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Butler LS, Sugimoto D, Erdman A, Yoder J, Greiner K, Larroque C, Latz K, Loewen A, Wyatt CW, DeVerna A, Ulman S. Highly Active Middle School Athletes Demonstrate Poor Motor Skill Proficiency. Sports Health 2024; 16:527-533. [PMID: 37329118 PMCID: PMC11195851 DOI: 10.1177/19417381231178822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fundamental movement skills (FMS) are critical components to lifelong participation in sports and physical activity. With the rise in early sports specialization, mastery of motor skills may be limited in youth athletes. The purpose of this study was to assess FMS proficiency in highly active middle school athletes and determine whether proficiency differed between specialization levels and sex. HYPOTHESIS (1) Most athletes would fail to achieve proficiency in all domains of the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2), (2) highly specialized athletes would demonstrate lower proficiency in all domains of the TGMD-2, and (3) male athletes would demonstrate higher proficiency than female athletes. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 4. METHODS A total of 91 athletes were recruited (44 male, 12.6 ± 0.9 years). Activity level was quantified using the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale (Pedi-FABS), specialization level was determined using the Jayanthi Specialization Scale, and the TGMD-2 was used to assess FMS proficiency. Descriptive statistics were used to describe gross motor, locomotor, and object control percentile rank. A 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess differences in percentile rank between low, moderate, and high specialization groups and independent samples t tests were used to compare sexes (α < 0.05). RESULTS Mean Pedi-FABS score was 23.6 ± 4.9. In total, 24.2%, 38.5%, and 37.4% of athletes classified as low, moderate, and highly specialized, respectively. Mean percentile ranks were 56.2%, 64.7%, and 62.6% for locomotor, object control, and gross motor domains, respectively. No athlete achieved a percentile rank >99% in any domain of the TGMD-2, and there was no significant difference between specialization groups or sex. CONCLUSION Despite high activity levels, no athlete demonstrated proficiency in any domain of the TGMD-2, and there was no difference in proficiency between specialization levels or by sex. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Sport participation, regardless of level, does not ensure adequate mastery of FMS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dai Sugimoto
- Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan; The Micheli Center for Sports Injury Prevention, Waltham, Massachusetts
| | | | - Jason Yoder
- Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri
| | | | | | - Kevin Latz
- Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri
| | | | - Charles W. Wyatt
- Scottish Rite Hospital, Dallas, Texas, and University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas
| | | | | | - Sophia Ulman
- Scottish Rite Hospital, Dallas, Texas, and University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas
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Praxedes P, Maia J, Santos C, Garbeloto F, Hedeker D, Barreira TV, Garganta R, Farias C, Tani G, Chaput JP, Stodden DF, Katzmarzyk PT, Pereira S. Associations of obesity, movement behaviors, and socioeconomic status with fundamental movement skills in children: Results from the REACT project. Am J Hum Biol 2024; 36:e24108. [PMID: 38794903 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.24108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship of biological characteristics (age, sex, and obesity), movement behaviors (physical activity and sedentary time), and family socioeconomic status with fundamental movement skills (FMS) in primary school children. METHODS This cross-sectional study sampled 1014 children (537 girls) aged 6 to 10 years from 25 primary schools in Matosinhos, north of Portugal. Five object control skills (dribbling, kicking, catching, throwing, and underarm rolling) were assessed with a categorical scale using the Meu Educativo® platform. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated and transformed into z-scores. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time were monitored with accelerometry (ActiGraph wGT3X-BT) for seven consecutive days. Family socioeconomic status (SES) was obtained from the Portuguese social support system. Ordinal multilevel logistic regression was used to analyze the associations of weight status, MVPA, sedentary time and SES with FMS, adjusted for sex and age. RESULTS Boys (odds ratio (OR) = 6.54; 95% CI: 5.13-8.36) and older children (OR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.85-2.26) were more likely to achieve higher FMS scores. Children with obesity (OR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.45-0.80), those less active (OR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.42-0.75) and children with more sedentary time (OR = 0.86; 95%CI: 0.77-0.97) were less likely to score high on FMS. Family SES was not significantly associated with FMS scores. CONCLUSION Primary school children's FMS are significantly related to biological and behavioral factors but not to family SES. These findings highlight the need for suitable strategies to enhance children's FMS proficiency, considering differences in these characteristics. Fostering adequate motor skill proficiency levels will assist in establishing a robust foundation for healthy lifestyles of all children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscyla Praxedes
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - José Maia
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Santos
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Research Center in Sport, Physical Education, and Exercise and Health (CIDEFES), Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Lusófona University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fernando Garbeloto
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Motor Behavior Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sports, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Donald Hedeker
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Rui Garganta
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cláudio Farias
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Go Tani
- Motor Behavior Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sports, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jean-Philippe Chaput
- Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - David F Stodden
- Department of Educational and Developmental Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Peter T Katzmarzyk
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Sara Pereira
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Research Center in Sport, Physical Education, and Exercise and Health (CIDEFES), Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Lusófona University, Lisbon, Portugal
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Maia J, Santos C, Pereira S, Hedeker D, Barreira TV, Garganta R, Farias C, Garbeloto F, Tani G, Cruz H, Chaput JP, Stodden DF, Katzmarzyk PT. A multivariate multilevel approach to unravel the associations between individual and school factors on children's motor performance in the REACT project. Am J Hum Biol 2024; 36:e24080. [PMID: 38562064 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.24080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim was to (1) estimate the relationship between physical fitness (PF) and object control fundamental movement skills (FMS), (2) identify child characteristics that relate with PF and FMS, and (3) examine associations between the school environment, PF, and FMS. METHODS The sample included 1014 Portuguese children aged 6-10 years from the REACT project. PF was assessed via running speed, shuttle run, standing long jump, handgrip, and the PACER test. Object control FMS were assessed with stationary dribble, kick, catch, overhand throw, and underhand roll. Test performances were transformed into z-scores, and their sum was expressed as overall PF and FMS. Child-level variables included body mass index (BMI) z-scores, accelerometer-measured sedentary time and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and socioeconomic status (SES). School size, physical education classes, practice areas, and equipment were also assessed. RESULTS Approximately, 90% of the variance in object control PF and FMS was at the child level, and 10% at the school level. The correlation between PF and object control FMS was .62, which declined to .43 with the inclusion of covariates. Older, more active, and higher SES children had higher object control PF and FMS, and boys outperformed girls. BMI was negatively associated with PF but not with object control FMS. Sedentary time and number of physical education classes were not significant predictors. Most school predictors did not jointly associate with PF and object control FMS. CONCLUSION PF and object control FMS z-scores were moderately related. Not all child characteristics were associated with both PF and object control FMS, and their effect sizes were different. School characteristics only explained 10% of the total variation in PF and object control FMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Maia
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Santos
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Research Center in Sport, Physical Education, and Exercise and Health (CIDEFES), Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Lusófona University, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sara Pereira
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Research Center in Sport, Physical Education, and Exercise and Health (CIDEFES), Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Lusófona University, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Donald Hedeker
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Tiago V Barreira
- Department of Exercise Science, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Rui Garganta
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cláudio Farias
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Garbeloto
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Motor Behavior Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sports, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Go Tani
- Motor Behavior Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sports, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hugo Cruz
- Matosinhos City-Hall, Division of Innovation, Education and Pedagogy, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Jean-Philippe Chaput
- Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - David F Stodden
- Department of Educational and Developmental Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
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Roscoe CMP, Taylor N, Weir N, Flynn RJ, Pringle A. Impact and Implementation of an Early Years Fundamental Motor Skills Intervention for Children 4-5 Years. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:416. [PMID: 38671633 PMCID: PMC11048878 DOI: 10.3390/children11040416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Fundamental motor skills (FMS) are the cornerstone of a child's motor development, but concerns remain on the current level of FMS competencies, and intervention is required. This evaluation investigated if a targeted Early Years FMS intervention, delivered by a specialist physical education (PE) provider, improved the FMS of 4-5-year-old children across multiple sites. METHODS The Early Years FMS intervention ran for 18 weeks, 1 h/week, using a standardised programme of activities to develop FMS competencies across 219 children from 15 schools in the Midlands, UK. An adapted assessment was employed as a measure of FMS, assessing locomotor, object control, and stability skills at weeks 1, 9, and 18. The FMS were each rated as green = competent, amber = working towards, or red = not meeting the standards of the skill. A description of key programme implementation characteristics was described. FINDINGS Statistically significant increases in FMS competencies were achieved for 80% of participants at 18 weeks. Key implementation characteristics for the intervention included consistent staffing, a standardised programme, and a variety of pedagogical approaches delivered by specialist PE staff. CONCLUSION This evaluation provided important insights into the effectiveness and implementation of the Early Years FMS intervention to improve FMS competencies in children aged 4-5 years.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Andy Pringle
- Clinical Exercise Rehabilitation Research Centre, School of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Derby, Derby DE22 1GB, UK; (C.M.P.R.); (N.T.); (N.W.); (R.J.F.)
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Castle N, Howells K. A Model for Effective Learning in Competition: A Pedagogical Tool to Enhance Enjoyment and Perceptions of Competency in Physical Education Lessons for Young Children. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:111. [PMID: 38255424 PMCID: PMC10814171 DOI: 10.3390/children11010111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
To date, little research on competition has focused on young children (6-7-year-olds). A total of ninety-seven participants (51 boys and 46 girls) from two English primary schools completed two physical education (PE) lessons, which included three different activity challenges. The control group undertook the same activities in both lessons. The experimental group did likewise but were set high-, low-, or mid-level targets in lesson two based on individual scores from lesson one. The children completed a post-session questionnaire to assess (i) enjoyment levels and (ii) which activity they perceived they performed best in. The results found that children both improved and enjoyed the lesson most when low- or mid-level targets were set. Indeed, when targets were absent (in the control group), children's competency scores regressed. Likewise, children perceived that they performed best in the activity where lower targets were set. Their perceived competency included both tangible and intangible reasons. From these results, it is recommended that for practitioners working with 6-7-year-old children, the most effective learning in competition uses individualised and competitive targets and challenges as a means to garner greater enjoyment in PE. Understanding each child's self-efficacy and motivation is key, which requires ongoing evaluation and assessment during PE lessons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Castle
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Psychology and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury CT1 1QU, UK;
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Zhang Y, Wainwright N, Goodway JD, John A, Stevenson A, Thomas K, Jenkins S, Layas F, Piper K. MiniMovers: An Initial Pilot and Feasibility Study to Investigate the Impact of a Mobile Application on Children's Motor Skills and Parent Support for Physical Development. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:99. [PMID: 38255412 PMCID: PMC10813848 DOI: 10.3390/children11010099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The MiniMovers (MM) APP combines motor development theory with creativity expertise and has been designed to provide parents with developmentally appropriate activities to support children's motor skills. This study investigates how MiniMovers activities enabled parents to support their children's physical development. Families participated in an 8-week MM programme of activities from the MM APP (Mini, Mighty and Mega levels), with pre- and post-intervention data collected using multiple tools (e.g., motion capture system, force plate, eye-tracking glasses, and videos). Mixed research methods were applied among children (N = 8; aged 21-79 months) and their parents, providing quantitative analysis on children's performance (running, throwing, jumping, kicking, balancing and catching), as well as qualitative analysis on parents' attitude and behaviour (two-weekly feedback surveys and interviews). Lab-based measures showed significant improvements in run time, underarm throwing distance, and horizontal jump distance. Test of Gross Motor Development-3 showed a significant gain in running, underarm and overarm throwing, horizontal jump and kicking. Further, developmental stages indicated significant improvements in running, kicking and catching. Parents reported increased enjoyment and knowledge, children's enjoyment, independence and confidence. This pilot study provides support for the research and development of the MM App and suggests more research into the use of APPs to support home activities among families with young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Zhang
- Assistive Technologies Innovation Centre (ATiC), University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Swansea SA1 8PH, UK; (Y.Z.); (S.J.); (F.L.)
