Fine and gross motor skills differ between healthy-weight and obese children

Correlation between gross motor coordination and basic coordination capacities in normal-weight and overweight/obese children aged 9-10 years

Background

Gross motor coordination (GMC) plays a crucial factor in children's motor development and daily activities. It encompasses various sub-capacities, such as spatial orientation, rhythm, and motor reaction, collectively referred to as basic coordination capacities (BCC). However, children who are overweight and obese (OW/OB) often display poorer GMC. This study aims to examine the impact of gender and weight status (BMI categories) on children's GMC and BCC. It also seeks to investigate the impact of BCC and BMI on GMC.

Method

The study involved 266 participants, 135 in the NW group (boys: n = 75; girls: n = 60) and 131 in the OW/OB group (boys: n = 68; girls: n = 63). An NW status is defined by a BMI z-score between ≥-2SD to ≤1SD, while an OW/OB status corresponds to a BMI z-score > 1SD. Physical activity was assessed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children, developed by the University of Saskatchewan, Canada. We used six field tests to evaluate BCC, including single leg standing test (static balance), YBT (dynamic balance), rhythmic sprint test (rhythm), reaction time test (motor reaction), target standing broad test (kinesthetic differentiation), and numbered medicine ball running test (spatial orientation). GMC was evaluated with Kiphard-Schilling's Body Coordination Test (KTK).

Result

The motor quotient (MQ) was primarily affected by weight status (F = 516.599, p < 0.001; gender: F = 6.694, p = 0.01), with no significant interaction effect (F = 0.062, p = 0.803). In BCC, gender had a significant main effect on rhythm capacity (F = 29.611, p < 0.001) and static balance (F = 11.257, p = 0.001) but did not significant influence other sub-capacities (p > 0.05). Weight status impacted dynamic balance (F = 11.164, p = 0.001). The interaction of gender and weight status significantly impacted motor reaction (F = 1.471, p = 0.024) and kinesthetic differentiation (F = 5.454, p = 0.02), but did not affect other sub-capacities (p > 0.05). The physical activity was not significant affected by gender (F = 0.099, p = 0.753), weight status (F = 0.171, p = 0.679) and the interactions of two variables (F = 0.06, p = 0.806). In the regression analysis, except motor reaction (p > 0.05), other BCC sub-capacities influenced GMC to varying extents (β = -0.103-0.189, p < 0.05). Nonetheless, only two types of balance significantly mediated the relationship between BMI and GMC (BMI→MQ: β = -0.543, p < 0.001; BMI→YBT: β = -0.315, p < 0.001; BMI→SLS: β = -0.282, p < 0.001; SLS→MQ: β = 0.189, p < 0.001; YBT→MQ: β = 0.182, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Compared to gender, the main effect of weight status on most GMC and BCC's sub-capacities was more pronounced. OW/OB children exhibited poorer GMC, which is related to their reduced static and dynamic balance due to excess weight. Kinesthetic differentiation, spatial orientation, and rhythm capacity are not significantly associated with BMI, but these sub-capacities positively influence gross motor coordination (GMC), except for hand-eye motor reaction.

Have the Fundamental Movement Skills of U.S. Children Changed?

Purpose: By using four national data sets, this study aimed to examine the changes in U.S. children's fundamental movement skills (FMS) from 1985 to 2019. Method: Three Tests Gross of Motor Development (TGMD) normative studies, i.e. TGMD-1 (N = 909, male% = 50), TGMD-2 (N = 1143, male% = 50) and TGMD-3 (N = 864, male% = 51), and the TGMD-2 data of the 2012 NHANES National Youth Fitness Survey (NNYFS-2012; raw N = 352, national represented population = 12,509,706, male% = 51) were used for analyses. Each item in TGMD-2/NNYFS and TGMD-3 was carefully examined, and these that did not match to TGMD-1 were deleted. Cohen's D effect size (ES) was utilized for the difference among year-to-year comparisons. Result: From 1985 to 2000, FMS in US children of 3-7 years old (90% increase & 10% no change) increased temporarily, but remained stable (17% increase & 83% no change) among 8-10 years old. Between 2000 and 2019, however, U.S. children began to demonstrate a slight/stable drop in FMS among 3-5 years old (22% decrease & 78% no change), and a distinct decline among 6-10 years old (80% decrease & 20% no change). While children with normal BMI showed the highest FMS score, the direct cause of reduction in FMS is still unknown. Conclusion: An overall up-and-down change was observed in U.S. children's FMS between 1985 and 2019, and more longitudinal studies with FMS-related variables are needed.

