Perceptions Of Physical Competence Research Articles

The Association of Physical Competence With Psychological Response Among Young Athletes at Time of Return to Sport After ACL Reconstruction.

The traditional index of return-to-sport (RTS) readiness after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is the achievement of physical competence criteria. Emerging research indicates that psychological response and self-perceptions of physical competence may be critical mechanisms for successful RTS among young athletes. Young athletes with higher actual physical competence (APC) and perceived physical competence (PPC) will demonstrate a more positive psychological response at the time of RTS after ACLR. Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. A total of 41 young athletes after primary ACLR completed testing within 8 weeks of medical clearance to RTS. APC was measured with isokinetic knee extension strength, single-limb crossover hop for distance, and the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. PPC was measured with the Athletic Competence subscale of the Self-Perception Profile. Criteria for APC and PPC were based on established age- and activity-relevant cutoff scores. Different constructs of psychological response were assessed with the adapted Sport Motivation Scale, Brief Resilience Scale, and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) total and subscale scores (Emotions, Confidence, and Risk Appraisal). Multiple linear regression analyses were used to determine differences in measures of psychological response based on achievement of APC and PPC, while adjusting for age and sex. Of the 41 participants, 10 (24.4%) met all criteria for APC and 22 (53.7%) met the PPC criteria. The regression models estimating the ACL-RSI score (P < .001; adjusted R2 = 0.331), ACL-RSI Emotions score (P < .001; adjusted R2 = 0.427), and ACL-RSI Risk Appraisal score (P = .013; adjusted R2 = 0.212) were statistically significant. Although APC was not associated with any measure of psychological response, meeting PPC criteria, younger age, and male sex were found to be associated with a more positive psychological readiness to RTS, but not with motivation or resilience. Meeting PPC criteria was associated with higher psychological readiness to RTS among young athletes after ACLR, while meeting APC criteria was not associated with any construct of psychological response.

The Influence of Perceptions of Competence on Motor Skills and Physical Activity in Middle Childhood: A Test of Mediation.

The mediating effect of perceptions of physical competence (PPC) on the relationship between motor competence and physical activity levels is documented in adolescence. However, it is unclear at what age this begins. In this study, we examined whether PPC mediated the relationship between moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) or sedentary behaviour and motor competence in middle childhood. The participants were 129 children (mean age = 8.3 years) from eight elementary schools. MVPA and sedentary behaviour were measured using Actigraph accelerometers, and motor competence was assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development, Second Edition. The Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance for Young Children and The Self-Perception Profile for Children were used to assess PPC. In this study, PPC did not predict either MVPA or engagement in sedentary behaviours. Further, structural equation modelling revealed that PPC did not mediate the relationship between motor competence and MVPA or between motor competence and sedentary behaviour. These results suggest that at 8 years of age, children's perceptions do not influence their participation in physical activities. It is possible that factors influencing PPC, such as peer comparisons and performance outcomes, have more impact in later childhood or adolescence. In turn, those perceptions may affect children's or adolescents' choices to opt in or out of physical activities.

Relationship between Perceived Physical Competence and Outdoor Play among Children Aged 9-12 Years-Focused Sex-Specific Differences.

Outdoor play (OP), which is considered important for children's development, is declining every year. Perceived physical competence (PPC) is a vital factor that promotes physical activity such as OP, sports clubs, etc., but the relationship between PPC and OP was unknown. The purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between PPC and OP in children and consider whether there were any sex-specific changes. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Japan with 288 children (134 girls, age: 10.6 ± 1.01 years). OP was assessed using an original self-report questionnaire. Each weekday, the children reported the time of OP and were classified as "high" if they played outside for at least an hour three times. PPC was evaluated with a self-report questionnaire developed by Okazawa et al. (1996). It has 12 questions and was assessed on a 5-point Likert scale. After adjusting for age, sex, BMI, screen time, sports club participation, and the number of friends, logistic regression analyses were carried out. Children with better PPC were significantly more likely to be classified as "high" [crude odds ratio (OR): 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00-1.08; adjusted OR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.00-1.08]. Only girls with better PPC were significantly more likely to be classified as "high" in a sex-based stratified analysis [crude OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.01-1.15, adjusted OR 1.09; 95% CI: 1.02-1.17]. Particularly among girls, OP could be promoted as a voluntary physical activity with improved PPC.

