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Chen Z, Zhu W, Ulrich DA, Qin M. Have the Fundamental Movement Skills of U.S. Children Changed? RESEARCH QUARTERLY FOR EXERCISE AND SPORT 2024; 95:431-440. [PMID: 37801711 DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2023.2250828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: By using four national data sets, this study aimed to examine the changes in U.S. children's fundamental movement skills (FMS) from 1985 to 2019. Method: Three Tests Gross of Motor Development (TGMD) normative studies, i.e. TGMD-1 (N = 909, male% = 50), TGMD-2 (N = 1143, male% = 50) and TGMD-3 (N = 864, male% = 51), and the TGMD-2 data of the 2012 NHANES National Youth Fitness Survey (NNYFS-2012; raw N = 352, national represented population = 12,509,706, male% = 51) were used for analyses. Each item in TGMD-2/NNYFS and TGMD-3 was carefully examined, and these that did not match to TGMD-1 were deleted. Cohen's D effect size (ES) was utilized for the difference among year-to-year comparisons. Result: From 1985 to 2000, FMS in US children of 3-7 years old (90% increase & 10% no change) increased temporarily, but remained stable (17% increase & 83% no change) among 8-10 years old. Between 2000 and 2019, however, U.S. children began to demonstrate a slight/stable drop in FMS among 3-5 years old (22% decrease & 78% no change), and a distinct decline among 6-10 years old (80% decrease & 20% no change). While children with normal BMI showed the highest FMS score, the direct cause of reduction in FMS is still unknown. Conclusion: An overall up-and-down change was observed in U.S. children's FMS between 1985 and 2019, and more longitudinal studies with FMS-related variables are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Weimo Zhu
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
| | | | - Man Qin
- Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance
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Yip KM, So HK, Tung KTS, Wong RS, Tso WWY, Wong ICK, Yam JC, Kwan MYW, Louie LHT, Lee A, Wong WHS, Hui LL, Nelson EAS, Ip P. Normative values of motor performance and their relationship with BMI status in Hong Kong preschoolers. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6567. [PMID: 38503868 PMCID: PMC10951261 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57121-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to establish sex- and age-specific reference values for motor performance (MP) in Hong Kong preschoolers aged 3-5 years old and examine the relationship between MP and BMI status. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 5579 preschoolers in Hong Kong. Three MP tests were administered, and height and weight information were collected. GAMLSS was used to compute the normative values of the motor tests. Boys outperformed girls in activities requiring muscle strength and power, while girls outperformed boys in activities requiring balance and coordination. The MP scores increased with age for both overarm beanbag throw and standing long jump for both sexes, while the one-leg balance scores showed larger differences between P50 and P95 in older preschoolers. Children with excessive weight performed worse in standing long jump and one-leg balance compared to their healthy weight peers. This study provides valuable information on the MP of preschoolers in Hong Kong, including sex- and age-specific reference values and the association between BMI status and MP scores. These findings can serve as a reference for future studies and clinical practice and highlight the importance of promoting motor skill development in preschoolers, particularly those who are overweight or obese.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka-Man Yip
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hung-Kwan So
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Keith T S Tung
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Rosa S Wong
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
- Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Winnie W Y Tso
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ian C K Wong
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jason C Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Mike Y W Kwan
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Lobo H T Louie
- Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Albert Lee
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
- School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wilfred H S Wong
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Lai-Ling Hui
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - E A S Nelson
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Patrick Ip
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.
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Bedard C, King-Dowling S, Timmons BW, Ferro MA. A Matched-Pair Analysis of Gross Motor Skills of 3- to 5-Year-Old Children With and Without a Chronic Physical Illness. Pediatr Exerc Sci 2024:1-6. [PMID: 38364814 DOI: 10.1123/pes.2023-0069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to compare the gross motor skills of children with a chronic physical illness with those of their healthy peers. METHODS Data for children with a chronic physical illness come from the Multimorbidity in Children and Youth Across the Life Course study, and data from children without a physical illness come from the Health Outcomes and Physical Activity in Preschoolers study. Multimorbidity in Children and Youth Across the Life Course and Health Outcomes and Physical Activity in Preschoolers included children ages 3-5 years and administered the Peabody Development Motor Scales-second edition. Participants were sex and age matched (20 male and 15 female pairs; Mage = 54.03 [9.5] mo). RESULTS Gross motor skills scores were "below average" for 47% of children with a physical illness compared with 9% of children without a physical illness (P = .003). Matched-paired t tests detected significant differences in total gross motor scores (dz = -0.35), locomotor (dz = -0.31), and object control (dz = -0.39) scores, with healthy children exhibiting better motor skills, and no significant difference in stationary scores (dz = -0.19). CONCLUSIONS This skill gap may increase burden on children with physical illness and future research should assess gross motor skills longitudinally to establish whether the gap widens with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Bedard
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON,Canada
| | - Sara King-Dowling
- Department of Oncology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA,USA
| | - Brian W Timmons
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON,Canada
| | - Mark A Ferro
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON,Canada
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Koolwijk P, de Jonge E, Mombarg R, Remmers T, Van Kann D, van Aart I, Savelsbergh G, de Vries S. Changes in Motor Competence of 4-8-Year-Old Children: A Longitudinal Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:190. [PMID: 38397681 PMCID: PMC10887773 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21020190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The development of children's motor competence (MC) from early to middle childhood can follow different courses. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to describe and quantify the prevalence of patterns of MC development from early to middle childhood and to identify undesirable patterns. DESIGN The study used a longitudinal design. Data were collected in three consecutive years, between February 2020 (T0) and May 2022 (T2). METHODS A total of 1128 typically developing Dutch children (50.2% male) between 4 and 6 years old at baseline (M = 5.35 ± 0.69 years) participated in this study. MC was measured with the Athletic Skills Track and converted into Motor Quotient (MQ) scores. To convert all individual MQ scores into meaningful patterns of MC development, changes in MQ categories were analyzed between the different timepoints. RESULTS A total of 11 different developmental patterns were found. When grouping the different patterns, five undesirable patterns were found with 18.2% of the children, showing an undesirable pattern of MC development between T0 and T2. The patterns of motor development of the other children showed a normal or fluctuating course. CONCLUSIONS There is a lot of variation in MC in early and middle childhood. A substantial percentage of young children showed undesirable MC developmental patterns emphasizing the need for early and targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pim Koolwijk
- Research Group Healthy Lifestyle in a Supporting Environment, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, 2501 EH The Hague, The Netherlands; (E.d.J.); (S.d.V.)
| | - Ester de Jonge
- Research Group Healthy Lifestyle in a Supporting Environment, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, 2501 EH The Hague, The Netherlands; (E.d.J.); (S.d.V.)
| | - Remo Mombarg
- Institute of Sport Studies, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, 9747 AS Groningen, The Netherlands; (R.M.); (I.v.A.)
| | - Teun Remmers
- School of Sport Studies, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, 5644 HZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands; (T.R.); (D.V.K.)
| | - Dave Van Kann
- School of Sport Studies, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, 5644 HZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands; (T.R.); (D.V.K.)
| | - Ingrid van Aart
- Institute of Sport Studies, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, 9747 AS Groningen, The Netherlands; (R.M.); (I.v.A.)
| | - Geert Savelsbergh
- Department of Behavioural and Human Movement Sciences, Section Motor Learning & Performance, Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Sanne de Vries
- Research Group Healthy Lifestyle in a Supporting Environment, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, 2501 EH The Hague, The Netherlands; (E.d.J.); (S.d.V.)