How Does a 12-Week Physical Exercise Program Affect the Motor Proficiency and Cognitive Abilities of Overweight and Normal-Weight Preschool Children?

The objective of this research was to examine a 12-week exercise program and its impact on the motor proficiency and cognitive abilities of preschool children with overweight and normal weight. The study involved a total of 71 participants who were preschool children enrolled in a longitudinal study. Body mass index (BMI) was determined by measuring body height and weight, and the nutritional status of the children was assessed using the World Health Organization's (WHO) criteria. Motor proficiency encompasses both motor abilities and motor skills, and the assessment of motor abilities was conducted using subtests from the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2). These subtests measured fine motor integration, manual dexterity, balance, and bilateral coordination. The evaluation of motor skills involved the utilization of the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2), which examines both locomotor skills and manipulative skills. Cognitive abilities were assessed using the School Maturity Test (TZS). All participants, regardless of weight status, took part in a 12-week physical exercise program. According to the World Health Organization's criteria, 52 children (73.2%) were categorized as having a normal weight, while 19 children (26.8%) were classified as overweight. These findings indicate that every fourth child in the study was overweight. Using a statistical analysis called SPANOVA (2 × 2, group × time), differences were observed in three out of eleven variables. Specifically, there were significant differences in two motor skill variables: manipulative skills (p = 0.006) and total movement skills (p = 0.014). Additionally, there was a significant difference in one cognitive ability variable: visual memory (p = 0.010). No significant differences were found in the remaining variables. The findings of this study aimed to contribute to the understanding of the potential benefits of regular exercise on motor and cognitive development in preschool children, specifically examining the differences between overweight and normal-weight children. By investigating these effects, the study could provide valuable insights for educators, parents, and health professionals involved in promoting the overall well-being of preschool-aged children. Regular physical exercise has been found to have positive effects on motor and cognitive abilities in both overweight and normal-weight preschool children.

Development of food literacy in children and adolescents: implications for the design of strategies to promote healthier and more sustainable diets

Food literacy has emerged as a key individual trait to promote the transformation of food systems toward healthy and sustainable diets. Childhood and adolescence are key periods for establishing the foundations of eating habits. Different food literacy competencies are acquired as children develop different cognitive abilities, skills, and experiences, contributing to the development of critical tools that allow them to navigate a complex food system. Thus, the design and implementation of programs to support the development of food literacy from early childhood can contribute to healthier and more sustainable eating habits. In this context, the aim of the present narrative review is to provide an in-depth description of how different food literacy competencies are developed in childhood and adolescence, integrating the extensive body of evidence on cognitive, social, and food-related development. Implications for the development of multisectoral strategies to target the multidimensional nature of food literacy and promote the development of the 3 types of competencies (relational, functional, and critical) are discussed.

