Test Of Gross Motor Development Research Articles

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

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

DOES MOTOR PROFICIENCY INFLUENCE SLEEP, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND MENTAL WELLBEING IN AUSTRALIAN CHILDREN?

INTRODUCTION Motor impairments such as poor timing, balance, sequencing, and dexterity often impact on the child’s quality of life, both physically and emotionally. Sleep and physical activity are modifiable behaviours that have a bi-directional association with mental health outcomes. However, there is very limited research on sleep in children with motor difficulties. The aim of this study is to examine if level of motor proficiency influences physical activity, sleep behaviour, and mental well-being. METHODS Children aged between 6 and 12 years attended one ∼90-minute testing session where they completed the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC; 2nd edition), the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD; 3rd edition), and a brief physical activity assessment. Questionnaire were completed by the children and parents (Adolescents Motor Competence Questionnaire (AMCQ), Short Moods and Feelings, Kids Screen, Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire, Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). RESULTS Currently, 15 children (9 males, mean age 9.2 ± 1.97 yrs) have completed the study. Preliminary results show a mean TGMD index of 104.93 ±1.97, suggesting motor skills performed to an average level. The MABC percentile rank was 56.93 ±27.05, one participant below 5th percentile (motor impairment). AMCQ mean 87.00±8.9, however four participants had perceived low motor competence. Interestingly mean sleep score suggests high sleep disturbance among the sample (CSHQ mean 42.33 ± 9.73) with 9 out of 15 participants identifying with a paediatric sleep disorder (three low motor competence and six high motor competence has a paediatric sleep disorder). CONCLUSION Results indicate some interesting findings with both high and low motor competence children demonstrating a sleep disorder. Further analysis looking at actigraph sleep data, sleep diary and physical activity collected over 7 days will be presented during the conference.

The Effect of Fundamental Motor Skill Training by “Teaching Game for Understanding” Approach on Motor and Cognitive Skills in Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Background and Aims Fundamental motor skills and attentional difficulties are observed in a large proportion of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to investigate the effect of a 4-week training fundamental movement with the approach of teaching games for understanding (TGfU) on motor and cognitive skills in children with ADHD. Methods The study was quasi-experimental, using a pretest-posttest design with a control group. A total of 18 students between the ages of 7 and 10 years (mean age: 8.05±1.10 y) were selected as the sample. In the pretest stage, participants performed the third edition of the test of gross motor development and attention networks test. The participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The training process consisted of 4 weeks (2 sessions of 60 minutes per week) with the approach of TGfU. After the intervention process, a posttest was taken. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance with repeated measurements and independent t test. Results The results of data analysis showed a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in motor skills (P=0.001), including locomotor (P<0.001), hub skills (P=0.019), and cognitive skills (P<0.001). Conclusion In general, it can be said that a 4-week training of fundamental skills with the TGfU approach can improve motor and cognitive development in ADHD children.

Process- and Product-Oriented Fundamental Movement Skills in Early Childhood as Predictors of Later Health-Related Fitness.

The skill domains of fundamental movement skills (FMS), emphasizing gross motor movements, including locomotor skills (LMS) and object control skills (OCS), along with process- and product-oriented measures of FMS, may predict cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscular fitness (MF) differently. This study investigates the longitudinal relationship from early childhood FMS, focusing on process-oriented LMS and OCS and product-oriented FMS, to CRF and MF in late childhood. The study involved 441 Finnish children (49.9% female; mean age at baseline, 5.5 yr) over a 6-yr period. FMS was evaluated using the Test of Gross Motor Development, third version, for process-oriented LMS and OCS, and the Körperkoordinationstest Für Kinder (KTK) was used to evaluate the product-oriented FMS. CRF was assessed through the total number of laps completed in the 20-m shuttle run test, whereas MF was measured via repetitions of curl-ups and push-ups. Employing a two-level cross-classified regression analysis and Cholesky decomposition, this study aimed to determine the contributions of product-oriented KTK and process-oriented LMS and OCS. Adjustments for variations in age, measurement intervals, and maturation were achieved through residualization. In addition, gender and body mass index were incorporated as covariates in the analysis. The analysis revealed that process-oriented LMS (CRF: Δ R2 = 0.016; MF: Δ R2 = 0.014) significantly predicted later health-related fitness, whereas OCS did not. However, KTK exhibited a better ability to predict both CRF (Δ R2 = 0.092) and MF (Δ R2 = 0.032), overshadowing process-oriented measures. In conclusion, the findings suggest that KTK, which potentially encompasses a broader spectrum of fitness elements along with FMS, more effectively predicts health-related fitness components than process-oriented FMS.