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Health Campus the Hague, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2511 DP The Hague, The Netherlands
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Biino V, Pellegrini B, Zoppirolli C, Lanza M, Gilli F, Giuriato M, Schena F. Gross motor coordination in relation to weight status: a longitudinal study in children and pre-adolescents. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1242712. [PMID: 38235161 PMCID: PMC10792555 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1242712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Gross Motor Coordination (GMC) is crucial for the adequate development of motor competence. Our purpose in this semi-longitudinal study was to evaluate the influence of BMI on GMC in children and pre-adolescents of both sexes, across school years (classes). Methods We evaluated 117 subjects (aged 8-13 years) belonging to three different cohorts for 4 consecutive years, providing data over 6 years (classes). GMC was assessed through the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK) test. Class and weight status effects were then evaluated by dividing the subjects into a normal weight group and an overweight group based on their weight status. Results A significant increase across classes was found for BMI (p < 0.001) and KTK raw score (p < 0.001) and a decrease was found for KTK normalized score (MQ) (p = 0.043). Significantly lower MQ values were found for girls. Absolute GMC increased across the years and there was no difference between boys and girls. Correlations between GMC scores and BMI were negative and significant in 5 of 6 classes. It was confirmed that overweight subjects had lower MQ and RAW values than normal-weight subjects, with no class-by-weight status interaction. Discussion The level of competence and its development are strictly dependent on weight status during childhood and pre-adolescence. The present investigation suggests that the adequate development of GMC requires not only targeted physical education programs but also the promotion of healthy habits aimed at maintaining a normal weight status during childhood and pre-adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Biino
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Department of Human Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Barbara Pellegrini
- CeRiSM, University of Verona, Rovereto, Italy
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Chiara Zoppirolli
- CeRiSM, University of Verona, Rovereto, Italy
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Massimo Lanza
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Giuriato
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Federico Schena
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- CeRiSM, University of Verona, Rovereto, Italy
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Flores P, Coelho E, Mourão-Carvalhal I, Forte P. Relationships between Math Skills, Motor Skills, Physical Activity, and Obesity in Typically Developing Preschool Children. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:1000. [PMID: 38131856 PMCID: PMC10740894 DOI: 10.3390/bs13121000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
There is evidence of a relationship between motor and cognitive development. The literature has shown that of all the motor skills, fine motor skills are those that contribute most to mathematical performance in preschool children. As this is a sensitive period in the development of motor skills, low levels of physical activity in this period can compromise their development and contribute to weight gain and obesity. The aim of this study was therefore to analyze the relationship between mathematical and motor skills, physical activity levels, and obesity. The sample consisted of 62 preschool children (32 males) with an average age of 4.63 ± 0.81. The Weschler preschool and primary scale of intelligence-revised arithmetic test was used to assess mathematical skills. The tests to assess fine motor skills were the "Adapted Threading Beads Test" and the "Adapted Visuomotor Integration Test". The movement assessment battery for children-2, band 1, "Aiming & Catching", and "Balance" tests were used to assess gross motor skills. Levels of physical activity were assessed using the "Preschool-age physical activity questionnaire" and obesity using the body mass index. The results indicated that only the fine motor skills of visuomotor integration were included in the multiple linear regression model (F < 0.001; r = 0.464; R2 = 0.215; p < 0.001), with the exclusion of gross motor skills, physical activity levels, and obesity levels. Thus, it was concluded that mathematical skills were only directly and significantly influenced by visuomotor integration. However, visuomotor integration was positively and significantly associated with gross motor skills (r = 0.269; p < 0.05) and not with levels of physical activity and obesity. Thus, gross motor skills could contribute to improving visuomotor integration directly and consequently mathematical skills indirectly. The results of this study suggest that the implementation of structured physical activity programs can contribute to mathematical performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Flores
- CI-ISCE, Higher Institute of Education and Sciences of the Douro, 4560-708 Penafiel, Portugal;
| | - Eduarda Coelho
- Department of Sports, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Research Center in Sports, Health and Human Development, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Isabel Mourão-Carvalhal
- Department of Sports, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Research Center in Sports, Health and Human Development, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Pedro Forte
- CI-ISCE, Higher Institute of Education and Sciences of the Douro, 4560-708 Penafiel, Portugal;
- Research Center in Sports, Health and Human Development, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
- Department of Sports, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-252 Bragança, Portugal
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Sember V, Đurić S, Starc G, Leskošek B, Sorić M, Kovač M, Jurak G. Secular trends in skill-related physical fitness among Slovenian children and adolescents from 1983 to 2014. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2023; 33:2323-2339. [PMID: 37493345 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
It is vital from the public health and educational perspective to be familiar with changes in the fitness levels of individuals and populations since fitness is associated with several health outcomes and cognition. Skill-related physical fitness refers to performance in sports or occupation and is associated with motor skill performance. The aim of the present study was to examine secular trends in skill-related physical fitness of 16 678 participants in four youth generations of Slovenian children and adolescents in years 1983 (n = 3128), 1993/94 (n = 3413), 2003/04 (n = 5497), and 2013/14 (n = 4640). Using repeated cross-sectional design, we observed fitness level of all participants divided into three age groups: 6-10, 11-14, and 15-19 years. Skill-related physical performance was measured with seven fitness tests for speed, coordination, balance, and flexibility. Analysis of covariance was used to compare differences in fitness performance between decades in each age and sex group, adjusted for body height, body weight, and body mass index. Overall, large but inconsistent changes in coordination, a small improvement in speed, and a decline in flexibility were seen. The trends over the whole examined period were not linear throughout decades. Generally, positive trends were noticed in periods 1983-1993 (range 1.4%-17.9%; except flexibility) and 2003/04-2013/14 (range 0.2%-36.4%; except age group 15-19 years) while in the period 1993/94-2003/04 there are some particularities in secular trends according to individual components as well as age groups. In general, the secular trend showed a positive direction for both genders (p < 0.05), except for gross motor coordination, which demonstrated positive trends in 1993 and 2013 compared with a decade earlier (p < 0.05) and from 1983 to 2013/14, except for the youngest boys in 2003 and the youngest girls from 1993 to 2003 (p < 0.05). Our findings call for exercise programs aimed at improving speed and gross motor coordination in both sexes and all age groups, especially in the group of 15-19 years old.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vedrana Sember
- Faculty of Sports, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Saša Đurić
- American University of the Middle East, Al-Egaila, Kuwait
| | - Gregor Starc
- Faculty of Sports, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bojan Leskošek
- Faculty of Sports, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maroje Sorić
- Faculty of Sports, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty for Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marjeta Kovač
- Faculty of Sports, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Jurak
- Faculty of Sports, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Nagy ÁV, Wilhelm M, Domokos M, Győri F, Berki T. Assessment Tools Measuring Fundamental Movement Skills of Primary School Children: A Narrative Review in Methodological Perspective. Sports (Basel) 2023; 11:178. [PMID: 37755855 PMCID: PMC10534471 DOI: 10.3390/sports11090178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper aimed to analyze fundamental movement skill (FMS) assessment tools that could be used for primary school children. In this narrative review, the Motoriktest für Vier- bis Sechjärige Kinder (MOT 4-6), Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (M-ABC-2), Motorische Basiskompetenzen (MOBAK) Körperkoordinationtest für Kinder (KTK), Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD), Maastricht Motoriek Test (MMT) and the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 (BOT-2) were analyzed from a methodological perspective, such as the number of test items, tools and types of tests, in terms of the FMS area. The analysis revealed that to assess locomotor movement skills, the BOT-2 has an excellent test for running ability, but for detecting technical difficulties, the TGMD is recommended. To test hopping, the MMT is the best test. Object control movement skills are measured with throws, dribbles and catches. Most of the tools assessed these skills, but it turned out that the TGMD is the best for measuring object control. Stability movement skills are tested with static and dynamic balance tests. Dynamic balance is more frequently used, and the MOT 4-6, KTK and BOT-2 have the most tools to use. However, the MMT is an excellent test for static balance. Fine motor movement skills are easy to assess with the MMT and MOT 4-6, since they have low equipment requirements. The BOT-2 is the best measurement tool; however, it has high equipment requirements. All of the FMS assessment tools are good; however, we concluded that although these tools are excellent for research purposes, they are difficult to apply in a school setting. Thus, teachers and coaches are advised to always select a single task from the available assessment tools that is appropriate for the skills they would like to measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ágnes Virág Nagy
- Doctoral School of Biology and Sport Biology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (Á.V.N.); (M.W.)
- Physical Education and Sports Sciences, ‘Juhász Gyula’ Faculty of Education, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - Márta Wilhelm
- Doctoral School of Biology and Sport Biology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (Á.V.N.); (M.W.)
- Institute of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Mihály Domokos
- Physical Education and Sports Sciences, ‘Juhász Gyula’ Faculty of Education, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - Ferenc Győri
- Institute of Physiotherapy and Sports Science, Faculty of Health Science, University of Pécs, 7621 Pécs, Hungary
- Sport Science Research Group, Gál Ferenc University, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tamás Berki
- Department of Physical Education Theory and Methodology, Hungarian University of Sports Science, 1123 Budapest, Hungary
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Li K, Chen S, Ma J, Martins C, Duncan M, Sheng X, Liu S, Cai Y. The relative age effect on fundamental movement skillsl in Chinese children aged 3-5 years. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:150. [PMID: 37004020 PMCID: PMC10064575 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-03967-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cut-off date in the education system causes a relative age difference, with developmental advantages for children who are born on the "early side" of the cut-off date and disadvantages for those born later, which is known as the relative age effect (RAE). Very few studies have examined whether there is a RAE on the development of fundamental movement skills (FMSs) in preschool children, and no studies have been conducted in China. The purpose of this study is to identify whether a RAE exists on FMS in Chinese preschool children, comparing RAEs according to gender and age. METHODS From a total of 378 invited preschool children regularly registered at one Chinese kindergarten, a total of 288 healthy and typically developing preschoolers (4.33 ± 0.84 years-old; 56.6% boys) were included in this study. All children were required to take part in anthropometry and FMS assessments. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was applied to examine the difference in each of the FMS items across quarter categories, year and gender groups, controlling for body mass index (BMI). RESULTS For the overall sample, the data show the significant main effects on the quarter of birth factor in locomotor skills (LC; F (3, 265) = 2.811, p = 0.04, ηp2 = 0.031), object control skills (OB; F (3, 265) = 6.319, p = 0.04, ηp2 = 0.031), and total test score (TTS; F (3, 265) = 5.988, p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.063). There were also significant differences in the age effect on all the domains of FMS (FLC (2, 265) = 100.654, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.432; FOB (2, 265) = 108.430, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.450; FTTS (2, 265) = 147.234, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.526) but a gender effect only in LC (F (1, 265) = 20.858; p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.073). For gender and quarter of birth groups, RAEs in LC only exists in girls. Moreover, regarding age and quarter of birth factors, RAEs are only found at younger ages. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests the existence of RAEs in the FMS of Chinese preschool children. Teachers need to be aware of the effect of RAEs on the FMS when approaching development, evaluation, and teaching approaches in preschools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Li
- School of Physical Education and Sport Training, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Sitong Chen
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jiani Ma
- Research Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
- School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Clarice Martins
- Research Centre of Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sports, Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Michael Duncan
- Research Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Xinxin Sheng
- Institutes of Physical Education, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shijie Liu
- School of Physical Education and Sport Training, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujun Cai
- School of Physical Education and Sport Training, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.