Associations among Motor Competence, Physical Activity, Perceived Motor Competence, and Aerobic Fitness in 10-15-Year-Old Youth

(1) Background: The developmental model describes possible mechanisms that could impact the trajectory of children and adolescents' health behaviors related to obesity; however, few data are available that support this model in the adolescent population. This study investigated the associations among motor competence (MC), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), perceived motor competence (PMC), and aerobic fitness in children and adolescents and the mediating and moderating effects of PMC, aerobic fitness, and weight status on the MC-MVPA relationship. (2) Methods: Participants included 47 adolescents (12.2 ± 1.6 y; 55% male) who completed the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, 2nd Edition (MC), Harter's perceived self-competency questionnaire (PMC), and the PACER test (aerobic fitness) and whose MVPA was measured via accelerometry. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated from measured height and weight. (3) Results: There were positive correlations between MC and fitness [rs(47) = 0.469, p < 0.01], PMC and fitness [rs(47) = 0.682, p < 0.01], and PMC and MC [rs(47) = 0.416, p < 0.01]. There were no associations among MVPA and MC, PMC, or fitness (p > 0.05). There were inverse associations between BMI and both MVPA [rs(44) = -0.410, p < 0.01] and fitness [rs(47) = 0.295, p < 0.05]. The association between MC and MVPA was mediated by fitness (β = 0.3984; 95% CI (0.0564-0.7985)). (4) Conclusions: The associations among MC, PMC, and fitness highlight the critical role of MC in health and partially support the proposed developmental model concerning the relationships that exist among MC, MVPA, PMC, fitness, and BMI.

Poor Motor Competence Affects Functional Capacities and Healthcare in Children and Adolescents with Obesity

BACKGROUND

From a young age, children learn different motor skills known as fundamental motor skills. The acquisition of these skills is crucial for the future development of context-tailored actions that could improve adherence to physical activity (PA) practice. Motor competence and function deficits have been associated with pediatric obesity. We reviewed the literature data regarding motor competence in pediatrics and impaired motor performance in children and adolescents with obesity.

METHODS

We assessed the abstracts of the available literature (n = 110) and reviewed the full texts of potentially relevant articles (n = 65) that were analyzed to provide a critical discussion.

RESULTS

Children and adolescents with obesity show impaired motor performance, executive functions, postural control, and motor coordination. Children's age represents a crucial point in the development of motor skills. Early interventions are crucial to preventing declines in motor proficiency and impacting children's PA and overall fitness levels.

CONCLUSIONS

To involve children, the PA protocol must be fun and tailored in consideration of several aspects, such as clinical picture, level of physical fitness, and motor skills. A supervised adapted exercise program is useful to personalized PA programs from an early pediatric age.

Gross motor coordination in relation to weight status: a longitudinal study in children and pre-adolescents

Introduction

Gross Motor Coordination (GMC) is crucial for the adequate development of motor competence. Our purpose in this semi-longitudinal study was to evaluate the influence of BMI on GMC in children and pre-adolescents of both sexes, across school years (classes).

Methods

We evaluated 117 subjects (aged 8-13 years) belonging to three different cohorts for 4 consecutive years, providing data over 6 years (classes). GMC was assessed through the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK) test. Class and weight status effects were then evaluated by dividing the subjects into a normal weight group and an overweight group based on their weight status.

Results

A significant increase across classes was found for BMI (p < 0.001) and KTK raw score (p < 0.001) and a decrease was found for KTK normalized score (MQ) (p = 0.043). Significantly lower MQ values were found for girls. Absolute GMC increased across the years and there was no difference between boys and girls. Correlations between GMC scores and BMI were negative and significant in 5 of 6 classes. It was confirmed that overweight subjects had lower MQ and RAW values than normal-weight subjects, with no class-by-weight status interaction.

Discussion

The level of competence and its development are strictly dependent on weight status during childhood and pre-adolescence. The present investigation suggests that the adequate development of GMC requires not only targeted physical education programs but also the promotion of healthy habits aimed at maintaining a normal weight status during childhood and pre-adolescence.