How Does a 12-Week Physical Exercise Program Affect the Motor Proficiency and Cognitive Abilities of Overweight and Normal-Weight Preschool Children?

The objective of this research was to examine a 12-week exercise program and its impact on the motor proficiency and cognitive abilities of preschool children with overweight and normal weight. The study involved a total of 71 participants who were preschool children enrolled in a longitudinal study. Body mass index (BMI) was determined by measuring body height and weight, and the nutritional status of the children was assessed using the World Health Organization's (WHO) criteria. Motor proficiency encompasses both motor abilities and motor skills, and the assessment of motor abilities was conducted using subtests from the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2). These subtests measured fine motor integration, manual dexterity, balance, and bilateral coordination. The evaluation of motor skills involved the utilization of the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2), which examines both locomotor skills and manipulative skills. Cognitive abilities were assessed using the School Maturity Test (TZS). All participants, regardless of weight status, took part in a 12-week physical exercise program. According to the World Health Organization's criteria, 52 children (73.2%) were categorized as having a normal weight, while 19 children (26.8%) were classified as overweight. These findings indicate that every fourth child in the study was overweight. Using a statistical analysis called SPANOVA (2 × 2, group × time), differences were observed in three out of eleven variables. Specifically, there were significant differences in two motor skill variables: manipulative skills (p = 0.006) and total movement skills (p = 0.014). Additionally, there was a significant difference in one cognitive ability variable: visual memory (p = 0.010). No significant differences were found in the remaining variables. The findings of this study aimed to contribute to the understanding of the potential benefits of regular exercise on motor and cognitive development in preschool children, specifically examining the differences between overweight and normal-weight children. By investigating these effects, the study could provide valuable insights for educators, parents, and health professionals involved in promoting the overall well-being of preschool-aged children. Regular physical exercise has been found to have positive effects on motor and cognitive abilities in both overweight and normal-weight preschool children.

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.

The relationship between screen time and gross motor movement: A cross-sectional study of pre-school aged left-behind children in China.

To investigate the level of screen time and gross motor movement level and the correlation between them in left-behind children aged 3 to 6 years old in China. A randomized whole-group sampling method was used to study 817 left-behind children aged 3-6 years in 15 kindergartens in Xiangcheng city, Henan province. The third version of the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-3) was used to test the children's gross motor movement level, and the screen time questionnaire was used to test the children's screen time level. The relationship between the two and the indicators was explored using Pearson's two-sided correlation and multilevel regression. The average daily screen time of left-behind children aged 3-6 years old increased with age, and the reporting rate of >2 h/d ranged from 22.43% to 33.73%; gross motor movement of left-behind children aged 3-6 years old increased with age, with significant differences between age (p<0.05). There was a low to moderate negative correlation (r = -0.133 to -0.354, p<0.05) between screen time and gross motor movement in children aged 3-6 years, and multiple regression analysis showed that screen time was predictive of gross motor movement in children (p<0.05), with an explanation rate of 21.4%. There is a correlation between screen time and gross motor movement development in children aged 3-6 years old left behind, and the gross motor movement ability of children aged 3-6 years old can be developed by reducing screen time and increasing physical activity.