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10
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Knaier E, Chaouch A, Caflisch JA, Rousson V, Wehrle FM, Kakebeeke TH, Jenni OG. Secular trends in motor performance in Swiss children and adolescents from 1983 to 2018. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1095586. [PMID: 37050948 PMCID: PMC10083304 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1095586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionEnvironmental changes, including globalization, urbanization, social and cultural changes in society, and exposure to modern digital technology undoubtedly have an impact on children’s activity and lifestyle behavior. In fact, marked reductions in children’s physical activity levels have been reported over the years and sedentary behavior has increased around the world. The question arises whether these environmental changes had an impact on general motor performance in children and adolescents. The study aimed to investigate secular trends of motor performance in Swiss children and adolescents, aged between 7 and 18 years, over a period of 35 years from 1983 to 2018.MethodsLongitudinal data on the five motor components of the Zurich Neuromotor Assessment (ZNA) – pure motor (PM), fine motor (FM), dynamic balance (DB), static balance (SB), and contralateral associated movements (CAM) – were pooled with cross-sectional data on PM and FM from eight ZNA studies between 1983 and 2018. Regression models were used to estimate the effect of the year of birth on motor performance and body mass index (BMI) measurements. Models were adjusted for age, sex, and socioeconomic status.ResultsThe secular trend estimates in standard deviation scores (SDS) per 10 years were − 0.06 [−0.33; 0.22, 95% Confidence Interval] for PM, −0.11 [−0.41; 0.20] for FM, −0.38 [−0.66; −0.09] for DB (−0.42 when controlled for BMI), −0.21 [−0.47; 0.06] for SB, and − 0.01 [−0.32; 0.31] for CAM. The mean change in BMI data was positive with 0.30 SDS [0.07; 0.53] over 10 years.DiscussionDespite substantial societal changes since the 1980s, motor performance has remained relatively stable across generations. No secular trend was found in FM, PM, SB, and CAM over a period of 35 years. A secular trend in DB was present independent of the secular trend in body mass index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Knaier
- Child Development Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Aziz Chaouch
- Division of Biostatistics, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jon A. Caflisch
- Child Development Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Valentin Rousson
- Division of Biostatistics, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Flavia M. Wehrle
- Child Development Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Neonatology and Intensive Care, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tanja H. Kakebeeke
- Child Development Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oskar G. Jenni
- Child Development Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Oskar G. Jenni,
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11
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Vanhala A, Haapala EA, Sääkslahti A, Hakkarainen A, Widlund A, Aunio P. Associations between Physical Activity, Motor Skills, Executive Functions and Early Numeracy in Preschoolers. Eur J Sport Sci 2022:1-9. [PMID: 35726577 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2022.2092777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACTWe investigated direct and indirect cross-sectional associations of physical activity, fundamental motor skills, executive functions, and early numeracy in preschoolers. The participants were 214 preschoolers aged three to five years. Time spent in moderate and vigorous physical activity was measured by hip-worn accelerometers and fundamental motor skills using the tasks assessing locomotor, object control, and stability skills. Inhibition/switching and working memory/updating, as components of executive functions, were assessed by computerized tests and a standardized test was used to assess early numeracy. Path analyses were used to examine direct and indirect associations between the constructs. Our results showed that stability skills were indirectly positively associated with early numeracy through inhibition/switching (β = 0.07, p < 0.05, 95% CI [0.02, 0.14]) and locomotor skills through working memory/updating (β = 0.13, p = 0.001, 95% CI [0.06, 0.20]). Vigorous physical activity was positively associated with early numeracy through locomotor skills and working memory/updating (β = 0.04, p = 0.01, 95% CI [0.01, 0.07]) and negatively associated with early numeracy through inhibition/switching (β = -0.06, p < 0.05, 95% CI [-0.11, -0.02]).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anssi Vanhala
- Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Eero A Haapala
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä 40014, Finland.,Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland
| | - Arja Sääkslahti
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä 40014, Finland
| | - Airi Hakkarainen
- Open University, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Anna Widlund
- Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.,Faculty of Education and Welfare Studies, Åbo Akademi University, Vaasa 65100, Finland
| | - Pirjo Aunio
- Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
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12
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Radulović A, Jurak G, Leskošek B, Starc G, Blagus R. Secular trends in physical fitness of Slovenian boys and girls aged 7 to 15 years from 1989 to 2019: a population-based study. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10495. [PMID: 35729360 PMCID: PMC9213534 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14813-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Using the population-based data we aim to estimate the general population trends of multiple components of physical fitness of children, identify critical structural changes in these trends, and evaluate the potential changes in differences in the test scores between the children. During the entire study period, 1989-2019, median body mass index and triceps skinfold increased in both genders and all age groups. Muscular fitness, in general, showed negative trends, with some exceptions: during the post-2010 period, children were mostly experiencing the improvement of isometric strength of the upper body. The neuromuscular components of physical fitness showed positive trends, especially in girls. Cardiorespiratory fitness has been declining in all age groups until the last decade, with the largest decreases occurring before 2000. In the last decade, the trends reversed. The flexibility indicator revealed the largest differences between boys and girls, with boys mainly experiencing negative and girls mostly positive trends. The variability of the test scores mostly increased during the study period. This increasing variance suggests that-despite generally favourable trends in the last decade-children in Slovenia have been facing increasing inequalities in their development, which can potentially lead to future inequalities in health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Radulović
- Center for Control and Prevention of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Public Health of Montenegro, Džona Džeksona bb, 81000, Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - Gregor Jurak
- Faculty of Sports, University of Ljubljana, Gortanova ulica 22, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bojan Leskošek
- Faculty of Sports, University of Ljubljana, Gortanova ulica 22, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Starc
- Faculty of Sports, University of Ljubljana, Gortanova ulica 22, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rok Blagus
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Faculty of Sports, University of Ljubljana, Gortanova ulica 22, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Glagoljaška ulica 8, 6000, Koper, Slovenia.
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Jylänki P, Mbay T, Hakkarainen A, Sääkslahti A, Aunio P. The effects of motor skill and physical activity interventions on preschoolers' cognitive and academic skills: A systematic review. Prev Med 2022; 155:106948. [PMID: 34974071 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2021.106948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The present systematic review aimed to investigate the methodological quality and the effects of fundamental motor skills and physical activity interventions on cognitive and academic skills in typically developing 3 to 7-year-old children. The review was conducted and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. A literature search was carried out in April 2020 using seven electronic databases. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed with the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) Quality Assessment Tool. Cohen's d effect size calculations and post hoc power analyses were conducted for the included studies. A total of 35 studies, representing 2472 children met the inclusion criteria. Two of the studies demonstrated a strong methodological quality, while 24 were considered as methodologically weak. The majority (71%) of the included studies demonstrated the beneficial effects of the intervention on cognitive and academic skills. The most evidence was found for executive functions, language, and numeracy, and the effects were largest in enhancing memory. The effects were larger on cognitive and academic skills in the combined interventions compared to only fundamental motor skill and physical activity interventions, while fundamental motor skill interventions had larger effects than physical activity interventions. These findings indicate that it may be possible to support typically developing preschoolers' cognitive and academic learning with fundamental motor skill and physical activity interventions. However, most of the studies in this field have a weak methodological quality and thus, the presented evidence was considered weak in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinja Jylänki
- Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki, Siltavuorenpenger 5, 00170 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Theo Mbay
- Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki, Siltavuorenpenger 5, 00170 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Airi Hakkarainen
- Open University, University of Helsinki, Yliopistonkatu 3, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Arja Sääkslahti
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Keskussairaalantie 4, 40600 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Pirjo Aunio
- Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki, Siltavuorenpenger 5, 00170 Helsinki, Finland
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14
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Improving Motor Skills in Early Childhood through Goal-Oriented Play Activity. CHILDREN 2021; 8:children8110994. [PMID: 34828707 PMCID: PMC8625902 DOI: 10.3390/children8110994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Goal-oriented play activity encourages children to exercise and triggers the movement of body muscles. Active muscles are stronger, more agile, faster, and more powerful. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine that goal-oriented play activity in early childhood improves motor skills. Methods: Forty children aged 4.5–6 years old were recruited and took part in a set of training activities divided into Posts 1–5. To pass each post, a child had to run, walk on a balance beam, move sticks, throw and catch the ball, and arrange blocks. Training was given three times every week for 12 weeks. Data collected consisted of running 25 m, walking on the balance beam, throwing the ball as far as possible, locomotor movement, arranging cans, and bouncing the ball. Paired t and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used for analysis. Results: The results showed that there were significant differences in the motor skills evaluated pre- and post-training with p < 0.05. Conclusion: All six training activities conducted for 12 weeks provided significant improvements in the motor skills areas in children aged 4.5–6 years old.
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15
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Boutios S, Fiorilli G, Buonsenso A, Daniilidis P, Centorbi M, Intrieri M, di Cagno A. The Impact of Age, Gender and Technical Experience on Three Motor Coordination Skills in Children Practicing Taekwondo. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18115998. [PMID: 34204965 PMCID: PMC8199911 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The study aim was to investigate the age, gender and technical level on motor coordination abilities of Taekwondo children. One hundred and fifteen children (83 male, 32 female), aged 7.76 ± 1.71 years, divided in three different groups, under 8 (5–7 years), under 10 (8–9 years) and under 12 (10–11 years), underwent three coordination skills tests: the ruler drop test (RDT), assessing visual reaction time, the hexagonal test (HT), assessing agility, and the target kick test (TKT), assessing kicking ability. MANOVA showed significant gender differences for TKT, in which females showed higher scores than males (p = 0.033). Significant differences were found in HT and TKT, where the under 12 group showed higher scores than younger athletes (p < 0.001). No differences amongst different age groups were found in RDT, showing that this could be a good predictor of Taekwondo performance, assessed at an early stage. High-level athletes showed better scores in all the tests than the low levels, as it was expected. Coordinative performance improves with age and is positively influenced by practicing a sports activity. The predisposition to a particular sport with a well-planned training may lead to a motor proficiency comparable to that reached by older athletes and better than same-age athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanos Boutios
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-694-577-9755
| | - Giovanni Fiorilli
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, v. De Sanctis 1, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (G.F.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (M.I.)
| | - Andrea Buonsenso
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, v. De Sanctis 1, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (G.F.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (M.I.)
| | - Panagiotis Daniilidis
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Science Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Marco Centorbi
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, v. De Sanctis 1, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (G.F.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (M.I.)
| | - Mariano Intrieri
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, v. De Sanctis 1, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (G.F.); (A.B.); (M.C.); (M.I.)
| | - Alessandra di Cagno
- Department of Motor, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Lauro de Bosis Square 15, 00197 Rome, Italy;
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16
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Is Quarter of Birth a Risk Factor for Developmental Coordinator Disorder in Preschool Children? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18115514. [PMID: 34063912 PMCID: PMC8196682 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the probability that preschool children have severe motor difficulties or are at risk of motor difficulties, according to quarter of birth and gender. Five hundred and eighty-eight preschool-age children were evaluated, of which 318 (54.08%) were boys and 270 (45.92%) were girls, with a mean age of 4.66 years (SD = 0.53). The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) was used to collect the data. The results obtained were the following: Regarding students with severe motor difficulties: 6.7% born in quarter 1 (Q1); 13.3% born in the second quarter (Q2); 20.0% born in the third quarter (Q3); and 60.0% born in the fourth quarter (Q4). The probabilities found (OR) were: Q1 vs. Q2 (OR = 3.15; p < 0.05); Q1 vs. Q3 (OR = 4.68; p < 0.005); Q1 vs. Q4 (OR = 12.40; p < 0.001); Q2 vs. Q4 (OR = 4.04; p < 0.001); and Q3 vs. Q4 (OR = 2.65; p < 0.005). The adjusted ORs, with respect to the probabilities of having severe motor difficulties, were the following: Being born in Q4 is 13.03 times more likely than being born in Q1 (p < 0.001); those born in Q3 are 4.85 times more likely than those born in Q1 (p < 0.05); and those born in Q2 4.14 times more than those born in Q1 (p < 0.05). The conclusion is that children born in Q4 are more likely to be classified as children with severe difficulties compared to children born in the other quarters of the same year.