Influence of Concurrent Exercise Training on Ankle Muscle Activation during Static and Proactive Postural Control on Older Adults with Sarcopenic Obesity: A Multicenter, Randomized, and Controlled Trial

Sarcopenic obesity (SO), characterized by age-related muscle loss and excess body fat, significantly impairs postural control. However, limited research has explored the effects of concurrent exercise training on neuromuscular strategies during postural control in older adults with SO. The study enrolled 50 older adults with SO, split into an intervention group (IG, n = 25, mean age = 76.1 ± 3.5 years; mean BMI = 34.4 ± 4.0 kg/m2) and a control group (CG, n = 25, mean age = 75.9 ± 5.4 years; mean BMI = 32.9 ± 2.3 kg/m2). Participants in the IG were engaged in 60-min Total Mobility Plus Program (TMP) sessions three times a week for four months, while the CG maintained their typical daily activities. Standardized evaluations were conducted both before and after the intervention. These assessments included the Romberg and Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests, as well as the measurement of Center of Pressure (CoP) displacements parameters under various conditions. Additionally, ankle muscle activities were quantified during postural control evaluations and maximal voluntary contractions of plantar and dorsal flexors. Post-intervention results revealed a significant reduction of the standing time measured in the Romberg (-15.6%, p < 0.005) and TUG (-34.6%, p < 0.05) tests. Additionally, CoP area and velocity were notably reduced in various conditions (p < 0.05). Postural control improvements were associated with an increase of strength (p < 0.05) and decrease of ankle muscle activation (p < 0.05). These findings highlight the reversibility of neuromuscular system alterations associated with the synergistic effects of sarcopenia and obesity, emphasizing the trainability of postural control regulation within this population. By incorporating these insights into clinical practice and public health strategies, it seems possible to optimize the health and well-being of older adults with SO.

Impairments in fine motor skills in children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. A cross-sectional study

AIM

We evaluated fine motor skills; precision, motor integration, manual dexterity, and upper-limb coordination according to sex and risk stratification in children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL).

METHODS

We evaluated twenty-nine children in the maintenance phase aged 6 to 12 years with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-second edition (BOT-2), and sex and age-specific norm values of BOT-2 were used to compare our results.

RESULTS

We found lower scores on the upper-limb coordination subtest, p = 0.003 and on the manual coordination composite, p = 0.008, than normative values. Most boys performed "average" on both the subtests and the composites, but girls showed lower scores with a mean difference of 7.69 (95%CI; 2.24 to 3.14), p = 0.009. Girls' scale scores on the upper-limb coordination subtest were lower than normative values, with mean difference 5.08 (95%CI; 2.35 to 7.81), p = 0.006. The mean standard score difference in high-risk patients was lower than normative on the manual coordination composite, 8.18 (95%CI; 2.26 to 14.1), p = 0.015. High-risk children also performed below the BOT-2 normative on manual dexterity 2.82 (95%CI; 0.14 to 5.78), p = 0.035 and upper limb coordination subtest 4.10 (95%CI; 1.13 to 7.05), p = 0.028. We found a decrease in fine motor precision in children with a higher BMI, rho= -0.87, p = 0.056 and a negative correlation between older age and lower manual dexterity, r= -0.41 p = 0.026; however, we did not find any correlation with the weeks in the maintenance phase.

CONCLUSIONS

Fine motor impairments are common in children with ALL in the maintenance phase; it is important to identify these impairments to early rehabilitation.

Body mass index, systemic inflammation and cognitive performance in adolescents: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Excessive body weight has been related to lower cognitive performance. One of the mechanisms through which excess body weight may affect cognition is inflammation.

HYPOTHESIS

Our hypothesis is that both body mass index (BMI) and circulating levels of inflammatory biomarkers will be negatively related to cognitive performance.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Users of the public health centres of the Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa (Terrassa, Spain) between 2010 and 2017 aged 12-21 years.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred and five adolescents (46 normoweight, 18 overweight, 41 obese).

MEASUREMENTS

Levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) and fibrinogen were determined from blood samples. Cognitive performance was evaluated and six cognitive composites were obtained: working memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, decision-making, verbal memory, and fine motor speed. A single multivariate general lineal model was used to assess the influence of the four inflammatory biomarkers, as well as participants' BMI, sex, and age on the 6 cognitive indexes.

