Effect of BMI on Fundamental Motor Skill Proficiency Among 9 to 10 years-old Turkish Children

Abstract

Aim: To examine the effect of body mass index (BMI) on Fundamental Motor Skill Proficiency among 9 to 10 years-old Turkish children. Methods: A total of 214 children (mean age 9.45±0.49) were included in the study (110 girls, 104 boys). Fundamental Motor Skill Proficiency was assessed with the Test of Gross Motor Development-Second Edition (TGMD-2). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated according to the formula [kg/height2] after the height and weight measurement for each child and classified according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Agency (CDC) guidelines. Results: 72% of the children have a healthy weight, 14.5% were overweight and 13.6% were obese. The ratio of overweight and obese is higher for boys than for girls. There was a significant difference between BMI groups in terms of TGMD-2 locomotor subtest scores (p <0.05), but no significant difference in terms of manipulative subtests. It can be said that being overweight restricts mobility for Turkish children but does not affect object control skills that doing the mostly static position. Conclusion:This study demonstrates inadequate fundamental motor skills proficiency levels among Turkish 9-10 years old children. Childhood education centers should provide 'planned' movement programs under the supervision of physical education teachers in order to support motor skills development and prevent obesity among Turkish children.Motor Skill Proficiency, BMI, 9-10 years-old, children.