| | - Nalda Wainwright
- Wales Academy for Health and Physical Literacy, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Carmarthen SA31 3EP, UK; (N.W.); (A.J.); (A.S.); (K.T.)
| | - Jacqueline D. Goodway
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210-1172, USA
| | - Amanda John
- Wales Academy for Health and Physical Literacy, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Carmarthen SA31 3EP, UK; (N.W.); (A.J.); (A.S.); (K.T.)
| | - Anna Stevenson
- Wales Academy for Health and Physical Literacy, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Carmarthen SA31 3EP, UK; (N.W.); (A.J.); (A.S.); (K.T.)
| | - Kirsty Thomas
- Wales Academy for Health and Physical Literacy, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Carmarthen SA31 3EP, UK; (N.W.); (A.J.); (A.S.); (K.T.)
| | - Sean Jenkins
- Assistive Technologies Innovation Centre (ATiC), University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Swansea SA1 8PH, UK; (Y.Z.); (S.J.); (F.L.)
| | - Fatma Layas
- Assistive Technologies Innovation Centre (ATiC), University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Swansea SA1 8PH, UK; (Y.Z.); (S.J.); (F.L.)
| | - Kate Piper
- Sport and Healthy Living, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Carmarthen SA31 3EP, UK;
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Truxius L, Maurer MN, Sägesser Wyss J, Roebers CM. The internal structure of handwriting proficiency in beginning writers. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296096. [PMID: 38181022 PMCID: PMC10769097 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Fluent and automatized handwriting frees cognitive resources for more complex elements of writing (i.e., spelling or text generation) or even math tasks (i.e., operating) and is therefore a central objective in primary school years. Most previous research has focused on the development of handwriting automaticity across the school years and characteristics of handwriting difficulties in advanced writers. However, the relative and absolute predictive power of the different kinematic aspects for typically developing beginning handwriting remains unclear. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether and to what extent different kinematic aspects contribute to handwriting proficiency in typically developing beginning handwriters. Further, we investigated whether gender, socioeconomic background, or interindividual differences in executive functions and visuomotor integration contribute to children's acquisition of handwriting. Therefore, 853 first-grade children aged seven copied words on a digitized tablet and completed cognitive performance tasks. We used a confirmatory factor analysis to investigate how predefined kinematic aspects of handwriting, specifically the number of inversions in velocity (NIV), pen stops, pen lifts, and pressure on the paper, are linked to an underlying handwriting factor. NIV, pen stops, and pen lifts showed the highest factor loadings and therefore appear to best explain handwriting proficiency in beginning writers. Handwriting proficiency was superior in girls than boys but, surprisingly, did not differ between children from low versus high socioeconomic backgrounds. Handwriting proficiency was related to working memory but unrelated to inhibition, shifting, and visuomotor integration. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of considering different kinematic aspects in children who have not yet automatized pen movements. Results are also important from an applied perspective, as the early detection of handwriting difficulties has not yet received much research attention, although it is the base for tailoring early interventions for children at risk for handwriting difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Truxius
- Institute for Research, Development, and Evaluation, Bern University of Teacher Education, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michelle N. Maurer
- Institute for Special Needs Education, Bern University of Teacher Education, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Special Needs Education, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Judith Sägesser Wyss
- Institute for Special Needs Education, Bern University of Teacher Education, Bern, Switzerland
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Maurer MN, Truxius L, Sägesser Wyss J, Eckhart M. From Scribbles to Script: Graphomotor Skills' Impact on Spelling in Early Primary School. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1886. [PMID: 38136088 PMCID: PMC10741596 DOI: 10.3390/children10121886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The acquisition of handwriting skills is a crucial goal in early primary school. Yet our comprehension of handwriting development, encompassing graphomotor skills and spelling, remains fragmented. The identification of predictors for handwriting skills is essential for providing early support. This longitudinal study aimed to explore the predictive roles of gender, working memory, and motivation to handwrite for graphomotor skills six months later and spelling skills one year later. Paper-and-pencil tasks (graphomotor skills, spelling), a tablet task (working memory), and a questionnaire (teachers' ratings of children's handwriting motivation) were employed. This study included 363 first-grade children (49.8% girls) aged 6-9 years. Results from a structural equation model, controlling for age and socioeconomic background, revealed that girls exhibited superior performance in graphomotor skills, while boys tended to spell more accurately. Furthermore, working memory predicted graphomotor skills but not spelling. Additionally, motivation to handwrite predicted both first-grade graphomotor skills and second-grade spelling. This study extends contemporary evidence, demonstrating that graphomotor skills predict spelling while considering gender and motivation. The findings underscore the pivotal role of graphomotor skills in spelling acquisition and suggest their contribution to spelling difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle N. Maurer
- Institute for Special Needs Education, Bern University of Teacher Education, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (J.S.W.); (M.E.)
- Department of Special Needs Education, University of Oslo, 0371 Oslo, Norway
| | - Lidia Truxius
- Institute for Research, Development, and Evaluation, Bern University of Teacher Education, 3012 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Judith Sägesser Wyss
- Institute for Special Needs Education, Bern University of Teacher Education, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (J.S.W.); (M.E.)
| | - Michael Eckhart
- Institute for Special Needs Education, Bern University of Teacher Education, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (J.S.W.); (M.E.)
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Babik I, Cunha AB, Srinivasan S. Biological and environmental factors may affect children's executive function through motor and sensorimotor development: Preterm birth and cerebral palsy. Infant Behav Dev 2023; 73:101881. [PMID: 37643499 DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2023.101881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Disruptive biological and environmental factors may undermine the development of children's motor and sensorimotor skills. Since the development of cognitive skills, including executive function, is grounded in early motor and sensorimotor experiences, early delays or impairments in motor and sensorimotor processing often trigger dynamic developmental cascades that lead to suboptimal executive function outcomes. The purpose of this perspective paper is to link early differences in motor/sensorimotor processing to the development of executive function in children born preterm or with cerebral palsy. Uncovering such links in clinical populations would improve our understanding of developmental pathways and key motor and sensorimotor skills that are antecedent and foundational for the development of executive function. This knowledge will allow the refinement of early interventions targeting motor and sensorimotor skills with the goal of proactively improving executive function outcomes in at-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iryna Babik
- Department of Psychological Science, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA.
| | - Andrea B Cunha
- Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Sudha Srinivasan
- Physical Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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Errisuriz VL, Parra-Medina D, Liang Y, Howard JT, Li S, Sosa E, Ullevig SL, Estrada-Coats VM, Yin Z. ¡Miranos! An 8-Month Comprehensive Preschool Obesity Prevention Program in Low-Income Latino Children: Effects on Children's Gross Motor Development. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6974. [PMID: 37947532 PMCID: PMC10647584 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20216974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Organized childcare is an ideal setting to promote gross motor development in young children from low-income minority families. A three-group clustered randomized controlled trial was conducted in Head Start centers serving low-income Latino children to evaluate the impact of an 8-month comprehensive obesity-prevention intervention on children's percentile scores for locomotive skills (LS pctl) and ball skills (BS pctl), and general motor quotient (GMQ). Trained Head Start staff delivered the center-based intervention (CBI) to modify center physical activity and nutrition policies, staff practices, and child behaviors, while the home-based intervention (HBI) offered training and support to parents for obesity prevention at home. Participants were 3-year-old children (n = 310; 87% Latino; 58% female) enrolled in Head Start centers in South Texas. Twelve centers were randomized (1:1:1 ratio) to receive CBI, CBI and HBI (CBI + HBI), or control treatment. Posttest data were collected from 79.1% of participants. All gross motor development measures improved significantly for children in CBI compared to the control, while children in CBI + HBI only showed improvement for GMQ (p = 0.09) and LS pctl (p < 0.001) compared to the control. A comprehensive and culturally competent intervention targeting childcare centers and children's homes was effective at improving children's gross motor development and reducing disparities in child development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa L. Errisuriz
- Department of Public Health, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053, USA;
| | - Deborah Parra-Medina
- Latino Research Institute, University of Texas at Austin, 210 W. 24th Street, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Yuanyuan Liang
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 660 W. Redwood Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Jeffrey T. Howard
- Department of Public Health, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; (J.T.H.); (E.S.); (V.M.E.-C.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Shiyu Li
- School of Nursing, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA;
| | - Erica Sosa
- Department of Public Health, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; (J.T.H.); (E.S.); (V.M.E.-C.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Sarah L. Ullevig
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA;
| | - Vanessa M. Estrada-Coats
- Department of Public Health, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; (J.T.H.); (E.S.); (V.M.E.-C.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Zenong Yin
- Department of Public Health, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; (J.T.H.); (E.S.); (V.M.E.-C.); (Z.Y.)
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Richards AB, Barker HG, Williams E, Swindell N, Mackintosh KA, Tyler R, Griffiths LJ, Foweather L, Stratton G. Motor Competence between Children with and without Additional Learning Needs: A Cross-Sectional Population-Level Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1537. [PMID: 37761498 PMCID: PMC10529022 DOI: 10.3390/children10091537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine associations in motor competence between children with additional learning needs (ALN) and typically developing children. This cross-sectional study involved a nationally representative cohort of 4555 children (48.98% boys; 11.35 ± 0.65 years) from sixty-five schools across Wales (UK). Demographic data were collected from schools, and children were assessed using the Dragon Challenge assessment of motor competence, which consists of nine tasks completed in a timed circuit. A multi-nominal multi-level model with random intercept was fitted to explore the proficiency between children with ALN and those without. In all nine motor competence tasks, typically developing children demonstrated higher levels of proficiency than their peers with ALN, with these associations evident after accounting for age, sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. This study highlights motor competence inequalities at a population level and emphasises the need for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to prioritise motor competence development, particularly for children with ALN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amie B. Richards
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK; (A.B.R.); (H.G.B.); (E.W.); (N.S.); (K.A.M.)
| | - Harriet G. Barker
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK; (A.B.R.); (H.G.B.); (E.W.); (N.S.); (K.A.M.)
| | - Emily Williams
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK; (A.B.R.); (H.G.B.); (E.W.); (N.S.); (K.A.M.)
| | - Nils Swindell
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK; (A.B.R.); (H.G.B.); (E.W.); (N.S.); (K.A.M.)
| | - Kelly A. Mackintosh
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK; (A.B.R.); (H.G.B.); (E.W.); (N.S.); (K.A.M.)
| | - Richard Tyler
- Health Research Institute, Movement Behaviours, Health, and Wellbeing Research Group, Department of Sport and Physical Activity, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk L39 4QP, UK;
| | - Lucy J. Griffiths
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK;
| | - Lawrence Foweather
- Physical Activity Exchange, Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 2EX, UK;
| | - Gareth Stratton
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK; (A.B.R.); (H.G.B.); (E.W.); (N.S.); (K.A.M.)