RESULTS

An inverse relationship between BMI and inhibitory control (F = 5.688, p = .019; β = -0.212, p = .031), verbal memory (F = 5.404, p = .022; β = -0.255, p = .009) and fine motor speed (F = 9.038, p = .003; β = -0.319, p = .001) was observed. Levels of TNFα and fibrinogen were inversely related to inhibitory control (F = 5.055, p = .027; β = -0.226, p = .021) and verbal memory (F = 4.732, p = .032; β = -0.274, p = .005), respectively.

LIMITATIONS

The cross-sectional nature of the study, the use of cognitive tests designed for clinical purposes, and the use of BMI as a proxy for adiposity are limitations of our study that must be taken into account when interpreting results.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that some components of executive functions, together with verbal memory, are sensitive to specific obesity-related inflammatory agents at early ages.

Body Mass Index and Physical Fitness among Chinese Adolescents Aged 15-18: A Cross-Sectional Study of Gender Differences

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between varying levels of obesity and physical fitness test scores among Chinese adolescents, while also investigating gender differences in physical fitness and overall health. Data on height, weight, 50 m sprints, 1000/800 m runs, standing long jumps, sit and reach exercises, pull-ups/bent-leg sit-ups, and additional variables were collected from the DYH health database. Physical fitness indicators were evaluated based on the revised 2014 National Physical Fitness Standards for Students, and scores were assigned accordingly. An ordinal logistic regression (ologit) model was employed to analyze the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and physical fitness.

RESULTS

(1) Normal-weight boys achieved significantly higher physical fitness test scores than boys in other weight categories. (2) Underweight and normal-weight girls obtained significantly higher physical fitness test scores compared to overweight and obese girls, with underweight girls scoring slightly higher than those with a normal weight.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) There is a significant non-linear relationship between BMI levels and physical fitness test scores. (2) Gender differences were observed in physical fitness and overall health outcome. (3) The findings indicate an inverted U-shaped association between BMI and physical fitness among boys, while girls displayed an inverse relationship. This could be attributed to the cultural association between thinness and beauty among girls in China.

Association between motor and math skills in preschool children with typical development: Systematic review

Mathematics has been the subject in which many school-age children have revealed many difficulties. Research carried out in an attempt to understand the causes of failure in this area pointed to a positive association between mathematical performance and motor performance. Given the importance of math development in future school outcomes, knowing which specific motor components are most associated with math performance can help educators define better strategies for teaching mathematics. In this sense, the present systematic review study aimed to identify the components of motor skills most positively associated with mathematical performance in children with typical development who attend preschool. The PRISMA methodology (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) was used in this study. The databases searched were ERIC, PubMED, SciELO, Scopus and Web of Science. A total of 2,909 articles were identified, of which 18 were included in this systematic review. The main results showed positive associations between fine motor skills, namely fine motor coordination and visuomotor integration, and mathematical performance. The math skill of numerical counting was the most associated with FMS. The main characteristics of the instruments used showed that the tasks of copying figures or drawings are the most used to assess visuomotor integration and the tasks of handling objects with pinch-like movements are the most used to assess fine motor coordination. Given the importance of mathematical performance in future school results, identifying early children with difficulties in fine motor skills will help educators to design better strategies for teaching mathematical skills. In this sense, the need to identify instruments to assess fine motor skills in preschool children with characteristics that facilitate their administration by the educator in the classroom context, i.e., requiring little administration time, not requiring much experience or training, the possibility of being administered to the group/class, few material resources, and the results can be easily interpreted, classified, and associated with mathematical performance.

Correlation between body mass index and motor proficiency in Egyptian children: a cross-sectional study

Background

Obesity in children is a frequent and serious problem that can impede motor ability performance, necessitating extra attention and early intervention efforts. The purpose of this study was to determine the relation between body mass index (BMI) and motor proficiency in Egyptian children. Two-hundred normal healthy children from both sexes (6 to 8 years old) were enrolled. BMI was defined by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared (kg/m²), and motor proficiency was evaluated by Bruininks-Oseretsky Test 2 of Motor Proficiency Short Form (BOT-2 SF). Participants were classified into four categories based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cutoff points including underweight, normal, overweight, and obese.