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.

The Association Between Physical Competence and Psychological Response Among Young Athletes Following ACL Reconstruction

Background:The traditional index of return to sport (RTS) readiness following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is the achievement of physical competence criteria. Emerging research indicates that psychological response and self-perceptions of physical competence may be critical for successful RTS among young athletes.Hypothesis/Purpose:The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that young athletes with higher actual and perceived physical competence will demonstrate a more positive psychological response at time of RTS after ACLR.Methods:Thirty-eight athletes (median age=16.9 years [IQR: 16.1, 18.8]) following primary ACLR completed testing within 8 weeks of medical clearance to RTS. All participants completed isokinetic knee extension strength (180°/s) and single-limb crossover hop for distance, in addition to the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Self-Perception Profile Athletic Competence, and ACL Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) questionnaires. Criteria for the achievement of actual (APC) and perceived physical competence (PPC) were operationally defined based on established age- and activity-relevant cutoff scores (Table 1). Psychological response was assessed with ACL-RSI overall score, in addition to each ACL-RSI subscale score (Emotions, Confidence, Risk Appraisal). Multiple linear regression analyses were used to determine differences in ACL-RSI scores based on achievement of APC and PPC, while adjusting for age and sex.Results:Of the 38 participants, 9 (23.7%) were able to meet all criteria for High APC, while 29 (76.3%) participants were categorized as Low APC. Twenty-one (55.3%) of the 38 participants were categorized as Very Good PPC, and 17 (44.7%) were categorized as Somewhat Good PPC. The regression model for overall ACL-RSI score was significant (F (4,33) = 5.224, p=0.002, adj. R2 = 0.313), with age explaining 26.4% of the total variance (p=0.001). In evaluating the ACL-RSI subscales, the regression model for the ACL-RSI Emotions score was significant (F(4,33) = 7.760, p<0.001, adj. R2 = 0.422), with age, sex, and PPC explaining 33.9% (p<0.001), 7.0% (p=0.04), and 7.7% (p=0.03) of the total variance, respectively. Lastly, the regression model for ACL-RSI Risk Appraisal score (F(4,33) = 3.416, p=0.019, adj. R2 = 0.207) was significant, with age and PPC explaining 10.5% (p=0.034) and 12.9% (p=0.02) of the total variance, respectively (Table 2).Conclusion:In partial accordance with our hypothesis, higher PPC, but not APC, was significantly associated with a more positive psychological response among young athletes after ACLR. Interventions to improve self-perceptions of competence may optimize psychological readiness to RTS.Table 1.Actual and Perceived Physical Competence CriteriaTable 2.Results of Standard Multiple Regression of Competence on ACL-RSI Scores

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 Psychometric Properties for the Test of Perceived Physical Competence for Youths with Visual Impairments

Introduction Limited inquiries exist for perceptions of physical competence for people with visual impairments, since there are no specific, psychometrically tested scales. The purpose of this study was to establish the psychometric properties of the Test of Perceived Physical Competence (TPPC) for individuals with visual impairments aged 9–19 years. Methods: Experts ( N = 12) provided feedback for content and face validity. Then, after assessing 179 individuals with visual impairments, McDonald’s Omega, and Confirmatory Factor Analyses were used to evaluate the internal consistency and structure. Finally, results of the TPPC were compared with the Self-Perception Profiles for Children/Adolescents for divergent validity. Results: The standardized root mean square residual result of 0.053 and the Comparative Fit Index result of 0.95 indicated acceptable fit. The percent of variation in each item explained by the factor varied from 44% (item 3) to 63% (item 6). McDonald’s Omega for the one-factor scale is 0.987, and the perceived physical competence subscale of the Self-Perception Profiles for Children and TPPC have a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.469 (95% confidence interval = 0.269–0.630). Discussion: Having a psychometrically strong scale to measure perceived physical competence of individuals with visual impairments is the first step in being able to replicate current, seminal research among this unique population. This adaptation of Harter’s perceived physical competence subscale uniquely assesses the child’s perceptions of physical competence among peers with visual impairments. This measure, coupled with the power to examine its predictive abilities, is important for children and adolescents with visual impairments, since they possess great tendencies for obesity and sedentary behavior. Implications for practitioners: If practitioners would like to change tendencies for obesity and sedentary behavior, then, they must include perceptions of physical competence as a latent construct. Now, practitioners can feel confident to do so for this highly vulnerable population.