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12
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Flynn RJ, Pringle A, Roscoe CMP. Direct Parent Engagement to Improve Fundamental Movement Skills in Children: A Systematic Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1247. [PMID: 37508744 PMCID: PMC10378247 DOI: 10.3390/children10071247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Fundamental movement skills (FMS) are basic movements in children that represent the building blocks for more complex motor skill development and act as a prerequisite for enduring sport and physical activity (PA) engagement and positive health-related behaviours. The FMS proficiency is currently inadequate worldwide, and consequently there are alarming levels of inactivity and childhood obesity. However, parents are role models to their children and possess the power to influence their PA behaviour. This review investigated if parent-focused interventions could improve FMS in 2-7-year-old children and evaluated which setting and method of parent engagement was most impactful. Keyword searches were conducted via Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Only nine articles met the inclusion criteria. No research originated from the United Kingdom, highlighting the urgent need for further FMS interventions involving parents. The FMS improved in all nine studies, with significant changes in seven of the articles (p < 0.05). Parent-child co-activity, the education and empowerment of parents, and the provision of clear FMS guidance, messaging, and structure can positively influence children's FMS. Recently, smartphone apps have increased the feasibility and accessibility of FMS practice at home and may be integral to future interventions. Further research with direct parental involvement is clearly warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Flynn
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Research Centre, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB, UK
| | - Andy Pringle
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Research Centre, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB, UK
| | - Clare M P Roscoe
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Research Centre, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB, UK
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Duncan MJ, AlShabeb A, Fitton Davies K, Alshahrani N, Almasoud Y. A 6-Week Badminton-Based Movement Intervention Enhances Fundamental Movement Skills and Physical Fitness in Saudi Boys and Girls. Sports (Basel) 2023; 11:132. [PMID: 37505619 PMCID: PMC10385236 DOI: 10.3390/sports11070132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined the short (pre-post) and longer-term (post to 10 weeks post) effects of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Shuttle Time program on fundamental movement skills (FMS) and physical fitness in Saudi boys and girls. Seventy-six children aged 9-11 years (44 boys, 32 girls; mean ± SD = 10.2 ± 0.9 years) undertook twice weekly Shuttle Time sessions for 6 weeks. Pre, post, and 10 weeks post, FMS was measured using the test of gross motor development 3 and physical fitness was measured via 10 m sprint speed, standing long jump, seated medicine ball throw, and a 6 min walk test (6MWT). There were significant improvements in FMS from pre to post (p = 0.0001) and post to 10-weeks post (p = 0.0001) for both boys and girls. Girls demonstrated a significantly greater magnitude of change in FMS. For 10 m sprint time, seated medicine ball throw, standing long jump, and 6MWT performance, both boys and girls significantly improved from pre-10 weeks post (all p = 0.001). The magnitude of change was greater pre to 10-weeks post for girls for the seated medicine ball throw, but was greater for boys for the standing long jump and 6MWT. In terms of practical applications, the BWF Shuttle Time program is feasible for administration in the Saudi context and is beneficial in developing FMS and fitness for Saudi children aged 8-12 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Duncan
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
| | - Abdulrahman AlShabeb
- Department of English, College of Languages and Translation, Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - Katie Fitton Davies
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 2AJ, UK
| | - Nadia Alshahrani
- Technical Programs, Applied College, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU), Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
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Smits-Engelsman B, Coetzee D, Valtr L, Verbecque E. Do Girls Have an Advantage Compared to Boys When Their Motor Skills Are Tested Using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, 2nd Edition? CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1159. [PMID: 37508656 PMCID: PMC10378111 DOI: 10.3390/children10071159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to investigate sex-related differences in raw item scores on the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, 2nd Edition (MABC-2) in a large data set collected in different regions across the world, seeking to unravel whether there is an interaction effect between sex and the origin of the sample (European versus African). In this retrospective study, a secondary analysis was performed on anonymized data of 7654 children with a mean age of 8.6 (range 3 to 16; SD: 3.4), 50.0% of whom were boys. Since country-specific norms were not available for all samples, the raw scores per age band (AB) were used for analysis. Our results clearly show that in all age bands sex-related differences are present. In AB1 and AB2, girls score better on most manual dexterity and balance items, but not aiming and catching items, whereas in AB3 the differences seem to diminish. Especially in the European sample, girls outperform boys in manual dexterity and balance items, whereas in the African sample these differences are less marked. In conclusion, separate norms for boys and girls are needed in addition to separate norms for geographical regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bouwien Smits-Engelsman
- Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
- Department of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town University, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
| | - Dané Coetzee
- Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Ludvík Valtr
- Department of Natural Sciences in Kinanthropology, Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University Olomouc, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Evi Verbecque
- Rehabilitation Research Centre (REVAL), Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building A, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
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Medeiros P, Cardoso FL, Cordeiro PC, Paiva Vieira ED, Silva WRD, Tamplain P. Self-esteem, self-efficacy, and social support mediate the relationship between motor proficiency and internalizing problems in adults: Exploring the environmental stress hypothesis in adulthood. Hum Mov Sci 2023; 88:103072. [PMID: 36867976 DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2023.103072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
The Environmental Stress Hypothesis (ESH) is a theoretical model used to understand the factors mediating the relationship between motor proficiency and internalizing problems. The aim of this study is to explore a potential extension of the ESH by examining whether BMI, physical activity levels, self-esteem, self-efficacy and social support are potential mediators between motor proficiency and internalizing problems in young adults. 290 adults aged between 18 and 30 years old (150 women, 140 men) were evaluated with the following instruments: Adult Developmental Coordination Disorders Checklist (ADC), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS 21), Social Support Satisfaction Scale (SSSS), Perceived General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and self-reported body mass index (BMI). The results indicated that self-esteem, self-efficacy, and social support mediate the relationship between motor proficiency and internalizing problems in this sample. Thus, the findings reinforce the notion that early intervention and preventive psychological care can serve as protective aspects of mental health in adults at risk for low motor proficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pâmella Medeiros
- Department of Physical Education, State University of Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | - Priscila Tamplain
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Texas at Arlington, United States of America.
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Homeyer D, Memaran N, Kück M, Grams L, von der Born J, Bauer E, Schwalba M, Kerling A, von Maltzahn N, Albrecht A, Haverich A, Stiesch M, Melk A, Tegtbur U. Participating in a School-Integrated Daily Exercise Program Improves Motor Performance Significantly in School-Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4764. [PMID: 36981673 PMCID: PMC10048861 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20064764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Children's sedentary time has increased, while daily physical activity and motor performance have decreased. We evaluated an integrated school-based exercise program by assessing changes in motor skills after one year and comparing these changes to children who did not participate. We included 303 children from five schools in this longitudinal study and assigned them either to the exercise group (EG; n = 183 with daily exercise program) or the waiting group (WG; n = 120). Motor skills were assessed at baseline and after one year. Mixed modeling was used to analyze inter-group differences of change in motor skills and to determine the effect of sex, age group, and weight status. EG improved more strongly than WG for sprint, side jumps (both p = 0.017), stand and reach (p = 0.012), and ergometry (p ≤ 0.001) when compared to WG. Girls improved more strongly in the sit-ups than boys, second graders more than fifth graders in the backwards balance and the ergometry, and non-overweight children more in the standing long jump than overweight children. The exercise program is effective in increasing motor skills and physical fitness. Girls were not disadvantaged, and overweight children profited as much as their non-overweight peers in all categories but one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Homeyer
- Department of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Nima Memaran
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (N.M.)
| | - Momme Kück
- Department of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Lena Grams
- Department of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jeannine von der Born
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (N.M.)
| | - Elena Bauer
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (N.M.)
| | - Martina Schwalba
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (N.M.)
| | - Arno Kerling
- Department of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Nadine von Maltzahn
- Department for Dental Prosthodontics and Biomedical Materials Science, Center for Dentistry and Oral Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Alexander Albrecht
- Department of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Axel Haverich
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation, and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Meike Stiesch
- Department for Dental Prosthodontics and Biomedical Materials Science, Center for Dentistry and Oral Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Anette Melk
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (N.M.)