Results

Between-group analysis demonstrated a significant difference between groups where (χ² (3) = 131.50, P = 0.0001), with the obese group showing the worst motor ability, with mean differences at 95% confidence intervals of 7.44 for underweight, 81.14 for overweight, and 108.92 for obese children. The correlation coefficients of BOT-2 SF and BMI show a significant negative correlation (R = −0.723, P = 0.0001). Regression analysis revealed that BMI can significantly predict the BOT-2 SF (F = 216.94, P = 0.0001).

Conclusion

Excess body weight in the period of early childhood in Egyptians has a deleterious effect on motor skill performance; also, children who were normal weight or underweight had higher motor skills than those who were overweight or obese.

The Neglected Factor in the Relationship between Executive Functioning and Obesity: The Role of Motor Control

BACKGROUND

The association between obesity and executive functions (EFs) is highly controversial. It has been suggested that waist circumference (WC), compared to body mass index (BMI), is a better indicator of fat mass and EFs in obesity. Moreover, according to the viewpoint that the brain's functional architecture meets the need for interactive behavior, we hypothesize that the relationship between EFs and body weight might be mediated by the motor performance.

METHODS

General executive functioning (frontal assessment battery-15), additional cognitive subdomains (trail making test and digit span backward), and motor performance (finger tapping task) were assessed in a sample that included 330 volunteers (192 females, M age = 45.98 years, SD = 17.70, range = 18-86 years).

RESULTS

Hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that the FAB15 score and FTT negatively predicted WC but not BMI. A subsequent mediation analysis highlighted that the indirect effect of FAB15 on WC through finger tapping was statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that WC, as compared to BMI, is a more effective measure for studying the association between EFs and body weight. Still, we found that the motor domain partially mediates the dynamics of such a relationship.

Differences between Healthy-Weight and Overweight Serbian Preschool Children in Motor and Cognitive Abilities

The aim of this study was to determine the differences between healthy-weight and overweight 5-6-year-old preschool children in fine and gross motor skills and cognitive abilities. There were 91 subjects, preschool children (41 boys and 50 girls), who participated in this cross-sectional study. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated based on measures of body height and body mass, and WHO cutoff points were used for the assessment of the children's nutrition status. Fine motor abilities were determined using two Bruininks-Oseretsky (BOT-2) subtests, and gross motor skills are determined by the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2), while cognitive abilities were tested by the School Maturity Test (TZŠ+). Based on an independent-samples t-test, a difference in two out of three variables of gross motor skills was determined: manipulative skills and total gross motor skills between healthy-weight and overweight children, while in fine motor abilities and cognitive abilities there was no difference between these two groups. Although significant differences were found only in gross motor skills between healthy and overweight preschool children but not in fine motor skills and cognitive abilities, further longitudinal studies are required to understand the mechanisms of this, including the possible role of psychological factors.

The Effect of Voluntary Physical Activity in an Enriched Environment and Combined Exercise Training on the Satellite Cell Pool in Developing Rats

Aim: Postnatal skeletal muscle growth is strongly associated with a satellite cell pool. Early adolescence might be a crucial period when different exercise training interventions have specific consequence on satellite cells. Pax7 and MyoD have been suggested as the leading indicators of satellite cell activation.

Methods: In this study, pre-adolescent male rats (n = 18) were either subjected to an enriched environment that facilitated physical activities or combined training or control for three weeks. The flexor hallucis longus muscle was removed for biochemical and histochemical analysis.