SKIPping With PAX: Evaluating the Effects of a Dual-Component Intervention on Gross Motor Skill and Social–Emotional Development

Improving the development of the social, emotional, and physical domains during early childhood impacts the overall trajectory of a child’s well-being. However, researchers often address these independently, leaving a gap for a more integrated approach to promoting development. This study explores the effects of a dual-component intervention on changes in preschool-aged boys’ and girls’ gross motor and social–emotional skills. Preschoolers (N = 475; girls = 220 and boys = 255) ages 3–6 years completed the 9-month dual-component intervention and were randomized into control (n = 148) or intervention (n = 327) groups by classroom. Significant improvements were observed in social skills, locomotor, and total Test of Gross Motor Development-3. Additionally, boys and girls improved at the same rate in ball skills, locomotor, and total Test of Gross Motor Development-3. These results suggest that the dual-component intervention can improve preschoolers’ social skills and motor skills with no differential effects.

EFEKTIVITAS PERMAINAN HALANG RINTANG DALAM MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN MOTORIK KASAR GANGGUAN SPEKTRUM AUTISME

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder which is also characterized by gross motor delays which affect the development of functional abilities. Obstacle games provide sensory input that allows children to coordinate their body parts well. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of obstacle games on gross motor skills in ASD children aged 3-10 years. Method: Quantitative research using a pre-experiment one group pretest-posttest design. The research sample of 20 people was obtained using a purposive sampling technique. Motor ability variables were measured using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2) instrument. Data analysis used a paired t-test and n-gain score test with SPSS 25 software. Results: The majority of the research samples were male (85%), pre-school age (85%), and were at the average GARS category level (75%). Hypothesis testing showed a p-value = 0.000 (p&lt;0.05) which means there is a significant difference in gross motor skills in children with ASD between before and after the obstacle course game. The N-Gain Score test obtained a value of 0.42, which means it is effective in the medium category. Conclusion: The obstacle course game is effective in improving the gross motor skills of children with autism spectrum disorders.

Towards Sustainable Early Education Practices: A Quasi-Experimental Study on the Effects of Kindergarten Physical Education Programs on Fundamental Movement Skills and Self-Regulation in Haikou City, China

Acquiring fundamental movement skills (FMS) in early childhood is linked to long-term engagement in physical activity, promoting lifelong health. Concurrently, the development of self-regulation contributes to fostering socially responsible and empathetic individuals. This study aims to contribute to the sustainable development goals of Good Health and Well-being (Goal 3) and Quality Education (Goal 4) by promoting early education practices that enhance children’s physical and socio-emotional development. This quasi-experimental study, employing a pre/post-test control design, examined the influence of different kindergarten physical education programs on FMS and self-regulation. Participants from a sports-themed kindergarten, ordinary public kindergarten, and non-profit private kindergarten were equally divided into three groups. The “Hello Sunshine” (HS) group followed a ball game-based program; the ordinary physical education (OPE) group’s curriculum had multi-themed physical activities; and the free-play (FP) group as a comparison group (free play) spent their activity time freely playing. Data from a total of 239 children were analyzed, all of whom received identical assessments of fundamental movement skills and self-regulation by the Test of Gross Motor Development-3 (TGMD-3) and the head–toes–knees–shoulders (HTKS) test at baseline and after 10 weeks of the PE curriculum. There was a significant effect of grouping on TGMD-3 composite scores after controlling for the pre-test score (F(2, 235) = 65.232, p &lt; 0.001, Partial η2 = 0.357). The composite score of the HS group was clearly higher than that of the OPE (95% CI:10.72~16.45) and FP (95% CI: 4.16~9.98) groups. A significant group time effect was observed for self-regulation (F(2, 236) = 4.588, p = 0.011, Partial η2 = 0.037). After 10 weeks, the HS group displayed a more significant increase in self-regulation (14.8%) than that in the OPE (9.7%) and FP (14.6%) groups. The ball game-based program exhibited more advantages in promoting fundamental movement skills and self-regulation among the kindergarteners. Overall, this study’s findings highlight the potential benefits of kindergarten physical education programs and underscore the importance of early childhood development, emphasizing its potential to contribute to holistic child development and align with sustainability goals.