| | - Uwe Tegtbur
- Department of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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Bonafede C, van der Merwe E. Kinesthetic Coordination Abilities in 6-Year-Old Children: School Quintile, Gender, and Hand Dominance Differences. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EARLY CHILDHOOD = REVUE INTERNATIONALE DE L'ENFANCE PRESCOLAIRE = REVISTA INTERNACIONAL DE LA INFANCIA PRE-ESCOLAR 2023:1-19. [PMID: 36844145 PMCID: PMC9937861 DOI: 10.1007/s13158-023-00350-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Proprioceptive kinaesthetic control underpins motor movements of developing children and can be influenced by several factors. The main aim of this study was to establish proprioceptive kinaesthetic coordination differences in six-year-olds from different school quintiles, of different genders, and with different handedness. A total of 193 six-year-olds from 10 schools of different quintiles in the Motheo District, Mangaung, were included, of which 97 (50.3%) were boys and 96 (49.7%) were girls. A quantitative cross-sectional study design was followed to determine proprioceptive kinaesthetic coordination differences. Right-handed participants performed significantly better than left-handed participants in the Finger-to-Nose task (p = 0.0125) when moving and positioning their dominant arm and hand. When using their dominant arm, significant differences in the shoulder-level-arm-raise (p = 0.0288) favoured boys. Girls showed superior execution of the force perception task (p = 0.0322). In conclusion, significant proprioceptive kinaesthetic coordination differences in six-year-olds were mainly not evident. Future work should explore proprioceptive kinaesthetic coordination differences in children of other ages and determine the practical implications of identified differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Bonafede
- Department of Exercise & Sport Sciences, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, 205 Nelson Mandela Drive, Park West, Bloemfontein, 9301 Free State South Africa
| | - Elna van der Merwe
- Department of Exercise & Sport Sciences, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, 205 Nelson Mandela Drive, Park West, Bloemfontein, 9301 Free State South Africa
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18
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Movement Assessment Battery for Children—Second Edition (MABC-2): psychometric properties for Iranian children (age band 2). SPORT SCIENCES FOR HEALTH 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11332-023-01048-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
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Sinvani RT, Golos A, Ben Zagmi S, Gilboa Y. The Relationship between Young Children's Graphomotor Skills and Their Environment: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1338. [PMID: 36674093 PMCID: PMC9858789 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The current study aimed to examine the unique contribution of personal and environmental factors to explain graphomotor skills in typically developing preschoolers and first-year elementary school students. A convenience sample of 136 Israeli children aged three−seven years was recruited. Graphomotor skills were assessed using the Gilboa Functional Test (GIFT); personal and environmental factors were assessed using a demographic questionnaire and the Home Literacy Experiences Questionnaire (HLEQ). A hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis revealed that home literacy and educational approach accounted for 43.1% of the variance of graphomotor skills (R2 = 40.4, p < 0.000), each providing a unique contribution to the explained variance after controlling for age, gender, and spoken language. Generally, our results supported the bioecological model, with proximal factors (home literacy and educational approach) having a greater influence on child graphomotor skills than distal factors (parental socioeconomic and immigration status). By highlighting the role of environmental factors in graphomotor development, these results can be used as a conceptual framework for developing early intervention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel-Tzofia Sinvani
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9124001, Israel
| | - Anat Golos
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9124001, Israel
| | - Stav Ben Zagmi
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9124001, Israel
- Child Development Center, “Meuhedet” Health Maintenance Organization, Ashdod 7727408, Israel
| | - Yafit Gilboa
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9124001, Israel
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Basterfield L, Machaira T, Jones D, Rapley T, Araujo-Soares V, Cameron N, Azevedo LB. Early Years Physical Activity and Motor Skills Intervention-A Feasibility Study to Evaluate an Existing Training Programme for Early Years Educators. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10010145. [PMID: 36670695 PMCID: PMC9856565 DOI: 10.3390/children10010145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
A lack of fundamental motor skills (FMS) in the early years can lead to lower engagement with physical activity (PA), and track into adulthood. This study aimed to test the feasibility of an existing intervention for Early Years Educators ("Educators") designed to increase knowledge, confidence and the ability to increase PA and FMS of children in a deprived area of England. Non-randomised design with wait-list control. Sixty-seven settings in Middlesbrough, North East England were invited. Recruitment target: 10 settings, 2 Educators per setting, four children per Educator. INTERVENTION one-day training course "Physical Literacy in the Early Years", an age-appropriate theoretical and practical training course to support the development of physical literacy. PRIMARY OUTCOMES recruitment, retention, acceptability of intervention and outcome measures. SECONDARY OUTCOMES change in Educators' knowledge, intentions and behaviour, and change in children's BMI z-score, PA and FMS. Eight settings were recruited; all Intervention Educators completed the training. Six settings participated at follow-up (four Intervention, two Control). The target for Educator recruitment was met (two per setting, total n = 16). Questionnaires were completed by 80% of Intervention Educators at baseline, 20% at follow-up. Control Educators completed zero questionnaires. No Educators took part in a process evaluation interview. Forty-eight children participated at baseline, 28 at follow-up. The intervention was deemed acceptable. The recruitment, retention and acceptability of measurements were insufficient to recommend proceeding. Additional qualitative work is needed to understand and surmount the challenges posed by the implementation of the trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Basterfield
- Human Nutrition and Exercise Research Centre, and Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Dan Jones
- SHLS Nursing & Midwifery, Teesside University, Middlesbrough TS1 3BX, UK
| | - Tim Rapley
- Department of Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7XA, UK
| | - Vera Araujo-Soares
- Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, D-68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Neil Cameron
- SportWorks (North East) Ltd., North Shields NE29 6DE, UK
| | - Liane B. Azevedo
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK
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21
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Development of a German Physical Literacy Assessment for Children in the Context of Health Promotion-An Explorative Approach. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9121908. [PMID: 36553351 PMCID: PMC9776812 DOI: 10.3390/children9121908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Addressing physical literacy (PL) has become increasingly relevant to counteract sedentary behaviour in children and youth. We developed an assessment tool to measure and evaluate the promotion of individual PL and its four subdomains: motivation and confidence (the affective dimension), physical competence (physical dimension), knowledge and understanding (cognitive dimension), and participation in physical activity. Within this cross-sectional study, we tested 567 children aged 6−12 years from four primary schools that differed in socioeconomic status (SES). A subsequent exploratory factor analysis conducted to examine the conformity revealed a five-factor structure. The five factors explained 39.8% of the total cumulative variance. Children with a low SES yielded lower scores in all subdomains except participation in physical activity. This effect was most pronounced in motor skills (p < 0.001, r = 0.28). Among the children with a low SES, 16.9% were overweight and 17.4% were obese, compared to 11.5% and 5.4%, respectively, for those with a high SES (p < 0.001). In conclusion, although the assessment tool was largely in line with the postulated structure, further adjustments are necessary in terms of participation and motivation. Nevertheless, this holistic view of PL, taking SES into account, should enable the focused promotion of health and health literacy.
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Specht IO, Larsen SC, Rohde JF, Østergaard JN, Heitmann BL. Comparison of Motor Difficulties Measured in the First Year of School among Children Who Attended Rural Outdoor or Urban Conventional Kindergartens. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14158. [PMID: 36361035 PMCID: PMC9653742 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kindergartens can potentially contribute substantially to the daily level of physical activity and development of motor skills and might be an ideal setting for improving these as a public health initiative. We aimed to examine whether children from rural outdoor kindergartens had a lower risk of motor difficulties than children from urban conventional kindergartens. METHODS Motor test results were measured during the first school year by school health nurses using a six-item test of gross- and fine motor skills (jumping, handle a writing tool, cutting with a scissor following a line, one-leg stand on each leg, throwing and grabbing). Register-based information was available on potential confounding factors. RESULTS We included 901 children from outdoor kindergartens and 993 from conventional kindergartens with a mean (SD) age of 6.5 years (0.4). The children from the two types of kindergarten differed according to demographic information, with outdoor kindergarten children more often being from more affluent families (long maternal education level: 47.5% vs. 31.0%, p < 0.0001) and fewer girls attending the outdoor kindergartens (42.7% vs. 49.5%, p = 0.003). In the adjusted models, we found no evidence of differences in the risk of motor difficulties between children attending either type of kindergarten (OR: 0.95, 95%CI: 0.71; 1.27, p = 0.72). CONCLUSION Our results do not support outdoor kindergartens as a potential intervention to improve motor abilities among children. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Olmer Specht
- Research Unit for Dietary Studies, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, The Capital Region, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Sofus Christian Larsen
- Research Unit for Dietary Studies, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, The Capital Region, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Jeanett Friis Rohde
- Research Unit for Dietary Studies, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, The Capital Region, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Jane Nautrup Østergaard
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Central Denmark Region, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Berit Lilienthal Heitmann
- Research Unit for Dietary Studies, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, The Capital Region, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark
- The Boden Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Section for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, 1165 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Differences in Motor Competence of Chilean Schoolchildren According to Biological and Sociocultural Correlates. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9101482. [PMID: 36291418 PMCID: PMC9600301 DOI: 10.3390/children9101482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: In this study, we aimed to determine differences in the levels of motor competence according to biological factors (sex, age and weight status) and sociocultural factors (socioeconomic level and belonging to an indigenous people or not) in students of the La Araucanía Region, Chile. (2) Methods: A total of 552 students in 5th and 6th grade were evaluated (49.6% girls; age M = 11.3; SD = 0.8). To assess motor competence (domains of object control and self-movement), the MOBAK 5-6 test was applied. (3) Results: In the object control dimension, significant differences were found according to sex, with the boys performing higher than the girls. According to age, schoolchildren aged 11.0 to 11.9 performed higher than those aged 10.0 to 10.9, and according to socioeconomic status, schoolchildren from schools with a higher socioeconomic status showed a higher motor performance. No significant interaction effects were found between groups. With regard to the self-movement domain, statistically significant differences were only found according to weight status, where students of normal weight presented the highest performance. No significant effects were found between any of the groups. (4) Conclusions: This study shows the importance of considering the biological and sociocultural characteristics in the development of motor competence when interpreting data or planning interventions in different settings.
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Knaier E, Chaouch A, Caflisch JA, Rousson V, Kakebeeke TH, Jenni OG. Integration of Speed and Quality in Measuring Graphomotor Skills: The Zurich Graphomotor Test. Am J Occup Ther 2022; 76:23912. [PMID: 36156064 DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2022.049242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE In educational settings, children are under pressure to finish their work successfully within required time frames. Existing tools for assessing graphomotor skills measure either quality or speed of performance, and the speed-accuracy trade-off (SAT) in such tools has never been investigated. OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate a newly developed tool for measuring graphomotor skills, the Zurich Graphomotor Test (ZGT), that assesses both speed and quality of performance. We also explored whether graphomotor tests are affected by the SAT and, if so, the effects it has on graphomotor test results. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Educational institutions in Switzerland. PARTICIPANTS Children, adolescents, and young adults (N = 547) ages 4-22 yr (50.3% female). OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Graphomotor performance was measured with the ZGT and the Developmental Test of Visual Perception, Second Edition (DVTP-2). Standard deviation scores were used to quantify performance. We combined ZGT speed and quality measurements into a performance score adjusted for age and sex. RESULTS ZGT results indicated a marked developmental trend in graphomotor performance; older children were faster than younger children. Girls showed higher overall performance than boys. The pattern of making more mistakes when being faster and making fewer mistakes when being slower was observed for both graphomotor tests, regardless of time pressure, indicating that the SAT affected the children's scores on both tests. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE SAT is influential in graphomotor assessment. The ZGT captures this trade-off by combining accuracy and speed measurements into one score that provides a realistic assessment of graphomotor skills. What This Article Adds: The newly developed ZGT provides occupational therapy practitioners with more precise information on graphomotor skills in children, adolescents, and young adults than currently available tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Knaier
- Elisa Knaier, MSc, is PhD Candidate, Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Aziz Chaouch
- Aziz Chaouch, MSc, is Biostatistician, Division of Biostatistics, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jon A Caflisch
- Jon A. Caflisch, MD, is Developmental Pediatrician and Senior Scientist, Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Valentin Rousson
- Valentin Rousson, PhD, is Associate Professor for Biostatistics, Division of Biostatistics, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tanja H Kakebeeke
- Tanja H. Kakebeeke, PhD, is Neurophysiologist and Senior Scientist, Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oskar G Jenni
- Oskar G. Jenni, MD, is Director, Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, and Associate Professor for Developmental Pediatrics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland;
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Xia X, Chao L, Nan C, Yin X, Zheng H, Zhang S. Fundamental motor skills of kindergarten children in different environments and ethnic groups in Northwest China. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:423. [PMID: 35850717 PMCID: PMC9295527 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03497-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The status of children’s early motor skills play an important role during childhood and across lifetime. This study described FMS proficiency among boys (n = 189) and girls (n = 179) kindergarten children from 3 to 6 years old (4.4 s 0.7, mean ± SD) in northwest China. The differences in FMS proficiency of boys and girls from different environments, ethnic groups were analyzed respectively. Methods TGMD-3 was used to assess FMS. FMS mastery level was defined according to the correct performance of all criteria over two trials. The correlation between BMI and FMS and the interaction of environmental and ethnic on FMS were analyzed. The general linear model was used to evaluate the differences of boys and girls among environment groups (urban/suburban/county), and ethnic groups (Han/Hui/Tibetan) on the FMS subsets respectively. Results FMS proficiency was assessed in 368 3- to 6-year-old children (n = 156 urban, n = 101 suburban, n = 111 county)/(n = 208 Han, n = 107 Hui, n = 53 Tibetan). Overall, the highest skill performance was the run, with 86% achieving mastery level, and the poorest performance was the FH strike, at only 19%. Correlation between BMI and FMS is minimal. According to TGMD-3 scores, there was no significant difference between boys and girls in total FMS (p = 0.38). In terms of locomotor skills, boys performed better than girls in the hop, skip and slide (p < 0.05). County children performed significantly difference than urban and suburban children. Some skills performed less proficiently, (boys in 6 of 13 skills: run, HJ, slide, TH strike, FH strike and kick; girls in 4 of 13 skills: run, slide, TH strike and kick) and some skills performed more proficiently (boys in dribble; girls in hop and dribble). Tibetan children performed significantly difference than Han and Hui children. Some skills performed less proficiently, (boys in 6 of 13 skills: run, HJ, slide, TH strike, FH strike and kick; girls in TH strike) and some skills performed more proficiently (boys and girls were all in dribble). Conclusion Children in northwest China showed certain characteristics in FMS, the county/Tibetan boys and girls performed poorer than others in ability to execute particular process characteristics of some skills and performed more outstanding in other skills. It suggests that a certain group population may need specific focus on interventions to improve their FMS level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Xia
- Physical Education College, Lanzhou City University, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Liang Chao
- Nantong Haimen Normal Affilicated Primary School, Nantong, China
| | - Chen Nan
- Sports Department, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuejuan Yin
- Physical Education College, Lanzhou City University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Huifang Zheng
- Physical Education College, Lanzhou City University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Sheping Zhang
- Physical Education College, Lanzhou City University, Lanzhou, China
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Ghadiri F, O’Brien W, Soltani S, Faraji M, Bahmani M. The effect of karate interventions on the motor proficiency of female adolescents with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) from high and low socio-economic status. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2022; 14:121. [PMID: 35794627 PMCID: PMC9258153 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-022-00501-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
There is not a general consensus on the best type of intervention to improve the motor proficiency (MP) of adolescents with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Considering the effect of socio-economic status (SES) in relation to the MP of adolescents with DCD, it is necessary to examine this issue further. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Karate-Do interventions on the MP of adolescents with DCD from high/low SES.
