movement competence (fundamental movement skills and perceived movement skill competence) and physical activity in children. MethodsA purposive sample of 860 children (47.7% female, 10.9 ± 1.16 years) were recruited and completed assessments for physical self-efficacy (Physical Activity Self-Efficacy Scale), fundamental movement skills (Test of Gross Motor Development-3), perceived movement skill competence (Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence), and physical activity (PACE+). A bootstrap mediation analysis was employed using movement competence as the predictor variable and physical activity as the outcome variable, and physical self-efficacy as the potential mediator of the relationship. ResultsThe results from a bootstrap mediation analysis yielded a statistically significant mediation effect for physical self-efficacy, with the entire model explaining approximately 10.3% of the variance of physical activity. The indirect effect of perceived movement skill competence through physical self-efficacy was significantly larger than the indirect effect of fundamental movement skills through physical self-efficacy. Neither sex nor age acted as a covariate. ConclusionMovement competence (fundamental movement skills and perceived movement skill competence) acts as a source of information for children's physical self-efficacy, moreover physical self-efficacy mediates the movement competence – PA relationship. Findings highlight the need for interventions to target and improve movement competence as a whole for children.

Are children with higher self-reported wellbeing and perceived motor competence more physically active? A longitudinal study

ObjectivesSelf-perceptions such as perceived motor competence and psychosocial wellbeing have been identified as important to children’s physical activity. The study’s purpose was to explore whether perceived motor competence and psychosocial wellbeing were determinants of physical activity, one year after a baseline assessment. DesignLongitudinal study. MethodsA total of 134 children (65.7% boys, 34.3% girls) aged 6–7 years at baseline (2016), and 7–8 years at follow-up (2017) were included in this study. Pearson’s correlations assessed associations at baseline and follow-up between moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) (accelerometers) and (i) total perceived motor competence and subdomains (the pictorial scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence) and (ii) psychosocial wellbeing and sub-domains — KidKINDL KINDer Lebensqualitätsfragebogen: Children Quality of Life Questionnaire (KINDLR). Variables identified as significant in Pearson’s correlations were included in mixed model analyses, adjusting for accelerometer wear time, sex and age. ResultsBaseline perceived object control skills was associated with MVPA at follow-up (r=0.38, p<0.001), but perceived locomotor skills were not. Self-esteem was the only subdomain of psychosocial wellbeing that demonstrated significant association with MVPA at baseline (r=0.21, p<0.05). Perceived object control (B=1.36, p=0.019, 95% CI [0.23, 2.50]) and self-esteem (B=0.32, p=0.001, 95% CI [0.13, 0.50]) positively predicted MVPA; albeit with small effects. ConclusionsFocusing on improving children’s perceived object control and self-reported self-esteem may contribute to children’s physical activity participation.