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17
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Palmer KK, Chinn KM, Scott-Andrews KQ, Robinson LE. An Intervention-Related Comparison of Preschoolers' Scores on the TGMD-2 and TGMD-3. Percept Mot Skills 2021; 128:1354-1372. [PMID: 33940991 DOI: 10.1177/00315125211013217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
This study compared preschoolers' fundamental motor skills (FMS) on the Test of Gross Motor Development 2nd and 3rd editions (TGMD-2 and TGMD-3) before (pretest) and after (posttest) a motor skill intervention. This study also compared FMS changes (TGMD raw and percentile scores for total score, and locomotor and object control/ball subscales) across the intervention when FMS were measured using the two editions. Sixty-four preschoolers (Mage = 4.4, SD = 0.44 years) completed the TGMD-2 and TGMD-3 before and after a motor skill intervention. We determined the level of agreement between assessments using intra-class correlations (ICC), Lin's Concordance Correlation Coefficient, and Bland-Altman plots. Overall, our results support an acceptable relative agreement between the TGMD-2 and TGMD-3 for raw scores, but there were variable strengths of agreement (by subscales) for percentile scores. Both assessments supported the efficacy of the intervention. This consistent demonstration of efficacy but varied strength of agreement suggests that the TGMD-2 and TGMD-3 are similar but not interchangeable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara K Palmer
- Child Movement, Activity, & Developmental Health Laboratory, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Katherine M Chinn
- Child Movement, Activity, & Developmental Health Laboratory, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Katherine Q Scott-Andrews
- Child Movement, Activity, & Developmental Health Laboratory, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Leah E Robinson
- Child Movement, Activity, & Developmental Health Laboratory, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
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18
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Navarro-Patón R, Martín-Ayala JL, Martí González M, Hernández A, Mecías-Calvo M. Effect of a 6-Week Physical Education Intervention on Motor Competence in Pre-School Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10091936. [PMID: 33946206 PMCID: PMC8124766 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10091936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this research was to analyze the impact of an intervention program performed by a specialist in physical education (PE) to contribute to the development of motor competence (MC) in pre-school children with motor development problems. The sample consisted of 28 children (12 from the intervention group and 16 from the control group) aged between 4.1 and 5.9 years (mean = 4.71 ± 0.54) who were in the fifth and sixth grades of pre-school education in two schools from Lugo, Spain. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) was used for data collection. The data revealed that, in the pre- and post-test intervention groups, there are statistically significant differences in manual dexterity (p < 0.001; d = 2.63), aiming and catching (p < 0.002; d = 1.13), balance (p < 0.001; d = 1.68), total test score (p < 0.001; d = 3.30) and total percentile score (p < 0.001; d = 1.88). Between the control and intervention post-test groups, significant differences were found in manual dexterity (p = 0.015; η2 = 0.22), aiming and catching (p = 0.003; η2 = 0.32), balance (p = 0.050; η2 = 0.15), total test score (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.47) and total percentile score (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.48). Based on the results obtained, a specific MC program implemented by a PE specialist contributed to the improvement of manual dexterity, aiming and catching and balance, as well as a better percentile in the general MC of pre-school children diagnosed with motor skill problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Navarro-Patón
- Facultad de Formación del Profesorado, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27001 Lugo, Spain;
| | - Juan Luis Martín-Ayala
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, 39011 Santander, Spain; (J.L.M.-A.); (M.M.G.); (A.H.)
- Departamento de Educación, Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana, Campeche 24560, Mexico
| | - Mariacarla Martí González
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, 39011 Santander, Spain; (J.L.M.-A.); (M.M.G.); (A.H.)
| | - Alba Hernández
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, 39011 Santander, Spain; (J.L.M.-A.); (M.M.G.); (A.H.)
| | - Marcos Mecías-Calvo
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, 39011 Santander, Spain; (J.L.M.-A.); (M.M.G.); (A.H.)
- Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Industrial de Cantabria (CITICAN), 39011 Santander, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-942-244-244 (ext. 5125)
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Mecías-Calvo M, Lago-Fuentes C, Arufe-Giráldez V, Navarro-Patón R. Study of Motor Competence in 4-5-Year-Old Preschool Children: Are There Differences among Public and Private Schools? CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8050340. [PMID: 33926040 PMCID: PMC8145358 DOI: 10.3390/children8050340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were (1) to investigate the presence of preschool children with severe motor difficulties (SMDs) and (2) to evaluate the existence of differences in the motor competence (MC) of preschool children from public and private schools based on gender. A total of 581 preschool children (4.66 ± 0.52 years) from Galicia (Spain) were assessed. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) was used to collect the data. Preschool children from public schools presented a greater number of SMDs (OR = 20.65; CI = 9.99–85.53; p < 0.001). Preschool children from private schools have higher scores on the variables studied (for example, manual dexterity (p < 0.001), aiming and catching (p < 0.001), balance (p < 0.001), total test score (p < 0.001), and total percentage score (p < 0.001)). Regarding the gender factor, differences were found in manual dexterity (p < 0.001), aiming and catching (p = 0.014), balance (p < 0.001), total test score (p < 0.001), total percentage score (p < 0.001), and in the interaction of both factors in balance (p < 0.001), total global score (p = 0.004), and total percentage score (p < 0.001). Preschool children from private schools are less likely to have severe movement problems and score higher on all dimensions of the MABC-2 than preschool children from public schools analyzed in this study. Likewise, girls score higher than boys in all dimensions, except in aiming and catching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Mecías-Calvo
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, 39011 Santander, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Industrial de Cantabria (CITICAN), 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Carlos Lago-Fuentes
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, 39011 Santander, Spain;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-942-244-244
| | - Víctor Arufe-Giráldez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación, Universidad de A Coruña, 15008 A Coruña, Spain;
| | - Rubén Navarro-Patón
- Facultad de Formación del Profesorado, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27001 Lugo, Spain;
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20
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Coppens E, Rommers N, Bardid F, Deconinck FJA, De Martelaer K, D’Hondt E, Lenoir M. Long‐term effectiveness of a fundamental motor skill intervention in Belgian children: A 6‐year follow‐up. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2021; 31 Suppl 1:23-34. [DOI: 10.1111/sms.13898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eline Coppens
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences Ghent University Ghent Belgium
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences Vrije Universiteit Brussel Brussels Belgium
| | - Nikki Rommers
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences Ghent University Ghent Belgium
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences Vrije Universiteit Brussel Brussels Belgium
| | - Farid Bardid
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences Ghent University Ghent Belgium
- School of Education University of Strathclyde Glasgow United Kingdom
| | | | - Kristine De Martelaer
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences Vrije Universiteit Brussel Brussels Belgium
- Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences Utrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Eva D’Hondt
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences Vrije Universiteit Brussel Brussels Belgium
| | - Matthieu Lenoir
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences Ghent University Ghent Belgium
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21
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Motor Development among Spanish Preschool Children. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8010041. [PMID: 33445647 PMCID: PMC7828156 DOI: 10.3390/children8010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to analyze motor development of Spanish preschoolers, taking into account sex and age, being an only child, prematurity, and the practice of extracurricular activities. The sample was composed of 300 preschoolers (132 girls, 168 boys) ages 3 to 6 years. Preschoolers were tested on 12 fundamental motor skills (locomotor and object control) through the Test of Gross Motor Development—Second Edition (TGMD-2). Nonparametric analysis indicated that there are differences between girls and boys in locomotor and object control skills in the age range of 3–4 years. However, boys and girls scored similarly at the age of 5 years in locomotor development. There were not differences between only children and those who are not only children. Similarly, prematurity was not associated with locomotor and object control development. Nevertheless, those preschoolers who practice extracurricular physical activities scored significantly higher in comparison with those children do not. Further research is needed to shed light on the differences between boys and girls in object control. It may be explained by the types of extracurricular activities.
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A Narrative Review of Motor Competence in Children and Adolescents: What We Know and What We Need to Find Out. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 18:ijerph18010018. [PMID: 33375134 PMCID: PMC7792958 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Lack of physical activity is a global public health problem causing not only morbidity and premature mortality, but it is also a major economic burden worldwide. One of the cornerstones of a physically active lifestyle is Motor Competence (MC). MC is a complex biocultural attribute and therefore, its study requires a multi-sectoral, multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary approach. MC is a growing area of research, especially in children and adolescents due to its positive association with a plethora of health and developmental outcomes. Many questions, however, remain to be answered in this field of research, with regard to: (i) Health and Developmental-related Associations of MC; (ii) Assessment of MC; (iii) Prevalence and Trends of MC; (iv) Correlates and Determinants of MC; (v) MC Interventions, and (vi) Translating MC Research into Practice and Policy. This paper presents a narrative review of the literature, summarizing current knowledge, identifying key research gaps and presenting questions for future investigation on MC in children and adolescents. This is a collaborative effort from the International Motor Competence Network (IMCNetwork) a network of academics and researchers aiming to promote international collaborative research and knowledge translation in the expansive field of MC. The knowledge and deliverables generated by addressing and answering the aforementioned research questions on MC presented in this review have the potential to shape the ways in which researchers and practitioners promote MC and physical activity in children and adolescents across the world.