Methods
Participants included 16 adolescent girls (12 to 13 years old) with DCD, and their classification into high/low SES groups was done by using appropriate previously validated questionnaire. A short form of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition (BOT-2), was used to assess fine motor precision, fine motor integration, manual dexterity, upper limb coordination, bilateral coordination, balance, strength, speed, agility, and overall MP level of the participants. Both high/low-SES groups completed a specifically prescribed Karate-Do intervention program for 8 consecutive weeks (3 sessions per week with each session lasting for 75 min).
Results
Results from this 8-week intervention showed that the pattern of change in manual dexterity, bilateral coordination, strength and the total MP score improved over time in both groups with varied socioeconomic backgrounds. Specifically, the high-SES group performed significantly better than their low-SES counterparts during the 8-week Karate-Do intervention (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Following participants’ completion of the Karate-Do intervention, the existence of significant changes in the MP of adolescents’ with DCD at high/low SES confirmed our hypothesis. Compared to the low-SES group, adolescents with high SES displayed superior MP following the intervention. It seems that karate (kata) training serves as a good alternative for rehabilitation MP programs, however, an important issue concerning social infrastructure is to create a suitable exercise environment for adolescents at lower SES. Until the SES achievement gap in female adolescent MP is stable, future work is warranted to discover more practical and meaningful interventions.
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Foulkes JD, Knowles Z, Fairclough SJ, Stratton G, O’Dwyer MV, Foweather L. Is Foundational Movement Skill Competency Important for Keeping Children Physically Active and at a Healthy Weight? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:105. [PMID: 35010362 PMCID: PMC8750457 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This longitudinal study examines the associations between foundational movement skills (FMS) competency, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and weight status among children (n = 75) attending preschools in deprived areas from early to late childhood. Twelve FMS were assessed using the Children's Activity and Movement in Preschool Motor Skills Protocol and video analysis. Physical activity was measured via hip-mounted accelerometry. Data was collected over a five-year period, with Baseline Follow Up data collected between 2010 and 2015. There was an overall pattern of increase for total, object-control and locomotor scores between Baseline and Follow-Up. Conversely, there was an overall pattern of decline for MVPA among participants. There was a positive significant (p < 0.05) association between total and locomotor scores and MVPA at Baseline. However, these associations weakened over time and no significant associations were found at Follow-Up. Baseline competency failed to predict Follow-Up MVPA or weight status. Likewise, Baseline MVPA was not found to be a predictor of Follow-Up FMS competency. Further longitudinal research is required to explore these associations among children from highly deprived areas. Future interventions may require a more holistic approach to improving FMS competency and increasing PA in order to account for the number of variables that can affect these outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D. Foulkes
- School of Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Student Life Building, Copperas Hill, Liverpool L3 5AJ, UK
| | - Zoe Knowles
- Physical Activity Exchange, Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, 5 Primrose Hill, Liverpool L3 2EX, UK; (Z.K.); (L.F.)
| | - Stuart J. Fairclough
- Movement Behaviours, Health and Wellbeing Research Group, Department of Sport & Physical Activity, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk L39 4QP, UK;
| | - Gareth Stratton
- College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK;
| | - Mareesa V. O’Dwyer
- Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AT, UK;
| | - Lawrence Foweather
- Physical Activity Exchange, Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, 5 Primrose Hill, Liverpool L3 2EX, UK; (Z.K.); (L.F.)
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Africa E, Stryp OV, Musálek M. The Influence of Cultural Experiences on the Associations between Socio-Economic Status and Motor Performance as Well as Body Fat Percentage of Grade One Learners in Cape Town, South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:121. [PMID: 35010376 PMCID: PMC8750979 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Fundamental movement skills (FMS), physical fitness (PF) and body fat percentage (BF%) are significantly related to socio-economic status (SES). However, it remains unclear why previous studies have had different findings regarding the direction of the association between SES and FMS, PF and BF%. A suggested explanation is that the direction of the link can be influenced by cultural experiences and traditions. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate links between SES and FMS, PF, BF% of Grade One learners from two different ethno-geographic areas in Cape Town, South Africa. Grade One children (n = 191) (n = 106 boys and n = 85 girls; age (6.7 ± 0.33)) from different socio-economic areas in Cape Town, South Africa, were selected to participate in the study. South African schools are classified into five different quintiles (1 = poorest and 5 = least poor public schools). For this study, two schools were selected, one from quintile 2 and the other from quintile 5. BF% was assessed according to Slaughter's equation. FMS were measured using the Gross Motor Development Test-2 (TGMD-2) and PF via five tests: 1. dynamic strength of lower limb (broad jump); 2. dynamic strength of upper limb and trunk (throwing a tennis ball); 3. speed agility (4 × 10 m shuttle running); 4. cardiorespiratory fitness (20 m shuttle run endurance test (Leger test)) and 5. flexibility (sit and reach test). An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) found that BF% and WHtR were significantly greater in children with higher SES (Z = 6.04 p < 0.001; Hedg = 0.54), (Z = 3.89 p < 0.001; Hedg = 0.32). Children with lower SES achieved significantly better TGMD-2 standard scores in the locomotor subtest, compared to their peers with higher SES. In the object control subtest, no significant SES-related difference was found. However, ANCOVA showed that girls performed better in FMS than boys. In PF, the main effect of SES was observed in dynamic strength of trunk and upper limb (throwing) and flexibility, where children with lower SES performed significantly better. No significant difference was found in cardiorespiratory performance (CRP) (Beep test), even though children with lower SES achieved better results. Results from the current study suggest that links between SES, PF, FMS and body fat percentage in children seem to be dependent on cultural and traditional experiences. These experiences should therefore be included as an important factor for the development of programmes and interventions to enhance children's lifelong motor behaviour and health strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Africa
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; (E.A.); (O.V.S.)
| | - Odelia Van Stryp
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; (E.A.); (O.V.S.)
| | - Martin Musálek
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, José Martího 31 Praha 6, 162 52 Veleslavín, Czech Republic
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Radanović D, Đorđević D, Stanković M, Pekas D, Bogataj Š, Trajkovic N. Test of Motor Proficiency Second Edition (BOT-2) Short Form: A Systematic Review of Studies Conducted in Healthy Children. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8090787. [PMID: 34572219 PMCID: PMC8471722 DOI: 10.3390/children8090787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Motor skill competence of children is one of the important predictors of health because if a child is physically active during early childhood, the possibility of occurrence of many chronic diseases in adulthood will be reduced. The aim of this study was to systematically review the studies conducted in healthy children using the shorter form of the Bruininks-Oseretsky (BOT-2) and to determine the applicability in cross-sectional studies and pre-post designs. The search and analysis of the studies were done in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. An electronic databases search (Google Scholar, PubMed, Mendeley, Science Direct, and Scopus) yielded 250 relevant studies conducted from 2011 to 2020. A total of 21 studies were included in quantitative synthesis, with a total of 3893 participants, both male and female. Through this study, the BOT-2 test proved its broad applicability, so it can be concluded that this test can be used to improve motor proficiency in a healthy population of children. Hence, it is necessary to invest a lot of time during the implementation of various programs so that children would adequately develop their basic motor skills so they broaden their own repertoire of movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Radanović
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Dušan Đorđević
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia; (D.Đ.); (M.S.)
| | - Mima Stanković
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia; (D.Đ.); (M.S.)
| | - Damir Pekas
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, 10110 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Špela Bogataj
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Department of Nephrology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nebojša Trajkovic
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia; (D.Đ.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence:
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Rakesh D, Whittle S. Socioeconomic status and the developing brain - A systematic review of neuroimaging findings in youth. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 130:379-407. [PMID: 34474050 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A growing literature has shown associations between socioeconomic disadvantage and neural properties (such as brain structure and function). In this review, we aimed to synthesize findings on the neural correlates of socioeconomic status (SES) in youth samples across neuroimaging modalities. We also aimed to disentangle the effects of different SES measures (e.g., parent income and education) in our synthesis. We found relatively consistent patterns of positive associations between SES and both volume and cortical surface area of frontal regions, and amygdala, hippocampal, and striatal volume (with most consistent results for composite SES indices). Despite limited longitudinal work, results suggest that SES is associated with developmental trajectories of gray matter structure. Higher SES was also found to be associated with increased fractional anisotropy of some white matter tracts, although there were more null than positive findings. Finally, methodological heterogeneity in brain function and connectivity studies prevented us from making strong inferences. Based on our findings, we make recommendations for future research, discuss the role of mitigating factors, and implications for policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divyangana Rakesh
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, VIC, Australia.
| | - Sarah Whittle
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, VIC, Australia
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31
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Rakesh D, Zalesky A, Whittle S. Similar but distinct - Effects of different socioeconomic indicators on resting state functional connectivity: Findings from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study®. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2021; 51:101005. [PMID: 34419766 PMCID: PMC8379618 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2021.101005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Early socioeconomic status (SES) has consistently been associated with child health and cognitive outcomes, in addition to alterations in brain function and connectivity. The goal of the present study was to probe the effects of different facets of SES (parent education, income, and neighborhood disadvantage), that likely represent varying aspects of the environment, on resting state functional connectivity (rsFC). We investigated this question in a large sample of 9475 children (aged 9–10 years) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. Specifically, we analyzed the association between household SES (parent education, income-to-needs ratio) and neighborhood disadvantage, and system-level rsFC using within-sample split-half replication. We then tested whether the associations were unique to each SES measure, and whether household SES and neighborhood disadvantage had interactive effects on rsFC. SES measures had both common and distinct effects on rsFC, with sensory-motor systems (e.g., sensorimotor network) and cognitive networks (e.g., front-parietal network) particularly implicated. Further, the association between neighborhood disadvantage and sensorimotor network connectivity was less pronounced in the presence of high income-to-needs. Findings demonstrate that different facets of SES have distinct and interacting effects on rsFC, highlighting the importance of considering different indicators when studying the effects of SES on the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divyangana Rakesh
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, VIC, Australia.
| | - Andrew Zalesky
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, VIC, Australia; Melbourne School of Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sarah Whittle
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, VIC, Australia.
