Relationship between the sociodemographic profile and motor competence of children

Abstract

Objective To verify the relationships established between individual and environmental factors in the motor competence of children aged 06 to 10 years. Method This is a quantitative study supported by descriptive and inferential statistics. The following collection instruments were used: Bruininks-Oseretsky Motor Proficiency Test and Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment - Middle Childhood. Results The analyses indicated the influence of environmental constructs on the development and maintenance of children's motor competence, elucidating the fact that the appropriate home environment is a protective factor for the development of this competence. Children residing in adequate homes were 66% more likely to have motor competence on average. Another fact highlighted was due to the disparity in the level of motor competence between the sexes, with emphasis on the fact that girls aged 9-10 years who live in households classified as unsuitable, located in the central region of the city, studying in public schools presented motor competence values below the expected for their age. Conclusion The sociodemographic profile of children who presented the best chances for higher motor proficiency included boys aged 6-7 years old, living in households classified as adequate, located in neighborhoods outside the central region, and studying in private schools.