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Secular Trends in Physical Fitness of Children and Adolescents: A Review of Large-Scale Epidemiological Studies Published after 2006. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17165671. [PMID: 32764514 PMCID: PMC7459672 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Physical fitness (PF) of children and adolescents is an important resource for their future health. Population-based studies, however, rarely report secular changes of PF, although monitoring of these is crucial to deriving information for adequate interventions. This review aims to report trends in PF of children and adolescents. A literature search was conducted in PubMed in July 2019. Cohort studies published in English allowing statements to be made on trends in PF by comparing youth between the ages of four and 18 years were included. The review identified 24 studies from 16 countries meeting the inclusion criteria, with an overall sample size of more than 860,000 children and adolescents. Through a standardized quality assessment tool, we classified two studies as strong, 21 as moderate, and only one as weak. We analyzed specific secular trends separately for the five different dimensions: endurance, strength, speed, flexibility, and coordination. The majority of studies report a decline of PF over time; however, a few studies report conflicting results. Performance in endurance, strength, and flexibility decreased over time, whereas there was no consistent trend reported for speed and coordination. Overall, there is no international standard on examining and reporting changes or secular trends in PF of children and adolescents, and comparability of studies is limited due to heterogeneous conditions of conducting and analyzing PF tests. Consequently, standardized and consistent international monitoring should be implemented.
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Hanssen-Doose A, Niessner C, Oriwol D, Bös K, Woll A, Worth A. Population-based trends in physical fitness of children and adolescents in Germany, 2003-2017. Eur J Sport Sci 2020; 21:1204-1214. [PMID: 32627676 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2020.1793003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Physical fitness is an important health resource. From 2003 onwards, the MoMo study, a part of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS), has investigated physical fitness on the basis of nationally representative data. The objective of this paper was to analyse trends in physical fitness of three cohorts at the ages of 4-17 years. Changes within 10 test items of the MoMo-test profile are reported. The mean values of physical fitness and the relevant influencing factors were directly compared across cohorts (in the total group and in age-and sex-subgroups). Statistical significance of differences was examined by calculating the confidence intervals (95% CI) for complex samples; effect sizes were determined using Cohen's d. The results indicated that physical fitness levels of German children and adolescents initially slightly increased between MoMo baseline (2003-2006) and wave 1 (2009-2012). This could partly be attributed to increased physical activity in sports clubs and in extracurricular sports at school. Then, between MoMo wave 1 and MoMo wave 2 (2014-2017) the physical fitness of children and adolescents in Germany remained the same, as did all influencing factors with the exception of extracurricular sport. From a public health perspective, programmes and measures that can increase the chances for all children and adolescents to strive for greater physical fitness should be of the highest priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Hanssen-Doose
- Institute of Movement and Sport, University of Education Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Claudia Niessner
- Institute of Sports and Sport Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Doris Oriwol
- Institute of Sports and Sport Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Klaus Bös
- Institute of Sports and Sport Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Alexander Woll
- Institute of Sports and Sport Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Annette Worth
- Institute of Movement and Sport, University of Education Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany
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Brouwer SI, Stolk RP, Bartels M, van Beijsterveld TC, Boomsma DI, Corpeleijn E. Infant Motor Milestones and Childhood Overweight: Trends over Two Decades in A Large Twin Cohort. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E2366. [PMID: 32244434 PMCID: PMC7178093 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17072366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor motor skill competence may influence energy balance with childhood overweight as a result. Our aim was to investigate whether the age of motor milestone achievement has changed over the past decades and whether this change may contribute to the increasing trend observed in childhood overweight. METHODS Motor skill competence was assessed in children from the Young Netherlands Twin Register born between 1987 and 2007. Follow-up ranged from 4 up to 10 years. Weight and height were assessed at birth, 6 months, 14 months, and 2, 4, 7, and 10 years. RESULTS Babies born in later cohorts achieved their motor milestones 'crawling', 'standing', and 'walking unassisted' later compared to babies born in earlier cohorts (N = 18,514, p < 0.001). The prevalence of overweight at age 10 was higher in later cohorts (p = 0.033). The increase in overweight at age 10 was not explained by achieving motor milestones at a later age and this persisted after adjusting for gestational age, sex, and socioeconomic status. CONCLUSION Comparing children born in 1987 to those born in 2007, we conclude that children nowadays achieve their motor milestones at a later age. This does not however, explain the increasing trend in childhood overweight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia I. Brouwer
- Institute of Sportstudies, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Zernikeplein 17, 9747 AS Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemilogy, University Medical Center Groningen, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands; (R.P.S.); (E.C.)
| | - Ronald P. Stolk
- Department of Epidemilogy, University Medical Center Groningen, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands; (R.P.S.); (E.C.)
| | - Meike Bartels
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.B.); (T.C.E.M.v.B.); (D.I.B.)
| | - Toos C.E.M. van Beijsterveld
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.B.); (T.C.E.M.v.B.); (D.I.B.)
| | - Dorret I. Boomsma
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.B.); (T.C.E.M.v.B.); (D.I.B.)
| | - Eva Corpeleijn
- Department of Epidemilogy, University Medical Center Groningen, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands; (R.P.S.); (E.C.)
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FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT SCREEN™ in YOUTH SPORT PARTICIPANTS: EVALUATING the PROFICIENCY BARRIER for INJURY. Int J Sports Phys Ther 2019; 14:436-444. [PMID: 31681502 DOI: 10.26603/ijspt20190436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Purpose The number of youth participating in sport increases yearly; however, the evaluation of youths' movement ability and preparedness for sport remains inadequate or neglected. The Functional Movement Screen (FMS™) is an assessment of an individual's movement quality that has been utilized to evaluate risk of injury in collegiate and professional sport; however, there is minimal support regarding the predictive value of the screen in youth sport. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mean and distribution of FMS™ performance in sport participants age 11-18, and to evaluate the existence of a composite FMS™ score proficiency barrier to predict injury risk. Study Design Prospective cohort study. Methods One hundred, thirty-six participants (63 male, 73 female) age 11 to 18 years (16.01 + 1.35) were recruited from local schools and sport organizations. The FMS™ was administered prior to each participant's competitive season and scored by researchers who demonstrated reliability in assessments derived from the screen (κw = 0.70 to 1). Injury data were collected by the participants' Athletic Trainer over one season. An injury was defined as any physical insult or harm resulting from sports participation that required an evaluation from a health professional with time modified or time lost from sport participation. Results Females scored significantly higher than males for mean FMS™ composite score (t = 14.40; m = 12.62; p < 0.001), and on individual measures including: the hurdle step (t = 1.91; m = 1.65; p < 0.001), shoulder mobility (t = 2.68; m = 2.02; p < 0.001), active straight leg raise (t = 2.32; m = 1.87; p < 0.001), and the rotary stability components (t = 1.91; m = 1.65; p < 0.05). Two FMS™ composite scores (score < 14 and <15) significantly increased the odds of injury (OR = 2.955). When adjusting for sport, there was no score relating to increased odds of injury. Conclusion Dysfunctional movement as identified by the FMS™ may be related to increased odds of injury during the competitive season in youth athletes. Consideration of an individual's movement within the context of their sport is necessary, as each sport and individual have unique characteristics. Addressing movement dysfunction may aid in injury reduction and potentially improve sport performance. Level of Evidence 1b.