A Longitudinal Examination of the Accuracy of Perceived Physical Competence in Middle Childhood

Children who underestimate their physical abilities have lower motivation, higher anxiety, and lack of understanding as to why they may be succeeding or struggling in sports settings, which can result in withdrawal from physical activities. Theoretically, middle childhood is a time when perceptions of physical competence (PPC) become more accurate as children develop the cognitive capacity to interpret new sources of feedback and develop a realistic sense of their physical abilities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which accuracy of PPC changed from grade 2 to grade 4. Participants were 238 boys and girls (Mage = 7.8 yrs) from eight participating elementary schools in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The Test of Gross Motor Development–Second Edition was used to assess motor skills. PPC were assessed using the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance for Young Children (for grade 2) and the Self-Perception Profile for Children (for grades 3 and 4). Results revealed that participants who underestimated or overestimated their physical competence in grade 2 saw an improvement in accuracy, and, by grade 4, had similar accuracy scores to their peers who were considered ‘accurate’ estimators. These results reinforce theory that suggests PPC become more accurate in middle childhood.

Physical Activity Experiences of Adolescent Girls Living in a Rural Community

This study explored the daily life physical activity (PA) experiences of 11 adolescent girls living in a rural community in the Northwest of the United States. This qualitative study employed visual methods to explore adolescent girls’ PA experiences in their daily lives. Specifically, this study used visual diaries and photo-elicitation interviews to capture girls’ PA experiences. Data from this study revealed two distinct PA patterns among the 11 participants: casual movers and sporty girls. Casual movers have a much less structured approach to PA. They engage in a wide variety of PA types—mostly individual forms of PA and PA geared towards recreation. They describe fun, enjoyment, and task mastery as their main motivations to be physically active. Casual movers often engage in PA with family members and are compelled to be active outdoors and in their homes or neighborhoods. In contrast, all five sporty girls belong to competitive sports teams and have a more structured PA routine. They seek performance improvement and have high perceptions of physical competence. Sporty girls value being active with their teammates and receive strong support from their families in the form of encouragement, role modeling, and financial/structural assistance. Sporty girls feel confident being active in their schools’ fields, courts, and gymnasiums, but also appreciate the outdoors environment. Findings from this study support the need for schools to increase access to PA opportunities that are not focused on skill or fitness performance, thus appealing to casual movers’ approach to physical movement.

Relationship Between Fundamental Motor Skill Competence, Perceived Physical Competence and Free-Play Physical Activity in Children

ABSTRACTPurpose: This study examined the extent to which fundamental motor skill competence (FMSC; locomotor and object control skill competence) and perceived physical competence (PPC) predicted physical activity levels and sedentary behaviors during free-play time at preschool. Method: A total of 72 children (girls n = 33, boys n = 39; Mage = 4.38, SD = .85 years) were recruited from two preschools. Fundamental motor skill competence was measured using the Test of Gross Motor Development − 2nd edition, and PPC was assessed using the physical competence subscale of the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance. Physical activity was measured using accelerometers. Results: Children engaged in light physical activity 19.66%, and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) 36.41%, and sedentary behaviors 43.94% of their free-play time. Since no correlation was observed in light physical activity with any variables, a hierarchical multiple linear regression was run for MVPA and sedentary behaviors. The results illustrated 38.9% of the variance in MVPA during free-play time was predicted by FMSC and PPC, after controlling for age and sex, with locomotor skill competence as a significant predictor (t= 2.98, p < .05). For sedentary behaviors, the 32.9% of the variance during free-play time was predicted by FMSC and PPC, after controlling age and sex, with locomotor skill competence as a significant predictor (t = 2.72, p < .05). Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of developing FMSC and positive PPC during early childhood to enhance physical activity engagement during free-play.

