Motor Competence, Physical Activity, and Fitness across Early Childhood

Abstract

Objectives To examine if the associations between motor competence and physical activity and musculoskeletal fitness change over time, whether motor competence is associated with longitudinal trajectories of physical activity and fitness, and mediating pathways among these constructs across early childhood. Methods Four hundred and eighteen children 3 to 5 yr of age (210 boys; age, 4.5 ± 1.0 yr) were recruited and completed three annual assessments as part of the Health Outcomes and Physical activity in Preschoolers study. Motor competence was assessed using the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency Second Edition—Short Form. Musculoskeletal fitness (short-term muscle power) was evaluated using a modified 10-s Wingate protocol on a cycle ergometer. Physical activity was measured over 7 d using accelerometers. Results At baseline, the cross-sectional relationship between motor competence and vigorous physical activity was not significant; however, a significant, weak positive association emerged across time. Results from longitudinal mixed-effect models found motor competence to be a significant positive predictor of musculoskeletal fitness and vigorous physical activity and to be associated with steeper increases in physical activity across time. Motor competence was independently associated with musculoskeletal fitness and physical activity during this early childhood period. Conclusions Motor competence is an important independent predictor of physical activity and musculoskeletal fitness levels across early childhood. Motor competence may be an important target for early interventions to improve both physical activity and fitness in the early years.

Through the Looking Glass: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Evidence, Providing New Insight for Motor Competence and Health

“…Also, even though Schmutz et al [57] identified MC as a determinant of objectively measured PA 12 months later, MC at baseline was not significantly associated with change in either total PA or MVPA from baseline to follow-up. In contrast, a recent study in Canadian children aged 3-5 years reported that MC was a positive predictor of musculoskeletal fitness and vigorous PA over time and that better MC was associated with steeper increases in PA across time [78]. Yet in this study, there were no cross-sectional associations between objectively measured vigorous PA and MC when children were 3 years old.…”

24‐hour movement behaviors and fitness in preschoolers: A compositional and isotemporal reallocation analysis

“…Similarly, ambiguous results were seen for speed‐agility assessments, when reallocating LPA and sleep. It is well‐known that musculoskeletal fitness is an important indicator of health in childhood 3 and is particularly relevant in early childhood, owing to the short, intermittent nature of their activity 34 . It is also important to consider that for tests such as speed/agility and standing long jump, there is likely greater variability in movement patterns for preschoolers, as their neuromuscular system is less well developed.…”

“…However, such a pattern may become more obvious for older children. A recent longitudinal study 34 across early childhood showed consistency in the strength of the association between motor competence and fitness, suggesting that these variables will continue to be associated over a longer follow‐up period, and may only become strongly associated once children reach middle to late childhood. In this sense, the results of this paper need to be considered respective to the population that is examined.…”

Prevalence and Trends of Physical Activity in Thai Children and Young People: Pooled Panel Data Analysis from Thailand’s Surveillance on Physical Activity 2012–2020

“…The benefits of regular physical activity (PA) for children’s health range from short-term fitness to long-term potential for reducing the incidence of chronic diseases that manifest in adulthood. Studies have documented that a regimen of 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) each day is positively associated with physical health status, fundamental motor skills [ 1 , 2 ], bone health [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ], cognitive function [ 7 , 8 , 9 ], and socio-emotional development of children [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. Nevertheless, despite the global effort to improve the health of young people, 80 percent of children and young people worldwide remain physically inactive or do not meet the recommended level of PA daily [ 13 , 14 ].…”