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Kobel S, Wartha O, Lämmle C, Dreyhaupt J, Steinacker JM. Intervention effects of a kindergarten-based health promotion programme on obesity related behavioural outcomes and BMI percentiles. Prev Med Rep 2019; 15:100931. [PMID: 31321204 PMCID: PMC6612931 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2019.100931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, prevalence of childhood overweight has increased worldwide and became a public health concern. One reason is children's insufficient engagement in physical activity (PA) which may lead to deficient motor skills, which are interdependent. Therefore, early health promotion such as the kindergarten-based health promotion programme "Join the Healthy Boat" is necessary. In order to evaluate the programme's effectiveness on children's BMI percentiles (BMIPCT), PA and endurance capacity, a randomised controlled trial including intervention (IG) and control group (CG) was conducted. 973 kindergarten children (3.6 ± 0.6 years; 47.1% male) in 57 kindergartens were assessed at baseline and 558 of them at follow-up. Anthropometrics and endurance capability (3-minute-run) were assessed on site. PA behaviour and socio-economic data were assessed using parental report. Linear regression models were used to determine intervention effects for all health outcomes, adjusting for baseline values, age, gender, BMIPCT and socio-economic variables. After one year, a significant positive intervention effect on children's BMIPCT was found (p ≤ 0.04). Children in the IG spent significantly more days in sufficient PA than children in the CG (3.1 ± 2.1 days vs. 2.5 ± 1.9 days; p ≤ 0.005). Children in the IG performed significantly better in the three minute endurance run than their counterparts in the CG (305.8 ± 46.2 m vs. 286.9 ± 43.2 m; p ≤ 0.001). This teacher-centred health promotion using a low-dose bottom-up approach with action alternatives achieved significant positive effects in the reduction of BMIPCT and significant increases in endurance capacity and daily PA. The programme is therefore ideal for integrating health promotion more intensively into the everyday life of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Kobel
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation, Department of Internal Medicine II, Ulm University Medical Centre, Frauensteige 6, Haus 58/33, D-89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Olivia Wartha
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation, Department of Internal Medicine II, Ulm University Medical Centre, Frauensteige 6, Haus 58/33, D-89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Christine Lämmle
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation, Department of Internal Medicine II, Ulm University Medical Centre, Frauensteige 6, Haus 58/33, D-89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Jens Dreyhaupt
- Institute for Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jürgen M. Steinacker
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation, Department of Internal Medicine II, Ulm University Medical Centre, Frauensteige 6, Haus 58/33, D-89075 Ulm, Germany
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Battaglia G, Alesi M, Tabacchi G, Palma A, Bellafiore M. The Development of Motor and Pre-literacy Skills by a Physical Education Program in Preschool Children: A Non-randomized Pilot Trial. Front Psychol 2019; 9:2694. [PMID: 30687164 PMCID: PMC6333915 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
It is known in the literature that fundamental motor skill acquisition is strongly associated with the development of neuromotor, cognitive, social, and emotional aspects in childhood. Unfortunately, in Italy, the physical education teacher is not included in the school's core personnel, and it is very hard to find a specific physical education program (PEP) that could improve preschool children's motor and cognitive status. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the quotient of gross motor development (QGMD) and pre-literacy skills concerning visual analysis and spatial orientation abilities changed after 16 weeks of PEP (2 h/week) in preschool children. We conducted a school-based non-randomized pilot trial. It involved 119 preschool children, clustered in a control group [CG, n = 29, body mass index (BMI): 16.90 ± 3.16 Kg/m2] and an intervention group (IG, n = 90, BMI: 16.00 ± 1.75 kg/m2). Participants were assessed for literacy readiness, locomotor and object control skills before and after the experimental period. IG increased the locomotor, object-control skills and QGMD in response to PEP. As concerns the pre-literacy domain, no significant difference was found in visual analysis and spatial orientation skills between IG and CG groups. However, we detected improvements from baseline to post-test in IG children. In conclusion, this study contributes additional evidence suggesting how a PEP could affect not only motor skills, but also cognitive ones. Consistently with the growing research, interventions based on structured ludic-motor activities ensure health benefits for preschool children. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT01274117.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Battaglia
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Regional Sports School of CONI Sicilia, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marianna Alesi
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Garden Tabacchi
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother Child Care “G. D’Alessandro”, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Palma
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Regional Sports School of CONI Sicilia, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marianna Bellafiore
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Regional Sports School of CONI Sicilia, Palermo, Italy
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Tandon P, Hassairi N, Soderberg J, Joseph G. The relationship of gross motor and physical activity environments in child care settings with early learning outcomes. EARLY CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND CARE 2018; 190:570-579. [PMID: 32982009 PMCID: PMC7518633 DOI: 10.1080/03004430.2018.1485670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Gross motor and physical activity opportunities in early childhood are important for promoting health and development. We conducted two studies with the following aims: 1) to describe the quality of gross motor/physical activity early learning environments in Washington (WA) state, USA and 2) to study the relationship between the quality of gross motor/physical activity environments and various early learning outcomes. We used state-wide classroom quality measures related to gross motor activities from the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale- Revised (N=1335 centers). For Aim 2, individual early learning assessments were conducted on 495 children from 72 centers in the fall and spring. We found considerable room for improvement in the space, equipment, schedule and supervision related to gross motor activities in child care centers. The quality of the gross motor environments was found to be related to desirable early learning outcomes including preschoolers' executive functions and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Tandon
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Center for Child Health, Behavior & Development, M/S CW8-6, PO Box 5371, Seattle, WA 98145
| | - Nail Hassairi
- Cultivate Learning, College of Education, University of WA, 5001 25th Ave NE Suite 201E, Seattle, Washington 98105
| | - Janet Soderberg
- Cultivate Learning, College of Education, University of WA, 5001 25th Ave NE Suite 201E, Seattle, Washington 98105
| | - Gail Joseph
- Cultivate Learning, College of Education, University of WA, 5001 25th Ave NE Suite 201E, Seattle, Washington 98105
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Bidirectional association between weight status and motor skills in adolescents : A 4-year longitudinal study. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2018; 130:314-320. [PMID: 29362883 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-017-1311-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite considerable efforts the prevalence of overweight and obesity in youth remains high. Poor motor skills have been associated with increased body weight but there is still limited information on the longitudinal association of these health parameters. AIM This study examined the prospective association between motor skills and body weight in 10- to 14-year-old youth. METHODS Body weight, height and motor skills, assessed via the German motor test 16-18 (Deutscher Motorik Test, DMT6-18), were measured in 213 middle school students (57% male) every year over a 4‑year period. Club sports participation and migration status were assessed via a questionnaire. RESULTS Besides an inverse cross-sectional association between body weight and motor skills, excess body weight was associated with impaired development of motor skills (p < 0.05). Furthermore, weight loss was associated with enhanced motor development and allowed previously overweight students to catch up with their normal weight peers. High motor skills at baseline also reduced the odds of becoming overweight/obese during the observation period. These results were independent of club sports participation. CONCLUSION There is a bidirectional, synergistic association between body weight and motor skills. Facilitating the development of motor skills in children and adolescents may therefore be a viable intervention strategy targeting weight management and physical activity in youth.
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Huotari P, Heikinaro-Johansson P, Watt A, Jaakkola T. Fundamental movement skills in adolescents: Secular trends from 2003 to 2010 and associations with physical activity and BMI. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2018; 28:1121-1129. [PMID: 29197119 DOI: 10.1111/sms.13028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the secular trends in fundamental movement skills (FMS) among 15- to 16-year-old adolescents at 2 assessment points scheduled in 2003 and 2010 and to investigate the associations between FMS, physical activity (PA), and body mass index (BMI). In 2003, self-reported PA, weight and height, and objective FMS scores were collected from 2390 students, and in 2010, similar data were generated from a second sample of 1346 students. FMS were assessed during both assessment phases using 3 identical objective FMS tests that were figure 8 dribbling, jumping laterally, and coordination track tests. This study indicated that the sum index of FMS did not change among the boys and the girls between 2 data collection points. However, findings demonstrated a secular decline in coordination test scores in both gender groups between 2 measurement points but an improvement in girls' object control skills between 2003 and 2010. The results also showed that FMS had a significant main effect on BMI in both gender groups, whereas the main effect of PA on BMI was not significant for either gender group. Results also demonstrated that there was no significant interaction effect between FMS and PA on BMI in either of the girls' or the boys' groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Huotari
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | | | - A Watt
- College of Arts and Education, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - T Jaakkola
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Lopes L, Póvoas S, Mota J, Okely AD, Coelho-E-Silva MJ, Cliff DP, Lopes VP, Santos R. Flexibility is associated with motor competence in schoolchildren. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2016; 27:1806-1813. [PMID: 27781306 DOI: 10.1111/sms.12789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Available data on the associations between motor competence (MC) and flexibility are limited and result inconclusive. This study aims to examine the relationship between flexibility and MC in children. The sample comprised 596 Portuguese children (47.1% girls) aged 9.7 ± 0.6 years. Motor competence was evaluated with the body coordination test, Körperkoordination Test für Kinder. Cardiorespiratory fitness (20-m shuttle run), muscular strength (curl-up and push-up tests), and flexibility (back-saver sit and reach and trunk-lift tests) were evaluated using the Fitnessgram Test Battery. Z-scores by age and gender for the physical fitness tests were constructed. Analysis of variance and regression analysis were performed. Participants in the healthy zone groups of both flexibility tests exhibited significantly better scores of MC than the participants under the healthy zone (P < 0.001). Back-saver sit and reach and trunk-lift Z-scores, either individually or as a sum, were significant predictors of MC (P < 0.05 for all) after adjustments for the other physical fitness components, age, body mass index, and socioeconomic status, in both genders. Our findings highlight the importance of promoting and developing flexibility, as well as the other health-related physical fitness components in schoolchildren to reach adequate levels of MC.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Lopes
- Research Centre for Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Faculty of Sports, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - S Póvoas
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), University Institute of Maia (ISMAI), Maia, Portugal
| | - J Mota
- Research Centre for Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Faculty of Sports, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - A D Okely
- Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Education, Early Start Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - M J Coelho-E-Silva
- Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - D P Cliff
- Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Education, Early Start Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - V P Lopes
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), School of Education of Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Bragança, Portugal
| | - R Santos
- Research Centre for Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Faculty of Sports, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Education, Early Start Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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Tandon PS, Tovar A, Jayasuriya AT, Welker E, Schober DJ, Copeland K, Dev DA, Murriel AL, Amso D, Ward DS. The relationship between physical activity and diet and young children's cognitive development: A systematic review. Prev Med Rep 2016; 3:379-90. [PMID: 27419040 PMCID: PMC4929214 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2016.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Given the high prevalence of suboptimal nutrition and low activity levels in children, we systematically reviewed the literature on the relationship between physical activity and dietary patterns and cognitive development in early childhood (six months to five years). METHODS In February 2016, we conducted two different searches of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and ERIC. Each search included either physical activity (including gross motor skills) or diet terms, and neurocognitive development outcome terms. Included studies were in English, published since 2005, and of any study design in which the physical activity or diet measure occurred prior to age five. RESULTS For physical activity, twelve studies (5 cross-sectional, 3 longitudinal and 4 experimental) were included. Eleven studies reported evidence suggesting that physical activity or gross motor skills are related to cognition or learning. Both acute bouts and longer term exposures showed benefit. For diet, eight studies were included consisting of secondary analyses from longitudinal cohort studies. A healthier dietary pattern was associated with better cognitive outcomes in all studies, although some of the reported associations were weak and the measures used varied across the studies. CONCLUSIONS Physical activity and healthy diets in early childhood are associated with better cognitive outcomes in young children. The paucity of literature and the variability in the type and quality of measures used highlight the need for more rigorous research. Given that the early childhood years are critical for both obesity prevention and neurocognitive development, evidence that the same healthy behaviors could promote both should inform future interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja S. Tandon