Preschool Children’s Cognition is Associated With Motor Skill Competence and Cardiovascular Fitness

PURPOSE: While the early years are a critical window for the development of a healthy lifestyle, it is the period of growth for which we know the least about evidence linking physical activity with health outcomes in this population. This cross-sectional study examined the associations among physical activity (PA), motor skill competence (MSC), perceived physical competence (PPC), cardiovascular fitness (CF), and cognition in preschool children. METHODS: Sixty-five preschool children (33 girls; 27 White, 21 Black, 10 Hispanic, 7 other; X̅age = 4.45 ± 0.46; X̅BMIpercentile = 59.05 ± 32.04) were recruited from two local elementary schools in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Children’s 3 days PA during school time included moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and steps were assessed via Actigraph Link; MSC was measured via the Test of Gross Motor Development-Second Edition; PPC was assessed via the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance; CF was assessed via a modified YMCA 3-Minute Step Test; and cognition was assessed via the computer-administered NIH Toolbox. Multiple linear regression was performed to determine the associations among outcome measures. RESULTS: Preschool children’s MVPA was not significantly related to MSC (r = 0.182, p > 0.05), PPC (r = 0.121, p > 0.05), CF (r = -0.141, p > 0.05), cognition (r = -0.095, p > 0.05), but step counts were significantly positively related to MSC (r = 0.282, p < 0.05), and preschool children’s MSC was a significant predictor of step counts [F (4, 63) = 4.65, β = 0.12, p < 0.05, R2 = 0.24] after age, gender, and BMI were adjusted. In addition, PPC was significantly positively correlated with MSC (r = 0.366, p < 0.01), and was a significant predictor of MSC [F (4, 63) = 2.66, β = 0.26, p = 0.04, R2 = 0.15]. Preschool children’s cognition was significantly positively correlated with MSC (r = 0.266, p < 0.01) and CF (r = 0.372, p < 0.01), respectively, but only CF seemed to be a significant predictor of cognition [F (2, 62) = 4.52, β = 0.35, t = 2.73, p = 0.01, R2 = 0.14]. CONCLUSIONS: The findings support the need for effective strategies that simultaneously promote motor skill competence, cardiovascular fitness, cognition, and physical activity behaviors in early childhood. Future research with larger and more diverse samples is warranted.

Learning to Take Joy and Perceive Competence in Physical Movement: Origins in Early Childhood

Perceptions of physical competence and intrinsic joy have been identified as 2 of the primary correlates and even predictors of physical activity and sedentary behavior for individuals of all ages. Developmental theories of competence motivation suggest that such self-perceptions may have their origins in the early childhood years and are formed on the basis of a whole range of social and environmental factors. However, it is likely that the primary influence during this early time period may be the attitudes, values, beliefs, and behaviors of significant adults with whom the child interacts. This paper identifies and discusses 3 ways in which important adults can exert an influence on young children’s perceptions of competence and intrinsic joy and, correspondingly, on their levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior. The paper ends with some recommendations for future research.

Physical activity, motor competence, and perceived physical competence: what is their relationship in children aged 6–9 years?