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32
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Cleaton MAM, Tal-Saban M, Hill EL, Kirby A. Gender and age differences in the presentation of at-risk or probable Developmental Coordination Disorder in adults. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 115:104010. [PMID: 34139601 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also called Dyspraxia, is a common Neurodevelopmental Disorder (NDD) that affects motor coordination with a marked impact on both academic and day-to-day living activities. It is increasingly clear that NDDs such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder may present differently in males and females, resulting in underdiagnoses of women and girls. AIMS To consider age and gender differences in the presentation of at-risk and probable DCD. METHODS AND PROCEDURES A sample of 1,476 adults aged 16-60 years were surveyed online using the Adult DCD Checklist. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Women with at-risk (n = 1 8 6, 1 6. 6 %) or probable DCD (n = 6 4 3, 5 6. 6 %) reported significantly greater gross motor and non-motor difficulties and significantly greater impact on activities and participation, whereas men with at-risk (n = 58,16.3 %) or probable (n = 177,49.9 %), DCD reported significantly greater fine motor difficulties. Emerging adults (aged 16-25 years) with at-risk (n = 65,14.3 %) or probable (293,64.3 %) DCD reported significantly greater non-motor difficulty than adults (aged 26-60+ years) with at-risk (n = 179,17.5 %) or probable (n = 518, 50.8 %) DCD. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Both age and gender differences were found in the presentation of at-risk and probable DCD in adults. This may have implications for the development of future DCD assessment tools and for the training of front-line staff who may encounter individuals with DCD throughout their lives, including teachers, doctors and employers' Human Resources and Occupational Health staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary A M Cleaton
- Do-IT Solutions Ltd., Ocean Park House, East Tyndall Street, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Miri Tal-Saban
- School of Occupational Therapy, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Elisabeth L Hill
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda Kirby
- Do-IT Solutions Ltd., Ocean Park House, East Tyndall Street, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
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Morley D, Rudd J, Issartel J, Goodway J, O’Connor D, Foulkes J, Babic M, Kavanagh J, Miller A. Rationale and study protocol for the Movement Oriented Games Based Assessment (MOGBA) cluster randomized controlled trial: A complex movement skill intervention for 8-12 year old children within 'Made to Play'. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253747. [PMID: 34166447 PMCID: PMC8224954 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a positive relationship between children's movement competence and physical activity, with a further relationship established between physical activity and childhood obesity. The Movement Oriented Games Based Assessment (MOGBA) is a delivery and assessment intervention designed to improve children's complex movement skills, based on principles of motor development and assessment theories. MOGBA aims to improve children's movement competence, physical fitness and self-perceptions (physical and game) and increase children's moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). MOGBA is to be used in the 'Made to Play' initiative, involving 105 sports and activity programs across 21 countries, involving over 25 million children. A multi-site cluster randomized controlled trial will take place across three global sites (UK, Ireland and Australia). Each site will recruit eight primary schools (four experiment, four control) with each school providing two separate classes of children from age ranges 8-12 years (Site n = ~300, total n = 904). After baseline assessments, schools will be randomly allocated to an experimental or wait-list control group. Following two half-day workshops, trained facilitators will deliver the MOGBA intervention for 9 weeks. The main intervention components include delivery of 14 games-based activities with associated assessments of children's movement and differentiation to meet children's needs by manipulating space, effort and relationships. The primary outcome of the trial is to improve children's' movement competence (The Dragon Challenge), with secondary outcomes of improving children's' in-activity and leisure-time MVPA (5-day accelerometer), physical fitness (standing long jump and push ups) and self-perceptions (physical and game). Data will be analysed using multilevel modelling approaches. The MOGBA intervention has been designed to improve children's movement competence and scalable interventions based on MOGBA could be applied across programs within the Made to Play initiative, globally. The trial is registered at the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12619001320145p, 27 Sep 2019).
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Affiliation(s)
- David Morley
- Discipline of Sport and Exercise Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - James Rudd
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, Merseyside, England
| | - Johann Issartel
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Science and Health, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jackie Goodway
- Department of Human Sciences, College of Education and Human Ecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Donna O’Connor
- Sydney School of Education and Social Work, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jonathon Foulkes
- School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, Merseyside, England
| | - Mark Babic
- School of Education, Faculty of Education and Arts, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jennifer Kavanagh
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Science and Health, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Andrew Miller
- School of Education, Faculty of Education and Arts, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
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Mecías-Calvo M, Arufe-Giráldez V, Cons-Ferreiro M, Navarro-Patón R. Is It Possible to Reduce the Relative Age Effect through an Intervention on Motor Competence in Preschool Children? CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8050386. [PMID: 34068087 PMCID: PMC8152742 DOI: 10.3390/children8050386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to find out whether a short 6-week intervention on motor competence can reduce the Relative Age Effect (RAE) of preschool children born in the first quarter, compared to those born in the fourth quarter of the same year. Seventy-six preschool children (5.20 ± 0.54 years) from Lugo (Spain) participated. A quasi-experimental pre-post-test design was used with an intervention group (n = 32) and a control group (n = 44). The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) was used to collect data before and after the intervention. The data show that, before the intervention, there are significant differences between the control and the intervention group in favor of the former (born in the first quarter of the year) in manual dexterity (p = 0.011), balance (p = 0.002), total test score (p = 0.008), and total percentile score (p = 0.010). After the application of the specific intervention, statistically significant differences were found in aiming and catching (p < 0.001), balance (p = 0.022), total test score (p = 0.001), and total percentile score (p < 0.001) in favor of the intervention group (born in the last quarter of the year). The results obtained suggest that the application of a specific intervention on MC could positively influence the improvement of MC in preschool children (boys and girls) and reduce the differences produced by the RAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Mecías-Calvo
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, 39011 Santander, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Industrial de Cantabria (CITICAN), 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Víctor Arufe-Giráldez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación, Universidad de A Coruña, 15008 A Coruña, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-942-244-244
| | - Miguel Cons-Ferreiro
- Facultad de Formación del Profesorado, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27001 Lugo, Spain; (M.C.-F.); (R.N.-P.)
| | - Rubén Navarro-Patón
- Facultad de Formación del Profesorado, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27001 Lugo, Spain; (M.C.-F.); (R.N.-P.)
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Navarro-Patón R, Brito-Ballester J, Villa SP, Anaya V, Mecías-Calvo M. Changes in Motor Competence after a Brief Physical Education Intervention Program in 4 and 5-Year-Old Preschool Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:4988. [PMID: 34067220 PMCID: PMC8125856 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Low motor competence (MC) can cause low participation in physical activities in preschool children, and together with a high caloric intake, it can lead to obesity. Interventions on motor skills are effective in the short term to improve MC, therefore the objectives of this study were (1) to investigate the effect of a short six-week program on levels of motor competence in preschool children, and (2) to examine the effects of gender-based intervention. A total of 156 preschool children (5.20 ± 0.54 years old) from Lugo (Spain) participated. A quasi-experimental pre-post-test design was used with a control group of 76 students. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2nd Edition (MABC-2) was used to collect the data. Significant differences between the control and experimental groups were found after the intervention program in aiming and catching (p < 0.001), balance (p < 0.001), the total score of eight tests (p < 0.001), and total percentile score (p < 0.001). The results regarding gender in the experimental group showed a reduction in differences with respect to the initial results except in aiming and catching, where scores were higher in boys. The data suggest that the application of specific intervention programs in MC could positively influence the improvement of MC in preschool children, thus reducing differences between genders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Navarro-Patón
- Departamento de Didácticas Aplicadas, Facultad de Formación del Profesorado, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27001 Lugo, Spain;
| | - Julien Brito-Ballester
- Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, 39011 Santander, Spain; (J.B.-B.); (S.P.V.); (V.A.)
| | - Silvia Pueyo Villa
- Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, 39011 Santander, Spain; (J.B.-B.); (S.P.V.); (V.A.)
| | - Vanessa Anaya
- Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, 39011 Santander, Spain; (J.B.-B.); (S.P.V.); (V.A.)
| | - Marcos Mecías-Calvo
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Industrial de Cantabria (CITICAN), 39011 Santander, Spain
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Educators Perspectives on the Value of Physical Education, Physical Activity and Fundamental Movement Skills for Early Years Foundation Stage Children in England. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8050338. [PMID: 33925938 PMCID: PMC8145741 DOI: 10.3390/children8050338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
There is a lack of information available for physical education (PE) provision in the early years foundation stage (EYFS), prompting concern about what is currently delivered in schools and the values behind the approaches taken. Using semi-structured interviews, this study investigated educators’ perspectives on the value of PE and physical activity (PA) for EYFS children across England in relation to opportunities for, barriers to, and benefits of PA and PE. This study collected important stakeholder views and can help shape the impact and implementation of fundamental movement skills (FMS) and PA interventions at the EYFS.