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, M/S CW-8, PO Box 5371, Seattle, WA 98145, United States
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Alison Tovar
- The University of Rhode Island, Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Kingston RI, Fogarty, Rm. 143c, Kingston, RI 02881, United States
| | - Avanthi T. Jayasuriya
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, M/S CW-8, PO Box 5371, Seattle, WA 98145, United States
| | - Emily Welker
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, 803 Lancaster Street Apartment D, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Daniel J. Schober
- DePaul University, Master of Public Health Program, 14 E. Jackson Blvd, Mailstop – Master of Public Health, Daily 710, Chicago, IL 60604, United States
| | - Kristen Copeland
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Division of General and Community Pediatrics, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States
| | - Dipti A. Dev
- 135 home Economics, Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, United States
| | | | - Dima Amso
- Brown University, Cognitive, Linguistic & Physiological Sciences, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Dianne S. Ward
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States
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Lopes L, Santos R, Mota J, Pereira B, Lopes V. Objectively measured sedentary time and academic achievement in schoolchildren. J Sports Sci 2016; 35:463-469. [PMID: 27113206 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2016.1172724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between objectively measured total sedentary time and academic achievement (AA) in Portuguese children. The sample comprised of 213 children (51.6% girls) aged 9.46 ± 0.43 years, from the north of Portugal. Sedentary time was measured with accelerometry, and AA was assessed using the Portuguese Language and Mathematics National Exams results. Multilevel linear regression models were fitted to assess regression coefficients predicting AA. The results showed that objectively measured total sedentary time was not associated with AA, after adjusting for potential confounders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Lopes
- a Research Centre for Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Faculty of Sports , University of Porto , Porto , Portugal.,b Research Centre on Child Studies (CIEC), Institute of Education , University of Minho , Braga , Portugal
| | - Rute Santos
- a Research Centre for Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Faculty of Sports , University of Porto , Porto , Portugal.,c Early Start Research Institute (ESRI), Faculty of Social Sciences , University of Wollongong , Wollongong , Australia
| | - Jorge Mota
- b Research Centre on Child Studies (CIEC), Institute of Education , University of Minho , Braga , Portugal
| | - Beatriz Pereira
- a Research Centre for Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Faculty of Sports , University of Porto , Porto , Portugal
| | - Vítor Lopes
- d Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD) , Department of Sports Science of Polytechnic Institute of Bragança , Bragança , Portugal
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Birnbaum J, Geyer C, Kirchberg F, Manios Y, Koletzko B. Effects of a kindergarten-based, family-involved intervention on motor performance ability in 3- to 6-year-old children: the ToyBox-study. J Sports Sci 2016; 35:377-384. [DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2016.1166390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Pesce C, Masci I, Marchetti R, Vazou S, Sääkslahti A, Tomporowski PD. Deliberate Play and Preparation Jointly Benefit Motor and Cognitive Development: Mediated and Moderated Effects. Front Psychol 2016; 7:349. [PMID: 27014155 PMCID: PMC4786558 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In light of the interrelation between motor and cognitive development and the predictive value of the former for the latter, the secular decline observed in motor coordination ability as early as preschool urges identification of interventions that may jointly impact motor and cognitive efficiency. The aim of this study was twofold. It (1) explored the outcomes of enriched physical education (PE), centered on deliberate play and cognitively challenging variability of practice, on motor coordination and cognitive processing; (2) examined whether motor coordination outcomes mediate intervention effects on children's cognition, while controlling for moderation by lifestyle factors as outdoor play habits and weight status. Four hundred and sixty children aged 5-10 years participated in a 6-month group randomized intervention in PE, with or without playful coordinative and cognitive enrichment. The weight status and spontaneous outdoor play habits of children (parental report of outdoor play) were evaluated at baseline. Before and after the intervention, motor developmental level (Movement Assessment Battery for Children) was evaluated in all children, who were then assessed either with a test of working memory (Random Number Generation task), or with a test of attention (from the Cognitive Assessment System). Children assigned to the 'enriched' intervention showed more pronounced improvements in all motor coordination assessments (manual dexterity, ball skills, static/dynamic balance). The beneficial effect on ball skills was amplified by the level of spontaneous outdoor play and weight status. Among indices of executive function and attention, only that of inhibition showed a differential effect of intervention type. Moderated mediation showed that the better outcome of the enriched PE on ball skills mediated the better inhibition outcome, but only when the enrichment intervention was paralleled by a medium-to-high level of outdoor play. Results suggest that specifically tailored physical activity (PA) games provide a unique form of enrichment that impacts children's cognitive development through motor coordination improvement, particularly object control skills, which are linked to children's PA habits later in life. Outdoor play appears to offer the natural ground for the stimulation by designed PA games to take root in children's mind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Pesce
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Italian University Sport and Movement “Foro Italico”Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Masci
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Italian University Sport and Movement “Foro Italico”Rome, Italy
| | - Rosalba Marchetti
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Italian University Sport and Movement “Foro Italico”Rome, Italy
| | | | - Arja Sääkslahti
- Department of Sport Sciences, University of JyväskyläJyväskylä, Finland
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Klein M, Fröhlich M, Pieter A, Emrich E. Socio-economic status and motor performance of children and adolescents. Eur J Sport Sci 2015; 16:229-36. [DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2014.1001876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Mahut B, Fuchs-Climent D, Plantier L, Karila C, Refabert L, Chevalier-Bidaud B, Beydon N, Peiffer C, Delclaux C. Cross-sectional assessment of exertional dyspnea in otherwise healthy children. Pediatr Pulmonol 2014; 49:772-81. [PMID: 24155055 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.22905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Exertional dyspnea during sport at school in children with asthma or in otherwise healthy children is commonly attributed to exercise-induced asthma (EIA), but when a short-acting beta agonist (SABA) trial fails to improve symptoms the physician is often at a loose end. DESIGN The aims were to prospectively assess the causes of exertional dyspnea in children/adolescents with or without asthma using a cardiopulmonary exercise test while receiving a SABA and to assess the effects of standardized breathing/reassurance therapy. RESULTS Seventy-nine patients (12.2 ± 2.3 years, 41 girls, 49 with previously diagnosed asthma) with dyspnea unresponsive to SABA were prospectively included. Exercise test outcomes depicted normal or subnormal performance with normal ventilatory demand and capacity in 53/79 children (67%) defining a physiological response. The remaining 26 children had altered capacity (resistant EIA [n = 17, 9 with previous asthma diagnosis], vocal cord dysfunction [n = 2]) and/or increased demand (alveolar hyperventilation [n = 3], poor conditioning [n = 7]). Forty-two children who had similar characteristics than the remaining 37 children underwent the two sessions of standardized reassurance therapy. They all demonstrated an improvement that was rated "large." The degree of improvement correlated with % predicted peak V'O2 (r = -0.37, P = 0.015) and peak oxygen pulse (r = -0.45, P = 0.003), whatever the underlying dyspnea cause. It suggested a higher benefit in those with poorer conditioning condition. CONCLUSIONS The most frequent finding in children/adolescents with mild exertional dyspnea unresponsive to preventive SABA is a physiological response to exercise, and standardized reassurance afforded early clinical improvement, irrespective of the dyspnea cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Mahut
- AP-HP, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Service de Physiologie-Clinique de la Dyspnée, Paris, France; Cabinet La Berma, Antony, France
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D'Hondt E, Deforche B, Gentier I, Verstuyf J, Vaeyens R, De Bourdeaudhuij I, Philippaerts R, Lenoir M. A longitudinal study of gross motor coordination and weight status in children. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2014; 22:1505-11. [PMID: 24549983 DOI: 10.1002/oby.20723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Revised: 12/25/2013] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This longitudinal study investigated the interrelationship between children's weight status and level of gross motor coordination over time, taking baseline physical activity (PA) into account as a possible mediator. METHODS Baseline measurements were collected in 2517 children (5-13 years, 52.8% boys), including (1) body height and weight to calculate body mass index (BMI) z-scores, (2) gross motor coordination using the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK), (3) total PA estimated by a questionnaire. At follow-up, 754 participants (7-13 years, 50.8% boys) underwent anthropometric and KTK assessments again. Two hypothesized partial mediation models (i.e., KTK ↔ PA ↔ BMI z-score) were examined by multiple linear mixed models. RESULTS A lower performance on the KTK at baseline significantly predicted an increase in BMI z-score (B = -0.003, P = 0.027). Conversely, a higher baseline BMI z-score also predicted a decrease in KTK performance (B = -1.792, P < 0.001). Since total PA at baseline was not significantly related to initial KTK performance (B = 1.628, P = 0.134) nor BMI z-score (B = 25.312, P = 0.130), its mediating effect was not further explored. CONCLUSIONS Our results strongly suggest that children's weight status negatively influences future level of gross motor coordination, and vice versa. Prevention and intervention initiatives should consider this reciprocal causal relationship across developmental time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva D'Hondt
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium; Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
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Graf C, Beneke R, Bloch W, Bucksch J, Dordel S, Eiser S, Ferrari N, Koch B, Krug S, Lawrenz W, Manz K, Naul R, Oberhoffer R, Quilling E, Schulz H, Stemper T, Stibbe G, Tokarski W, Völker K, Woll A. Recommendations for promoting physical activity for children and adolescents in Germany. A consensus statement. Obes Facts 2014; 7:178-90. [PMID: 24821136 PMCID: PMC5644884 DOI: 10.1159/000362485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2013] [Accepted: 02/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing physical activity and reduction of sedentary behaviour play important roles in health promotion and prevention of lifestyle-related diseases in children and adolescents. However, the question of how much physical activity is useful for which target group is still a matter of debate. International guidelines (World Health Organization; European Association for the Study of Obesity), which are mainly based on expert opinions, recommend 60 min of physical activity every day. Age- and sex-specific features and regional differences are not taken into account. Therefore, expert consensus recommendations for promoting physical activity of children and adolescents in Germany were developed with special respect to national data, but also with respect to aspects of specific target groups, e.g., children with a lower socio-economic status (SES) or with migration background. They propose 90 min/day of physical activity, or at least 12,000 steps daily. Additionally, lifestyle factors, especially restriction of media consumption, were integrated. The recommendations provide orientation for parents and caregivers, for institutions such as schools and kindergartens as well as for communities and stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Graf
- Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Bardid F, Deconinck FJA, Descamps S, Verhoeven L, De Pooter G, Lenoir M, D'Hondt E. The effectiveness of a fundamental motor skill intervention in pre-schoolers with motor problems depends on gender but not environmental context. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2013; 34:4571-4581. [PMID: 24183475 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2013.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of a 10-week fundamental motor skill programme in pre-schoolers with motor problems. Alongside the general effect of the intervention, we also explored possible gender differences and the role of the environmental context (living community, socio-economic status, and recreational space inside/outside the house). The intervention group (n=47; 20 ♂ and 27 ♀) received twenty 60-min motor skill sessions (2 per week) in addition to the regular physical education curriculum for pre-schoolers; the control group (n=46; 21 ♂ and 25 ♀) did not receive additional practice. General motor competence, and locomotor and object control subscales, were assessed before and after the intervention using the Test of Gross Motor Development 2nd edition (TGMD-2). Data regarding environmental factors were gathered through a questionnaire. A Group×Gender×Time ANOVA revealed that the intervention group benefited significantly from the intervention and scored better than the control group at the post-test for general motor competence and both sub-categories (locomotor and object control skill). Moreover, the intervention programme was found to be effective in helping 49% of the intervention group to achieve an average motor skill level, according to the TGMD-2 norms, while a further decline in motor competence was observed in the control group. Interestingly, the effect appeared to be gender-specific, since object control skill improved only in girls of the intervention group. Considering the environmental context, none of the above-mentioned factors was found to have an influence on the effectiveness of the intervention. The present study highlights the need for an early motor skill programme with a gender-specific approach in order to help low skilled boys and girls master a diverse set of motor skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farid Bardid
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium.