PurposeThis study investigated the association between physical activity (PA), motor competence (MC), and perceived physical competence (PPC) in 56 boys and 65 girls aged 6–9 years.MethodsPA was recorded by Omron HJ-720IT pedometers, MC was assessed with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, second edition, and PPC was determined with the physical competence subscale of the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance for Young Children, Greek version.ResultsANCOVA (with age as a covariate) revealed that boys were significantly more active than girls. Correlations among PA, MC, and PPC were not significant in either gender.ConclusionsIt seems that between 6 and 9 years of age, the relation among PA, MC, and PPC has not been formed yet. This age range is offered for interventions targeting these factors in order for their relationship to be enhanced later in life. However, further research for the investigation of other variables that may associate with PA at this age is needed.

Longitudinal Change in the Relationship between Fundamental Motor Skills and Perceived Competence: Kindergarten to Grade 2.

As children transition from early to middle childhood, the relationship between motor skill proficiency and perceptions of physical competence should strengthen as skills improve and inflated early childhood perceptions decrease. This study examined change in motor skills and perceptions of physical competence and the relationship between those variables from kindergarten to grade 2. Participants were 250 boys and girls (Mean age = 5 years 8 months in kindergarten). Motor skills were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 and perceptions were assessed using a pictorial scale of perceived competence. Mixed-design analyses of variance revealed there was a significant increase in object-control skills and perceptions from kindergarten to grade 2, but no change in locomotor skills. In kindergarten, linear regression showed that locomotor skills and object-control skills explained 10% and 9% of the variance, respectively, in perceived competence for girls, and 7% and 11%, respectively, for boys. In grade 2, locomotor skills predicted 11% and object-control skills predicted 19% of the variance in perceptions of physical competence, but only among the boys. Furthermore, the relationship between motor skills and perceptions of physical competence strengthened for boys only from early to middle childhood. However, it seems that forces other than motor skill proficiency influenced girls’ perceptions of their abilities in grade 2.

At-risk Preschoolers’ Perceived Physical Competence and Observed Fundamental Movement Skills

PURPOSE: Children’s perceived physical competence (PPC) may be related to their fundamental movement skills (FMS). Baseline data from the Colorado LEAP study were explored to examine the relationship between at-risk preschoolers’ PPC and observed FMS. METHODS: The LEAP study was conducted in 4 preschools serving preschoolers (n=250) at high risk for obesity. The Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence for Young Children assessed preschoolers’ PPC. The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition (BOT-2) subtests for balance, running speed and agility (locomotor), upper-limb coordination (ball skills) and strength assessed children’s actual FMS. Spearman’s rho correlations were used to assess the relationships between PPC and each BOT-2 subtest. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were conducted for each of the four BOT-2 subtests to investigate the amount of variance in FMS explained by PPC (overall model controlled for age, sex, ethnicity, and BMI z-score). RESULTS: Spearman’s rho correlations showed significant correlations between PPC and FMS when data were examined separately by sex and/or ethnicity. There were significant positive correlations between PPC and ball skills for males (r=0.20, p≤0.05) and non-Hispanic preschoolers (r=0.18, p≤0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between PPC and balance in Hispanic females (r=-0.31, p≤0.05). Regression analyses showed PPC was significantly related to locomotor scores (β=.14, t=2.19, p≤.05) with the overall model accounting for 16% of the variance in locomotor scores, F(5,219)=8.43, p≤0.05. Further, PPC was significantly related to strength scores (β=.12, t=1.97, p≤0.05) with the overall model accounting for 20% of the variance in strength scores, F(5,216)=10.48, p≤0.05. CONCLUSIONS: The correlation between PPC and FMS in preschoolers varies by sex and ethnicity in LEAP study participants. Moreover, PPC is significantly related to locomotor and strength skills. Promoting FMS development in preschoolers could potentially influence their movement competence or confidence, thus enhancing their physical literacy and ultimately physical activity engagement.

Effects of School-Based Physical Activity Program on Students' Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity and Perceptions of Physical Competence.