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Eddy LH, Preston N, Mon-Williams M, Bingham DD, Atkinson JMC, Ellingham-Khan M, Otteslev A, Hill LJB. Developing and validating a school-based screening tool of Fundamental Movement Skills (FUNMOVES) using Rasch analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250002. [PMID: 33861769 PMCID: PMC8051776 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A large proportion of children are not able to perform age-appropriate fundamental movement skills (FMS). Thus, it is important to assess FMS so that children needing additional support can be identified in a timely fashion. There is great potential for universal screening of FMS in schools, but research has established that current assessment tools are not fit for purpose. OBJECTIVE To develop and validate the psychometric properties of a FMS assessment tool designed specifically to meet the demands of universal screening in schools. METHODS A working group consisting of academics from developmental psychology, public health and behavioural epidemiology developed an assessment tool (FUNMOVES) based on theory and prior evidence. Over three studies, 814 children aged 4 to 11 years were assessed in school using FUNMOVES. Rasch analysis was used to evaluate structural validity and modifications were then made to FUNMOVES activities after each study based on Rasch results and implementation fidelity. RESULTS The initial Rasch analysis found numerous psychometric problems including multidimensionality, disordered thresholds, local dependency, and misfitting items. Study 2 showed a unidimensional measure, with acceptable internal consistency and no local dependency, but that did not fit the Rasch model. Performance on a jumping task was misfitting, and there were issues with disordered thresholds (for jumping, hopping and balance tasks). Study 3 revealed a unidimensional assessment tool with good fit to the Rasch model, and no further issues, once jumping and hopping scoring were modified. IMPLICATIONS The finalised version of FUNMOVES (after three iterations) meets standards for accurate measurement, is free and able to assess a whole class in under an hour using resources available in schools. Thus FUNMOVES has the potential to allow schools to efficiently screen FMS to ensure that targeted support can be provided and disability barriers removed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy H. Eddy
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Applied Education Research, Wolfson Centre for Applied Health Research, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Preston
- Centre for Applied Education Research, Wolfson Centre for Applied Health Research, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
- Academic Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Mon-Williams
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Applied Education Research, Wolfson Centre for Applied Health Research, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
- National Centre for Optics, Vision and Eye Care, University of South-Eastern Norway, Notodden, Norway
| | - Daniel D. Bingham
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Applied Education Research, Wolfson Centre for Applied Health Research, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Jo M. C. Atkinson
- Centre for Applied Education Research, Wolfson Centre for Applied Health Research, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
- School of Allied Health Professions and Midwifery, University of Bradford, Bradford, United Kingdom
| | - Marsha Ellingham-Khan
- Centre for Applied Education Research, Wolfson Centre for Applied Health Research, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Ava Otteslev
- Centre for Applied Education Research, Wolfson Centre for Applied Health Research, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Liam J. B. Hill
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Applied Education Research, Wolfson Centre for Applied Health Research, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
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Gender Differences on Motor Competence in 5-Year-Old Preschool Children Regarding Relative Age. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18063143. [PMID: 33803697 PMCID: PMC8002931 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18063143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences on motor competence between 5-year-old boys and girls and to investigate the existence of Relative Age Effect (RAE) on their motor competence. A total of 232 preschool children were evaluated of whom 134 (57.8%) were boys and 98 (42.2%) were girls. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) was used to collect data. The data show a main effect on gender factor; there was a main effect in total score of manual dexterity (MD; p = 0.010), in total score of balance (Bal; p < 0.001), in total test score (TTS; p < 0.001), and in total percentile score (TPS, p < 0.001). In the semester of birth factor, there were differences in aiming and catching (A&C, p < 0.001), in Bal (p = 0.029) and in total percentile score (TPS, p = 0.010). Girls perform better in MD, Bal, TTS, and TPS than boys. Preschool children born in the first semester obtain, in general, a higher percentage and a higher percentile than their peers born in the second one. RAE is present in A&C, Bal, and TPS, with higher scores obtained by preschool children born in the first semester compared to those born in the second one.
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Topor M, Opitz B, Leonard HC. Error-Related Cognitive Control and Behavioral Adaptation Mechanisms in the Context of Motor Functioning and Anxiety. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:615616. [PMID: 33613211 PMCID: PMC7892788 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.615616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor proficiency reflects the ability to perform precise and coordinated movements in different contexts. Previous research suggests that different profiles of motor proficiency may be associated with different cognitive functioning characteristics thus suggesting an interaction between cognitive and motor processes. The current study investigated this interaction in the general population of healthy adults with different profiles of motor proficiency by focusing on error-related cognitive control and behavioral adaptation mechanisms. In addition, the impact of these processes was assessed in terms of trait anxiety and worries. Forty healthy adults were divided into high and low motor proficiency groups based on an assessment of their motor skills. Using electroencephalography during a flanker task, error-related negativity (ERN) was measured as the neural indicator of cognitive control. Post-error slowing (PES) was measured to represent behavioral adaptation. Participants also completed an anxiety assessment questionnaire. Participants in the high motor proficiency group achieved better task accuracy and showed relatively enhanced cognitive control through increased ERN. Contrastingly, individuals in the lower motor proficiency group achieved poorer accuracy whilst showing some evidence of compensation through increased PES. Trait anxiety reflecting general worries was found to be correlated with motor functioning, but the study could not provide evidence that this was related to cognitive or behavioral control mechanisms. The interaction between cognitive and motor processes observed in this study is unique for healthy and sub-clinical populations and provides a baseline for the interpretation of similar investigations in individuals with motor disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Topor
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
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Lawson C, Eyre ELJ, Tallis J, Duncan MJ. Fundamental Movement Skill Proficiency Among British Primary School Children: Analysis at a Behavioral Component Level. Percept Mot Skills 2021; 128:625-648. [PMID: 33517851 PMCID: PMC7890689 DOI: 10.1177/0031512521990330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Fundamental Movement Skill (FMS) proficiency is an important antecedent of physical activity for children and adolescents. Many studies report children's overall FMS proficiency to be low. However, in order to develop effective intervention strategies, it is critical to understand FMS proficiency at a behavioral component level. This study investigated British primary school children's FMS proficiency across all three FMS domains, reporting proficiency at both an individual skill level and at a behavioral component level. Participants were 219 primary school children, aged 7-10 years (Boys 111, girls 108) from central England. We assessed (a) eight FMS (run, jump, hop, skip, catch, overarm throw, underarm throw, stability) using the second and third revisions of the Test of Gross Motor Development, and (b) stability, using the rock skill from the Rudd stability assessment tool. We calculated descriptive statistics and frequencies for each FMS and their behavioral components. We explored gender differences using the Mann- Whitney U-test, and differences between school years using the Kruskal- Wallis test. There was a similar pattern in the prevalence of failure for behavioral components across skills, with children failing on components requiring (a) the simultaneous use of both upper and lower limbs and (b) contralateral actions. Detailed descriptive analysis of low proficiency levels highlighted co ordination and the process for power/force production. These data can be used to guide development and plan targeted interventions for the weakest skills and behavioral components of 7-10 year old British primary school children to increase their FMS levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsey Lawson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Emma L J Eyre
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Jason Tallis
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Michael J Duncan
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
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Motor Competence Among Children in the United Kingdom and Ireland: An Expert Statement on Behalf of the International Motor Development Research Consortium. JOURNAL OF MOTOR LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1123/jmld.2021-0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The United Kingdom and Ireland have a well-established research base in motor competence (MC) research, ranging from reporting and monitoring levels of MC, developing assessment tools for MC, providing innovative curriculum and intervention design to support learning and development, as well as providing advocacy for particular groups, such as those with motor impairments. This expert statement, on behalf of the International Motor Development Research Consortium, draws together what is currently known about levels of MC in the United Kingdom and Ireland as well as current approaches to intervention in both countries. Subsequently presented are recommendations for researchers and practitioners to advance the field of MC for the benefit of children and youth in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and worldwide.
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Kakebeeke TH, Chaouch A, Caflisch J, Knaier E, Rousson V, Jenni OG. Impact of body mass index and socio-economic status on motor development in children and adolescents. Eur J Pediatr 2021; 180:1777-1787. [PMID: 33507388 PMCID: PMC8105210 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-021-03945-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed the impact of body mass index (BMI) and socioeconomic status (SES) on the Zurich Neuromotor Assessment, second version (ZNA-2), a battery of tests of motor development in typically developing children between 3 and 18 years of age. BMI measurements and international socio-economic index data were taken from the normative sample of the ZNA-2 for 321 children (158 boys, 163 girls) with a median age of 9.3 years. The age- and gender-adjusted motor performance of these children was quantified and grouped into five components: fine, pure, and gross motor tasks, static balance, and contralateral associated movements. A total score was also calculated. The associations of BMI and SES with the motor scores contribute to less than 5.1% of the total variance.Conclusion: The ZNA-2 for motor development is suitable for measuring motor abilities' development as it is largely independent of the BMI of the child and the SES of the family. What is Known: • Typical motor development, as measured with the Zurich Neuromotor Assessment, second edition (ZNA-2), is strongly dependent on age and gender. • The ZNA-2 focusses on motor performance, motor quality and simple motor skills. What is New: • Higher socio-economic status (SES) is associated with slightly better motor performance as measured by the ZNA-2 total score. • In the ZNA-2 less than 5.1% of the variability in motor performance is attributable to the combined effect of body mass index and SES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja H. Kakebeeke
- Child Development Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Aziz Chaouch
- Division of Biostatistics, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jon Caflisch
- Child Development Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Elisa Knaier
- Child Development Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Valentin Rousson
- Division of Biostatistics, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Oskar G. Jenni
- Child Development Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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van der Walt J, Plastow NA, Unger M. Motor skill intervention for pre-school children: A scoping review. Afr J Disabil 2020; 9:747. [PMID: 33354535 PMCID: PMC7736652 DOI: 10.4102/ajod.v9i0.747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is a high prevalence of motor skill difficulties amongst pre-school children living in low socio-economic areas. Motor skill impairment can affect these children’s school readiness and academic progress, social skills, play and general independence. Objectives This scoping review investigates the key elements of existing motor skill interventions for pre-school children. Method We gathered information through structured database searches from Cinahl, Eric, PubMed, Cochrane, ProQuest, Psych Net, PEDro and Scopus, using a keyword string. The PRISMA-SCR design was used to identify 45 eligible studies. All included studies investigated a motor skill intervention with well-defined outcome measures for children aged 4–7 years with motor skill difficulties. Studies that exclusively focused on children with neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, physical disabilities or medical/physical deteriorating conditions were excluded. Information was charted on MS Excel spreadsheets. Fundamental concepts were categorised into common key themes and were converted into a proposed framework. Results Fifteen intervention approaches were identified. Treatment is mostly managed by occupational therapists and physiotherapists. Evidence supports individual and group treatment with a child-centred, playful approach in a school or therapeutic setting. Whilst session information varied, there is moderate evidence to suggest that a 15-week programme, with two weekly sessions, may be feasible. Conclusion Children with motor skill difficulties need therapeutic intervention. This study identified the key elements of existing therapy intervention methods and converted it into a proposed framework for intervention planning. It is a first step towards addressing motor skill difficulties amongst pre-school children in low socio-economic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janke van der Walt
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nicola A Plastow
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Marianne Unger
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Heath Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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A Narrative Review of Motor Competence in Children and Adolescents: What We Know and What We Need to Find Out. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 18:ijerph18010018. [PMID: 33375134 PMCID: PMC7792958 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Lack of physical activity is a global public health problem causing not only morbidity and premature mortality, but it is also a major economic burden worldwide. One of the cornerstones of a physically active lifestyle is Motor Competence (MC). MC is a complex biocultural attribute and therefore, its study requires a multi-sectoral, multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary approach. MC is a growing area of research, especially in children and adolescents due to its positive association with a plethora of health and developmental outcomes. Many questions, however, remain to be answered in this field of research, with regard to: (i) Health and Developmental-related Associations of MC; (ii) Assessment of MC; (iii) Prevalence and Trends of MC; (iv) Correlates and Determinants of MC; (v) MC Interventions, and (vi) Translating MC Research into Practice and Policy. This paper presents a narrative review of the literature, summarizing current knowledge, identifying key research gaps and presenting questions for future investigation on MC in children and adolescents. This is a collaborative effort from the International Motor Competence Network (IMCNetwork) a network of academics and researchers aiming to promote international collaborative research and knowledge translation in the expansive field of MC. The knowledge and deliverables generated by addressing and answering the aforementioned research questions on MC presented in this review have the potential to shape the ways in which researchers and practitioners promote MC and physical activity in children and adolescents across the world.