Effectiveness of an Eight-Week Fundamental Skills Intervention Programme on the Motor Skills of Children with Visual Impairment, Nairobi City County, Kenya

Physical activity has been included in early intervention programmes involving fundamental motor skills among children with differing disabilities. Though research has documented improved motor skills performance generally, few have focused on intervention programmes as a means towards improving motor skill performance in children with visual impairment (VI). This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of an eight-week fundamental motor skills intervention programme on motor skills of children with visual impairment in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study targeted children with VI aged between six to eleven years. Out of the two public integrated primary school with special unit for VI, the school with the highest number of children with VI was purposively selected. Twelve out of the 20 targeted children with VI in grade one and two met the inclusion criteria. Ethical clearance and consent were acquired before the study. One group pre and post-test quasi experimental design was used. The study utilised Test of Gross Motor development which include two subsets: locomotor and object manipulation skills. The motor skills were assessed before and after the intervention programme. The results showed significant improvement of both the locomotor and object control skills. The study therefore recommends implementation of motor skill intervention programmes for children with VI at an early age

MiniMovers: An Initial Pilot and Feasibility Study to Investigate the Impact of a Mobile Application on Children's Motor Skills and Parent Support for Physical Development.

The MiniMovers (MM) APP combines motor development theory with creativity expertise and has been designed to provide parents with developmentally appropriate activities to support children's motor skills. This study investigates how MiniMovers activities enabled parents to support their children's physical development. Families participated in an 8-week MM programme of activities from the MM APP (Mini, Mighty and Mega levels), with pre- and post-intervention data collected using multiple tools (e.g., motion capture system, force plate, eye-tracking glasses, and videos). Mixed research methods were applied among children (N = 8; aged 21-79 months) and their parents, providing quantitative analysis on children's performance (running, throwing, jumping, kicking, balancing and catching), as well as qualitative analysis on parents' attitude and behaviour (two-weekly feedback surveys and interviews). Lab-based measures showed significant improvements in run time, underarm throwing distance, and horizontal jump distance. Test of Gross Motor Development-3 showed a significant gain in running, underarm and overarm throwing, horizontal jump and kicking. Further, developmental stages indicated significant improvements in running, kicking and catching. Parents reported increased enjoyment and knowledge, children's enjoyment, independence and confidence. This pilot study provides support for the research and development of the MM App and suggests more research into the use of APPs to support home activities among families with young children.

Using 2 Versions of the Test of Gross Motor Development to Classify and Screen Young Children's Motor Skills: A Comparison Study.

The purpose of this study was to examine comparability between 2 editions of the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-second and TGMD-third edition) on (1) how children's motor skills were categorized as average or below average, and (2) how children are screened for being at-risk for motor delay or with delayed motor skills. Participants were 226 children (Mage = 53.4mo, 125 boys). All children completed full TGMD-2 and TGMD-3. Children were classified as average or above (>25th percentile) or below average (≤25th percentile) and, when applicable, as developmental delay (≤5th percentile) or at-risk for developmental delay (6-25th percentile). We compared children's classifications across TGMD editions using percent agreement and chi-squared tests. The TGMD-2 and TGMD-3 had moderate agreement when categorizing children as below average (72.2% for total skills, 76.0% for locomotor skills, and 73% for ball skills). The TGMD-3 was significantly more likely to categorize children's motor skill performance as average or above (all P < .01). TGMD-2 and TGMD-3 similarly screen children who demonstrate below average skills (≤25th percentile), but not for specific skill level classifications, including above average, at-risk for delays, and delayed.

The Relationship Between Fundamental Movement Skills, Body Composition, and Flat Feet in Children Aged 3-6 Years

Background and Aims Children have a very high ability to learn. With correct planning, we can provide conditions for them to perform various movement patterns to increase their motor skills and thus reduce the risk of skeletal injuries and obesity. This study aims to investigate the relationship between fundamental movement skills, body composition, and flat feet in children. Methods This is a descriptive-correlational study on 50 healthy children (girls and boys) aged 3-6 (mean age: 5.13±0.831 years) who were selected using a convenience sampling method from Novak Kindergarten in Tehran, Iran. To evaluate the fundamental movement skills, Ulrich (2015)’s test of gross motor development was used. The InBody 270 device was used to examine the body composition, and a digital photo scanner was used to evaluate the flat feet deformity. Data analysis was performed by using the Pearson correlation test and multiple regression analysis in SPSS software, version 24. P≤.0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The results showed a negative and significant relationship of body weight (P=0.001), body mass index (P=0.001), body fat percentage (P=0.001), and flat feet (P=0.009) with fundamental movement skills. Also, the relationship between musculoskeletal mass and fundamental movement skills was positive and significant (P=0.001), but its relationship with flat feet was negative and significant (P=0.004). The body weight had the highest power to predict fundamental movement skills, and musculoskeletal mass had the highest power to predict flat feet (P=0.001) in preschool children. Conclusion It seems that, by improving fundamental movement skills and musculoskeletal mass index, the development of flat feet and overweight in preschool children can be prevented.

