Perceived motor competence in early childhood predicts perceived and actual motor competence in middle childhood

Abstract

The study aims were to (1) identify perceived motor competence (PMC) and actual motor competence (AMC) profiles in children at two time points (early and middle childhood) 3 years apart, (2) explore transitions between the profiles from T1 to T2, and (3) investigate how PMC‐AMC profiles at T1 differ in their mean values for AMC and PMC variables at T2. PMC was assessed by the pictorial scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence for young children (PMSC). At T1, AMC was measured with Test of Gross Motor Development–third version (TGMD‐3), and at T2, a shortened TGMD‐3 was used. To identify the PMC‐AMC profiles using latent profile analysis, the Mplus statistical package (version 8.7) was used. For aim 3, the Bolck‐Croon‐Hagenaars (BCH) method was used. There were 480 children (mean age 6.26 years, 51.9% boys) at T1, 647 children (mean age 8.76 years, 48.8% boys) at T2 (some children were too young to have the PMC assessment at T1), and 292 at both time points. For aim 1, three profiles were identified at each time point for each gender. Boys had two realistic profiles with medium and low levels of PMC‐AMC, and an overestimation profile. Girls had a medium realistic profile, an overestimation, and an underestimation profile. The PMC‐AMC profile in early childhood predicted the PMC‐AMC profile (aim 2) and AMC and PMC variables (aim 3) in middle childhood, especially if a child had low PMC in early childhood. Children with low PMC in early childhood are at risk of low PMC and less AMC development in middle childhood.

Exercise training and physical activity in children: Hard interval training or low hanging fruits to ensure normal growth and maturation for the sake of lifelong physical activity?

“…The study by Grendstad and Hallen also suggests that focusing on other type of training does not either compromise the development of VO 2max if the main interest is in the endurance sports. Higher intensity training is often required for further development when fitness is high but concentrating more on “low hanging fruits” such as general active lifestyle and training various (motor) skills, technique, speed, agility, jumps, strength, balance, and coordination might develop more balanced and prepared body 4,5 for development and harder training later in adolescence and adulthood. This might also better reduce sports‐related problems in youth such as overuse injuries 6,7 when training is not monotonic and too intensive.…”