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Lum JAG, Shandley K, Albein-Urios N, Kirkovski M, Papadopoulos N, Wilson RB, Enticott PG, Rinehart NJ. Meta-Analysis Reveals Gait Anomalies in Autism. Autism Res 2020; 14:733-747. [PMID: 33289353 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Gait abnormalities are frequently reported in autism. The empirical literature, however, is characterized by inconsistent findings concerning which aspects of gait are affected. We conducted a meta-analysis to summarize study findings that examined temporal and spatial (i.e., two-dimensional) gait parameters in pediatric and adult samples comprising individuals with autism and healthy controls. After searching electronic databases, a total of 18 studies were identified and included in this review. Results from the meta-analyses revealed autism is associated with a wider step width, slower walking speed, longer gait cycle, longer stance time and longer step time. Additionally, autism appears to be associated with greater intra-individual variability on measures of stride length, stride time and walking speed. Meta-regression analyses revealed cadence and gait cycle duration differences, between autism and control groups, become more pronounced with age. Overall, this review demonstrates that autism is associated with gait abnormalities. However, assessment of the methodological quality of the studies reveal, additional research is required to understand the extent that gait abnormalities are specifically linked to autism, or whether they may be secondary to other factors commonly found in this group, such as increased weight. LAY SUMMARY: It is often noted by clinicians that individuals with autism have an awkward or unusual walking style, which is also referred to as gait. In this report, we reviewed past studies that compared gait in individuals with and without autism. Our review indicates autism is associated with an abnormal gait. However, it is not yet clear whether gait abnormalities are caused by autism, or arise due to other factors such as heavier weight, which often co-occurs in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarrad A G Lum
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Deakin Child Study Centre, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kerrie Shandley
- Digital Mental Health and Wellbeing, Biopsychosocial and e-Health Research & Innovation Hub, Federation University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalia Albein-Urios
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Deakin Child Study Centre, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melissa Kirkovski
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicole Papadopoulos
- Deakin Child Study Centre, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rujuta B Wilson
- UCLA Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA Division of Pediatric Neurology, California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Peter G Enticott
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Deakin Child Study Centre, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicole J Rinehart
- Deakin Child Study Centre, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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TGMD-2 Short Version: Evidence of Validity and Associations With Sex, Age, and BMI in Preschool Children. JOURNAL OF MOTOR LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1123/jmld.2019-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Aim: To analyze the evidence of validity and reliability of the Test of Gross Motor Development, Second Edition (TGMD-2) for low-income preschoolers; and to investigate the associations between the final model with sex, age, and body mass index (BMI). Methods: 368 preschoolers (3–5 years old [M = 4.80, SD = 0.48]; 176 boys) located in deprived areas were assessed for anthropometric measures and motor competence via the TGMD-2. A two-factor model (12 skills) was used and confirmatory indexes were calculated. The Bayesian criteria and the Composite Reliability were employed to evaluate alternative models. Relationships between the final model proposed with age, sex, and BMI were calculated using a network analysis (Mplus 8.0; Rstudio). Results: A two-factor model (locomotion and object control) with adequate values (>0.30) for the six skills (gallop, leap, slide, strike, throw, and roll) presented excellent indexes. Relationships between sex and throwing (r = −.22), and strike (r = −.21), indicated better performance for boys. Positive relationships were found for age with slide (r = 0.23) and hop (r = 0.28), and for BMI with throw (r = 0.18). Conclusion: Validity of a TGMD-2 short version for low-income preschoolers was present. The machine learning analysis to associate fundamental movement skills with gender, age, and BMI seems useful to optimize future interventions.
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Integrated Strength and Fundamental Movement Skill Training in Children: A Pilot Study. CHILDREN-BASEL 2020; 7:children7100161. [PMID: 33022968 PMCID: PMC7601651 DOI: 10.3390/children7100161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Competence in fundamental movement skills is essential to enable children to be physically active. We investigated the effect of an integrated fundamental movement skill with a strength training intervention on children’s fundamental movement skills. Seventy-two (53% female) 10- to 11-year-old children from three primary schools assented to take part in this study (87% compliance). Schools were randomly allocated to a control (no intervention; n = 21), fundamental movement skill (FMS) (n = 18) or FMS and strength (FMS+; n = 20) group. Interventions were delivered twice weekly for four weeks, in addition to normal physical education. FMS competence was measured through the Canadian agility and movement skills assessment (CAMSA) (product-process) and through countermovement jump (CMJ) and 40-m sprint tests (product). Improvements were observed in the CAMSA in both FMS (4.6, 95% confidence intervals 2.9 to 6.4 Arbitrary Units (AUs), second-generation p-value (pδ) = 0.03) and FMS+ (3.9, 2.1 to 5.3 AU, pδ = 0.28) with no difference beyond our minimum threshold of 3 AU observed between these intervention groups (pδ = 1). Clear improvements in CMJ were observed in FMS+ relative to the control (25, 18 to 32%, pδ = 0) and FMS groups (15, 6.1 to 24%, pδ = 0). These preliminary data suggest combined FMS and strength training warrants further investigation as a tool to develop fundamental movement skills in children.
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Gosselin V, Leone M, Laberge S. Socioeconomic and gender-based disparities in the motor competence of school-age children. J Sports Sci 2020; 39:341-350. [PMID: 32967566 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1822585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This study examined socioeconomic and gender-based disparities in motor competence (MC) amongst 6-12-year-old children (N = 2654). Validated product-oriented tests assessing agility, balance and coordination were used to measure MC. School-level socioeconomic status (low, middle, high) was used to assess socioeconomic disparities. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were conducted and odds ratios were calculated for the likelihood of having low MC by gender and socioeconomic status (SES). Girls displayed lower MC than boys for agility and coordination involving object-control (P < 0.001) while boys scored lower than girls for balance and hand-foot coordination (P < 0.001). Children in high SES schools displayed the highest level of MC for agility, balance and coordination (P < 0.001). Compared to the children in high SES schools, odds of having low competence in balance was higher for the children in low SES schools and odds of having low competence in agility and coordination were higher for the children in both low and middle SES schools. Newell's model of constraints (1986) and Bourdieu's concept of habitus (1984) were used to consider potential explanations of the observed disparities. To level up inequalities in children's MC, resources invested in school-based interventions should be proportionate to the school SES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Gosselin
- School of Kinesiology and Physical Activity Sciences, Université de Montréal , Québec, Canada
| | - Mario Leone
- Département des sciences de la santé, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi , Saguenay, Canada
| | - Suzanne Laberge
- School of Kinesiology and Physical Activity Sciences, Université de Montréal , Québec, Canada
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Kobel S, Henle L, Laemmle C, Wartha O, Szagun B, Steinacker JM. Intervention Effects of a Kindergarten-Based Health Promotion Programme on Motor Abilities in Early Childhood. Front Public Health 2020; 8:219. [PMID: 32695738 PMCID: PMC7339446 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Physical activity is positively related to motor abilities. Especially in childhood, an active lifestyle is important to support healthy motor development. The low-threshold health promotion programme "Join the Healthy Boat" in kindergartens promotes physical activity in order to also improve motor abilities. Here, effects of the programme on children's motor abilities after 1 year were investigated. Materials and Methods: The longitudinal study included 419 children (3.7 ± 0.6 years) from 58 kindergartens throughout south-west Germany (intervention: 254, control: 165). Children in the intervention group received physical activity promotion with a focus on motor ability development, led by teachers, through one kindergarten year; children in the control group followed the normal kindergarten routine. At baseline and follow-up, motor tests (3-min-run, one-leg-stand, standing long jump, sit-and-reach-test) were performed, anthropometric measures (body weight and height) were taken and a parental questionnaire was issued. Intervention effects were assessed using differential measures (follow-up - baseline) adjusted for gender, age, socioeconomic status (SES) and baseline values, with covariance analyses. Results: Children in the intervention group showed a significant improvement in endurance performance ( F ( 1 . 329 ) = 20 . 95 , p < 0 . 000 , η P 2 = 0 . 060 ) , which applies to boys ( F ( 1 , 172 ) = 13 , 66 , p ≤ 0 . 000 , η P 2 = 0 , 074 ) and girls ( F ( 1 , 152 ) = 7 , 48 , p ≤ 0 . 007 , η P 2 = 0 , 047 ) . No significant intervention effects on endurance performance were found for children with low baseline values, children with a low SES, and children aged 5 years, nor for any other assessed motor ability. Conclusions: The theory-based, teacher-centered intervention promoting physical activity in order to also improve motor abilities has shown a positive effect on endurance performance in kindergarten children, but no other motor ability. Future interventions should therefore be either longer, more intense and take into account children's age, initial level of performance and their SES. In addition, the influence of teachers should be considered more closely in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Kobel
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lea Henle
- Faculty Social Work, Health & Nursing, University of Applied Sciences Ravensburg-Weingarten, Weingarten, Germany
| | - Christine Laemmle
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Olivia Wartha
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Bertram Szagun
- Faculty Social Work, Health & Nursing, University of Applied Sciences Ravensburg-Weingarten, Weingarten, Germany
| | - Juergen Michael Steinacker
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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Kwon S, O’Neill M. Socioeconomic and Familial Factors Associated with Gross Motor Skills among US Children Aged 3-5 Years: The 2012 NHANES National Youth Fitness Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17124491. [PMID: 32580492 PMCID: PMC7344580 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The first aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of below average gross motor skills in a representative sample of US children aged 3 to 5 years. The second aim was to identify socioeconomic and familial characteristics that are associated with below average gross motor skills. Secondary analysis was conducted using the datasets from the 2012 National Health and Examination Survey National Youth Fitness Survey (NNYFS). The NNYFS assessed gross motor skills among 329 children aged 3-5 years, using the Test of Gross Motor Development-Second Edition (TGMD-2). Socioeconomic and familial characteristics of interest, such as family income and family structure, were asked in an in-person interview. This study estimated that one in three US children age 3 to 5 years old (33.9%) scored below average for gross motor quotient. In the gross motor subsets, one in four (24.4%) scored below average for locomotion and two in five (39.9%) scored below average for object control. Children living below the poverty threshold were more likely to have a higher gross motor quotient (odds ratio, OR = 2.76; 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.09-7.00). Girls were more likely to have a higher locomotor score (OR = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.10-4.25). Those living with other child(ren) aged ≤5 years were more likely to have a higher locomotor score (OR = 2.36; 95% CI = 1.01-5.54), while those living with child(ren) aged 6-17 years were more likely to have a higher object control score (OR = 1.83; 95% CI = 1.24-2.69). This study revealed risk factors associated with poor gross motor development, furthering our understanding of gross motor development in early childhood.
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