Longitudinal pathways of associations between motor proficiency and physical fitness during earlier and later childhood: The NW-CHILD study.

Understanding the relationships between motor proficiency (MP) and physical fitness (PF) is important for the future health of children, although longitudinal findings of this nature are limited. This study explored the association between MP and PF during earlier childhood (6 and 9 years old) and later childhood (12 years old) in boys and girls. A stratified and randomized research design including a baseline and two follow-up time-point measures (2010, 2013, and 2016) were used. Primary school children (N = 374, boys = 178; girls = 196) were tested with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor-Proficiency-2, Short Form, and the Test of Gross Motor Development- 2, at ages 6 and 9 years, and with the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run test at age 12. Spearman Rank Order Correlations and stepwise regression analyses were used to analyze the data. Although of a low magnitude, proof of a dynamic longitudinal, but a stable relationship between MP and PF were found and with different gender-specific relationships in this pathway of association. A small but significant percentage of variation in PF at 12 years could be explained by overall motor competence (MC) and object control skills (OCS) at the ages of 6 and 9 years. Among girls, the association with PF at 12 years was influenced by both OCS, and MC, although only MC contributed to the variation found in boys. Socio-economic status made an insignificant contribution at 6 years to later PF in boys, but not in girls. MC, including OCS during early and middle childhood can be considered as possible triggers of physical activity which again, can increase PF during later childhood. Obtaining early competence in these developmental areas is therefore important to promote positive and sustainable trajectories of health with long-term health outcomes.

Prospective Association Between 24-Hour Movement Behaviors and Fundamental Movement Skills in Chinese Preschoolers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Compositional and Reallocation Analysis.

This prospective observation study explored the association between 24-hour movement behaviors and fundamental movement skills (FMS) in Chinese preschoolers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Four hundred and eighteen preschoolers (226 males; 4.0 [0.6]y old) from Zhuhai, China, completed the device-based physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior measures, and sleep duration was reported by parents at baseline (October 2021 to December 2021). FMS was assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development: Third Edition at 1-year follow-up (October 2022 to December 2022). The compositional analysis and isotemporal substitution were used. Moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) was positively associated with locomotor skills and ball skills (P < .05), and light physical activity was negatively associated with locomotor skills (P < .05) during the COVID-19 pandemic. FMS improvements were linked to the addition of MVPA at the expense of light physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep. The estimated detriments to FMS were larger in magnitude than the estimated benefits of time reallocation from MVPA to light physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep. This study provides evidence about 24-hour movement behaviors and FMS during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights the importance of participating in MVPA to improve preschoolers' FMS development during the COVID-19 era.

Transfer and Retention Effects of a Motor Program in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders.

The current study examined the acquisition, retention, and transfer effects of a motor program. Children with autism spectrum disorder participated in a 9-week program that targeted 13 fundamental motor skills based upon the Test of Gross Motor Development-3. Assessments were conducted before and after the program, as well as at 2-month follow-up. Significant improvements were found on not only the trained fundamental motor skills (acquisition) but also the untrained tasks on balance (transfer). The follow-up tests revealed continuous improvement on the trained locomotor skills (retention), as well as the untrained skills on balance (retention + transfer). These findings highlight the importance of continuous support and long-term participation on motor practices.

