The Relationship between Actual Fundamental Motor Skill Proficiency, Perceived Motor Skill Confidence and Competence, and Physical Activity in 8–12-Year-Old Irish Female Youth

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between actual fundamental motor skill (FMS) proficiency, perceived motor confidence and competence, and physical activity (PA) among female children (n= 160; mean age = 10.69 ± 1.40 years). The Test of Gross Motor Development-2nd Edition (TGMD-2) was used to assess seven FMSs (locomotor, object-control, and stability). Motor confidence and competence were assessed using a valid skill-specific scale, and a modified version of the Self-Perception Profile for Children. PA levels were assessed using self-report (PA Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C)) and classified as low, moderate, and high active. One-way and two-way ANOVAs (post-hoc honest significant difference (HSD)) and correlation coefficients were used to analyse the data. Findings indicate that the majority of youth (71.8%) were not meeting the minimum 60 min of daily PA recommended for health, and that 98.1% did not achieve the FMS proficiency expected for their age. While there were high levels of perceived physical self-confidence (PSC) reported within FMS skill-specific tasks, there was no significant correlation observed between actual FMS proficiency and perceived PSC among the cohort. Results show that low, moderately, and highly active female participants differ significantly in terms of their overall FMS (p = 0.03) and locomotor (LOC) control scores (p = 0.03). Results from a two-way between-groups analysis of variance also revealed no statistically significant interaction effect between PA grouping and physical performance self-concept (PPSC) on overall FMS proficiency levels. Results of a multiple linear regression indicate that perceived PSC is a significant predictor (beta = 0.183) of participants’ overall PA levels. Data show a need for targeting low levels of PA, and low FMS proficiency in female youth, and for developing interventions aiming to enhance perceived PSC levels.

Girls’ transition from participation in a modified sport program to club sport competition - a study of longitudinal patterns and correlates

“…This may be the optimal entry level age for the female participants to transition (at some stage over a 4-year period) into club-based sport. It would seem that a person starting to play sport at age 10 or older may be limited in their competency compared to those who have played for several years [ 22 ], and perceived competency and motor control for children is a significant predictor of involvement in sport and physical activity more generally [ 11 , 29 ]. Furthermore, this current study demonstrates that if female children start playing organised sport at a very early age, this may hinder transitioning from the modified form to club competition in that particular sport.…”

Children’s Physical Self-Concept and Body Image According to Weight Status and Physical Fitness

“…A recent Irish study investigating the relationship between physical motor skills proficiency and perceived physical self-concept levels among adolescents found a significant correlation between both variables for females [11]. Physical self-concept has been shown to be related with physical motor skills (i.e., agility, movement speed .…”

Fundamental Movement Skills and their Assessment in Primary Schools from the Perspective of Teachers

“…Studies have suggested that a large proportion of children are unable to perform age-appropriate FMS (11)(12)(13) and therefore speci c and sensitive screening of FMS pro ciency in schools may be valuable in helping to identify children with FMS de cits, opening up the possibility of providing additional targeted support. It is known that early identi cation of motor skill problems is bene cial (14), thus Primary schools would be an ideal location for such assessments.…”