The study examined the effects of school-based program on students' self-reported moderate to vigorous physical activity and physical competence, and associated links to gender, grade, body mass index, and physical education assessments. Participants were 240 middle school students (143 intervention, 97 control) from 3 small cities in North-East Finland. The intervention group received task-involving climate support in physical education classes and additional physical activities during school days across 1 year. The intervention group's physical competence increased, whereas the control group's competence remained stable across the period. However, physical activity levels were stable in both groups. The findings also showed that body mass index was negatively associated with physical competence and activity in the intervention group at the follow-up measure. Physical education assessments were positively related with only the baseline scores of physical competence in the intervention group. In contrast, the assessments had positive relationships with physical competence and activity of control group students. The present program was an effective protocol to increase student's perceptions of physical competence. Since the quantity of school physical education including recess activities cannot be dramatically increased, positive learning experiences should be provided, and thus, support perceptions of physical competence.

Exploring participant characteristics in an assessment of changes in psychosocial outcomes in a physical activity-based positive youth development programme for girls

Girls on the Run (GOTR) is an after school programme for girls in third through fifth grades which utilises a physical activity-based positive youth development (PA PYD) curriculum and culminates with training completing a 5 K run. Unfortunately, little research has explored how individual characteristics of girls are associated with changes that align with the curriculum. We conducted two studies to explore change in GOTR outcomes and how individual participant characteristics associate with these changes. Study 1 (N = 140) tested an instrument to measure physical self-worth, perceptions of physical competence, and emotional self-efficacy at pre- and post-programme and autonomy support at post-programme in a sample of 7–11-year-old participants. This study provided support for the measurement instrument in the sample of young girls and found that increases in perceived physical competence and physical self-worth were predicted by autonomy support perceptions. Study 2 (N = 249) used the same instrument and procedures with participants from all teams in the Puget Sound Council. In the second study a cluster analysis was used to identify a four-profile solution using pre-programme scores on the outcome measures (e.g. low starters, high physical self-worth, high starters, and low physical self-worth). Chi-square analyses revealed significant differences in various participant characteristics across profiles. Differences in change emerged across profiles in outcome variables, with the low starting group experiencing the greatest gains across the season. Findings demonstrated adaptive changes in participants of GOTR, especially for those participants who started with low scores on the outcomes measured.

Can a multi-modal training program help to improve physical activity, physical performance, and perceived physical ability in obese children?

Childhood obesity is of concern because it is likely to continue into adulthood and can cause chronic health problems. It can reduce quality of life and perceptions of physical competence. Therefor...

Do Perceptions of Competence Mediate The Relationship Between Fundamental Motor Skill Proficiency and Physical Activity Levels of Children in Kindergarten?

Perceptions of competence mediate the relationship between motor skill proficiency and physical activity among older children and adolescents. This study examined kindergarten children's perceptions of physical competence as a mediator of the relationship between motor skill proficiency as a predictor variable and physical activity levels as the outcome variable; and also with physical activity as a predictor and motor skill proficiency as the outcome. Participants were 116 children (mean age = 5 years 7 months, 58% boys) from 10 schools. Motor skills were measured using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 and physical activity was monitored through accelerometry. Perceptions of physical competence were measured using The Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance for Young Children, and the relationships between these variables were examined using a model of mediation. The direct path between object control skills and moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was significant and object control skills predicted perceived physical competence. However, perceived competence did not mediate the relationship between object control skills and MVPA. The significant relationship between motor proficiency and perceptions of competence did not in turn influence kindergarten children's participation in physical activity. These findings support concepts of developmental differences in the structure of the self-perception system.

Body mass index, perceived and actual physical competence: the relationship among young children

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived physical competence (PPC), actual motor competence (MC) and body mass index (BMI) in young children. We assessed MC (Test of Gross Motor Development - 2nd Edition), PPC (Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance) and BMI (CDC calculator) of 178 young children ages 4-7 years. The linear regression model for the overall sample showed that BMI was a better predictor of PPC than MC. Also, obese children had lower PPC, but showed no differences in MC compared with leaner peers. PPC of young obese children was lower than their leaner counterparts, yet their MC was similar. That outcome draws attention to the importance of promoting positive PPC in young children.