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Graf C, Beneke R, Bloch W, Bucksch J, Dordel S, Eiser S, Ferrari N, Koch B, Krug S, Lawrenz W, Manz K, Naul R, Oberhoffer R, Quilling E, Schulz H, Stemper T, Stibbe G, Tokarski W, Völker K, Woll A. Vorschläge zur Förderung der körperlichen Aktivität von Kindern und Jugendlichen in Deutschland. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s00112-012-2863-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Masci I, Vannozzi G, Bergamini E, Pesce C, Getchell N, Cappozzo A. Assessing locomotor skills development in childhood using wearable inertial sensor devices: the running paradigm. Gait Posture 2013; 37:570-4. [PMID: 23067877 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2012.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2011] [Revised: 09/15/2012] [Accepted: 09/20/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Objective quantitative evaluation of motor skill development is of increasing importance to carefully drive physical exercise programs in childhood. Running is a fundamental motor skill humans adopt to accomplish locomotion, which is linked to physical activity levels, although the assessment is traditionally carried out using qualitative evaluation tests. The present study aimed at investigating the feasibility of using inertial sensors to quantify developmental differences in the running pattern of young children. Qualitative and quantitative assessment tools were adopted to identify a skill-sensitive set of biomechanical parameters for running and to further our understanding of the factors that determine progression to skilled running performance. Running performances of 54 children between the ages of 2 and 12 years were submitted to both qualitative and quantitative analysis, the former using sequences of developmental level, the latter estimating temporal and kinematic parameters from inertial sensor measurements. Discriminant analysis with running developmental level as dependent variable allowed to identify a set of temporal and kinematic parameters, within those obtained with the sensor, that best classified children into the qualitative developmental levels (accuracy higher than 67%). Multivariate analysis of variance with the quantitative parameters as dependent variables allowed to identify whether and which specific parameters or parameter subsets were differentially sensitive to specific transitions between contiguous developmental levels. The findings showed that different sets of temporal and kinematic parameters are able to tap all steps of the transitional process in running skill described through qualitative observation and can be prospectively used for applied diagnostic and sport training purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Masci
- Department of Human Movement and Sport Sciences, University of Rome Foro Italico, Piazza Lauro De Bosis 15, 00135 Rome, Italy
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Bonvin A, Barral J, Kakebeeke TH, Kriemler S, Longchamp A, Marques-Vidal P, Puder JJ. Weight status and gender-related differences in motor skills and in child care - based physical activity in young children. BMC Pediatr 2012; 12:23. [PMID: 22405468 PMCID: PMC3324371 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2431-12-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2011] [Accepted: 03/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Over the last decades, a decline in motor skills and in physical activity and an increase in obesity has been observed in children. However, there is a lack of data in young children. We tested if differences in motor skills and in physical activity according to weight or gender were already present in 2- to 4-year-old children. Methods Fifty-eight child care centers in the French part of Switzerland were randomly selected for the Youp'là bouge study. Motor skills were assessed by an obstacle course including 5 motor skills, derived from the Zurich Neuromotor Assessment test. Physical activity was measured with accelerometers (GT1M, Actigraph, Florida, USA) using age-adapted cut-offs. Weight status was assessed using the International Obesity Task Force criteria (healthy weight vs overweight) for body mass index (BMI). Results Of the 529 children (49% girls, 3.4 ± 0.6 years, BMI 16.2 ± 1.2 kg/m2), 13% were overweight. There were no significant weight status-related differences in the single skills of the obstacle course, but there was a trend (p = 0.059) for a lower performance of overweight children in the overall motor skills score. No significant weight status-related differences in child care-based physical activity were observed. No gender-related differences were found in the overall motor skills score, but boys performed better than girls in 2 of the 5 motor skills (p ≤ 0.04). Total physical activity as well as time spent in moderate-vigorous and in vigorous activity during child care were 12-25% higher and sedentary activity 5% lower in boys compared to girls (all p < 0.01). Conclusions At this early age, there were no significant weight status- or gender-related differences in global motor skills. However, in accordance to data in older children, child care-based physical activity was higher in boys compared to girls. These results are important to consider when establishing physical activity recommendations or targeting health promotion interventions in young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Bonvin
- Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Bâtiments administratifs de Vidy, Route de Chavannes 33, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Krombholz H. Haben sich motorische Leistungen von 3- bis 7-jährigen Jungen und Mädchen im Zeitraum von 1973 bis 2001 verschlechtert? ZEITSCHRIFT FUR SPORTPSYCHOLOGIE 2011. [DOI: 10.1026/1612-5010/a000060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Zusammenfassung.Die motorische Leistungsfähigkeit von Kindern im Alter von 3–7 Jahren wurde anhand vorliegender Untersuchungsergebnisse aus den Jahren 1973 (N = 375), 1973/74 (N = 123), 1977 (N = 644) und 1999/2001 (N = 1532) verglichen. Die erfassten motorischen Leistungen waren Standweitsprung und die Aufgaben Balancieren Rückwärts und Seitliches Hin- und Herspringen des Körperkoordinationstests für Kinder KTK (Kiphard & Schilling 1974). Innerhalb der überprüften Zeitspanne konnte eine generelle Verschlechterung der motorischen Leistungsfähigkeit nicht belegt werden. Unterschiede zwischen den Stichproben ließen sich eher auf Besonderheiten der jeweiligen Stichproben als auf den jeweiligen Erhebungszeitpunkt zurückführen. Ebenfalls konnten Erwartungen hinsichtlich einer unterschiedlichen Veränderung der Leistungsfähigkeit bei Jungen und Mädchen nicht bestätigt werden.
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Activity and health prevention in preschools—contents of an activity-based intervention programme (PAKT—Prevention through Activity in Kindergarten Trial). J Public Health (Oxf) 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s10389-011-0407-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Roth K, Mauer S, Obinger M, Ruf KC, Graf C, Kriemler S, Lenz D, Lehmacher W, Hebestreit H. Prevention through Activity in Kindergarten Trial (PAKT): a cluster randomised controlled trial to assess the effects of an activity intervention in preschool children. BMC Public Health 2010; 10:410. [PMID: 20624316 PMCID: PMC2916900 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-10-410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2010] [Accepted: 07/12/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Physical activity and motor skills acquisition are of high importance for health-related prevention and a normal development in childhood. However, few intervention studies exist in preschool children focussing on an increase in physical activity and motor skills. Proof of positive effects is available but not consistent. Methods/Design The design, curriculum, and evaluation strategy of a cluster randomised intervention study in preschool children are described in this manuscript. In the Prevention through Activity in Kindergarten Trial (PAKT), 41 of 131 kindergartens of Wuerzburg and Kitzingen, Germany, were randomised into an intervention and a control group by a random number table stratified for the location of the kindergarten in an urban (more than 20.000 inhabitants) or rural area. The aims of the intervention were to increase physical activity and motor skills in the participating children, and to reduce health risk factors as well as media use. The intervention was designed to involve children, parents and teachers, and lasted one academic year. It contained daily 30-min sessions of physical education in kindergarten based on a holistic pedagogic approach termed the "early psychomotor education". The sessions were instructed by kindergarten teachers under regular supervision by the research team. Parents were actively involved by physical activity homework cards. The kindergarten teachers were trained in workshops and during the supervision. Assessments were performed at baseline, 3-5 months into the intervention, at the end of the intervention and 2-4 months after the intervention. The primary outcomes of the study are increases in physical activity (accelerometry) and in motor skills performance (composite score of obstacle course, standing long jump, balancing on one foot, jumping sidewise to and fro) between baseline and the two assessments during the intervention. Secondary outcomes include decreases in body adiposity (BMI, skin folds), media use (questionnaire), blood pressure, number of accidents and infections (questionnaire), increases in specific motor skills (throwing, balancing, complex motor performance, jumping) and in flexibility. Discussion If this trial proofs the effectiveness of the multilevel kindergarten based physical activity intervention on preschooler's activity levels and motor skills, the programme will be distributed nationwide in Germany. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00623844
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Roth
- University Children's Hospital, Julius-Maximilians-University Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str, 2, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany.
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