Motor coordination as predictor of physical activity in childhood

This study considers relationships among motor coordination (MC), physical fitness (PF) and physical activity (PA) in children followed longitudinally from 6 to 10 years. It is hypothesized that MC is a significant and primary predictor of PA in children. Subjects were 142 girls and 143 boys. Height...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports 2011-10, Vol.21 (5), p.663-669
Main Authors: Lopes, V. P., Rodrigues, L. P., Maia, J. A. R., Malina, R. M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Body Mass Index
Child
children
Children & youth
Coordination
determinants
Exercise
Exercise Test
Female
Humans
Linear Models
longitudinal
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Motor ability
Motor Activity
Motor Skills
movement behavior
Physical Fitness
Portugal
Predictions
Skinfold Thickness
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:This study considers relationships among motor coordination (MC), physical fitness (PF) and physical activity (PA) in children followed longitudinally from 6 to 10 years. It is hypothesized that MC is a significant and primary predictor of PA in children. Subjects were 142 girls and 143 boys. Height, weight and skinfolds; PA (Godin–Shephard questionnaire); MC (Körperkoordination Test für Kinder); and PF (five fitness items) were measured. Hierarchical linear modeling with MC and PF as predictors of PA was used. The retained model indicated that PA at baseline differed significantly between boys (48.3 MET/week) and girls (40.0 MET/week). The interaction of MC and 1 mile run/walk had a positive influence on level of PA. The general trend for a decrease in PA level across years was attenuated or amplified depending on initial level of MC. The estimated rate of decline in PA was negligible for children with higher levels of MC at 6 years, but was augmented by 2.58 and 2.47 units each year, respectively, for children with low and average levels of initial MC. In conclusion MC is an important predictor of PA in children 6–10 years of age.
ISSN:0905-7188
1600-0838
DOI:10.1111/j.1600-0838.2009.01027.x