Physical Activity and Motor Skills in Parent–Child Dyads: Associations With Indoor and Outdoor Home Space

Indoor and outdoor home space may support physical activity (PA) and enhance motor skills (MS). However, there is limited knowledge about how indoor and outdoor home space affect PA and MS parent–child dyads. This cross-sectional study examined whether indoor and outdoor home spaces affect PA and MS in children and their parents. MS was measured with the Test of Gross Motor Development-3, and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) was assessed using accelerometry in 43 and 48 parent–child dyads, respectively. Indoor and outdoor home spaces were self-reported through an online questionnaire. Multiple regression models were fit to determine the relationship between indoor and outdoor home space and MS and MVPA in children and parents separately. Controlling for theory-based covariates, outdoor home space was positively associated with children’s MVPA (p &lt; .05) and parents’ MS (p &lt; .05) but negatively associated with parents’ MVPA (p &lt; .05). Indoor home space was negatively associated with parents’ MS (p &lt; .05). No other significant findings emerged. Findings suggest indoor and outdoor home spaces may play unique roles in supporting PA and MS among parent–child dyads and should be investigated in more rigorous studies.

Bidirectional Relationship Over Time Between Body Mass Index and Fundamental Movement Skill Domains Measured by a Process-Oriented Method in Childhood: A 3-Year Longitudinal Study

The worldwide increase in childhood overweight and obesity underscores the need to study variables like fundamental movement skill (FMS) levels from early childhood. This study investigated the bidirectional longitudinal relationship between body mass index (BMI) and process-oriented FMSs, including locomotor skills and object control skills in 675 Finnish children, aged 3–8 years at baseline (50.5% female, mean age 5.5 years) over 3 years. Standardized BMI-for-age SD scores (BMI SDS z-scores) followed Finnish national standards. The FMS assessment comprised four subtests from the Test of Gross Motor Development, third edition. Age-adjusted standardized residuals of FMS or skill domains and BMI SDS z-scores were used in a two-level, cross-classified, cross-lagged regression analysis, accounting for gender, and baseline value of the dependent variables. The results showed no statistically significant longitudinal relationship between BMI and FMS or its skill domains for either gender in either direction. This suggests that BMI and process-oriented FMS, encompassing locomotor skill and object control skill, develop independently, possibly influenced by unexplored variables. These findings contradict earlier results based on product-oriented measurements, which may include a physical capacity component. The outcomes further underscore the importance of monitoring weight status from early childhood, given its significant association with later-life weight conditions.

A56: Mediation Analysis of Association Between Fundamental Motor Skills and Physical Activity in Elementary School Students

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the association of fundamental motor skills (FMS), perceived motor competence (PMC), physical activity (PA) in elementary school students, as well as to examine whether PMC mediated the relationship between FMS and PA. Methods: Participants were 470 3-6th grade students (210 boys vs. 242 girls; Mean age = 10.11 years old; SD = 1.19) at five elementary schools from the province of Hunan in China. The students’ FMS were assessed with The Test of Gross Motor Development-3, PMC was assessed using the perceived athletic competence sub-scale of Harter’s Self-perception profile for children and PA were assessed using Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children, respectively. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, independent sample t test, Pearson correlation coefficients, multiple regressions, and bootstrapping method. Results: The descriptive statistics showed that the students’ PA was generally in the moderate level (M =2.78, SD = 0.75). The boys’ total FMS mean score (M =72.63, SD = 9.62), ball skills mean score (M = 39.33, SD = 6.23), PMC mean score (M =2.78, SD= 0.66), PA mean score (M = 2.97, SD = 0.75) was higher than the girls respectively. The independent sample t test showed that significant difference in the mean score of total FMS, ball skills, PMC, PA between the boys and girls (t = 3.99, p &lt; 0.001; t = 6.20, p &lt; 0.001; t = 5.40, p &lt; 0.001; t = 5.42, p &lt; 0.001) respectively. Also, the bivariate correlations coefficients showed that FMS, PMC, and PA were related to each other at p &lt; 0.01 level. The result of simple mediation analyses showed that PMC mediate the association between FMS and PA (Indirect effect = 0.07, 95%CI = [0.03, 0.11]). Conclusion: Good FMS levels are associated with a high level of PA. The relationship between FMS and PA was fully mediated by the PMC. This study suggests that improving FMS and maintaining appropriate levels of PMC may promote PA in elementary school students.