Results: Findings demonstrated that exercise trained rats displayed high levels of serum IGF-1 (p <0.05). There was an increase in Pax7 (p <0.05) and MyoD (p <0.001) mRNA expression. A significant increase in the mean fiber area (p <0.01), satellite cell (p <0.001), and myonuclear numbers (p <0.01) were also observed in both intervention groups. Importantly, enriched rats showed lower corticosterone levels (p <0.05) compared to training ones. Regarding performance, trained and enriched rats had significant improvement in forelimb grip strength (p <0.01) and load-carrying capacity (p <0.05).

Conclusion: Type of physical exercise is an essential part in changing satellite cells pool. Different and frequent physical activities in an enriched environment can be effective for muscle development.

Dysmetabolism and Neurodegeneration: Trick or Treat?

Accumulating evidence suggests the existence of a strong link between metabolic syndrome and neurodegeneration. Indeed, epidemiologic studies have described solid associations between metabolic syndrome and neurodegeneration, whereas animal models contributed for the clarification of the mechanistic underlying the complex relationships between these conditions, having the development of an insulin resistance state a pivotal role in this relationship. Herein, we review in a concise manner the association between metabolic syndrome and neurodegeneration. We start by providing concepts regarding the role of insulin and insulin signaling pathways as well as the pathophysiological mechanisms that are in the genesis of metabolic diseases. Then, we focus on the role of insulin in the brain, with special attention to its function in the regulation of brain glucose metabolism, feeding, and cognition. Moreover, we extensively report on the association between neurodegeneration and metabolic diseases, with a particular emphasis on the evidence observed in animal models of dysmetabolism induced by hypercaloric diets. We also debate on strategies to prevent and/or delay neurodegeneration through the normalization of whole-body glucose homeostasis, particularly via the modulation of the carotid bodies, organs known to be key in connecting the periphery with the brain.

Actual and Perceived Motor Competence, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Physical Activity, and Weight Status in Schoolchildren: Latent Profile and Transition Analyses

Engagement in physical activity plays a central role in the prevention and treatment of childhood overweight/obesity. However, some children may lack the skills and confidence to be physically active. This 3-year follow-up study aimed to form profiles based on cardiorespiratory fitness, actual motor competence, perceived motor competence, physical activity, and weight status, and to examine if these profiles remain stable from late childhood to early adolescence. All these variables were annually assessed in 1,162 Finnish schoolchildren (girls = 583 and boys = 564, Mage = 11.27 ± 0.32 years). Latent profile analysis was used to identify profiles and latent transition analysis to examine the stability of latent statuses. Three profiles were identified: normal weight with high movement, normal weight with low movement, and overweight–obese with low movement. Profile memberships remained relatively stable over time, indicating that children with low actual and perceived motor competence, cardiorespiratory fitness, and physical activity in late childhood also tended to exhibit these characteristics in early adolescence.

There Is an Inverse Correlation between Basic Motor Skills and Overweight in Schoolchildren Aged 8 to 12

In the last three decades, childhood obesity has become a 21st century epidemic, a product of social development. The purpose of this study was to analyze the repercussions that overweight and obesity have for the basic motor skills of a group of children in primary school, as well as their interrelations. We analyzed a sample of 287 students from Spain, aged between 8 and 12 years. Anthropometric data were taken to determine their Body Mass Index (BMI). A scale of assessment of basic motor skills was used to evaluate their motor skills. The BMI data revealed that 11% of this sample was considered obese, and 26% was overweight. Children showed higher competence in locomotor skills than in object control and turn and rolling skills, for which motor competence levels were lower. Likewise, there was an inverse relationship between BMI and basic motor skills; children with obesity had the lowest levels of motor skills, and there was a significant difference regarding non-obese children (p ≤ 0.05). These results showed that overweight and obese children have lower basic motor skills, which can lead to the abandonment of physical activity and the preference for other activities that reinforce a sedentary lifestyle.

The Effectiveness of Fundamental Movement Skill Interventions on Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity Levels in 5- to 11-Year-Old Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Fundamental movement skill (FMS) competence is associated with physical activity during childhood, with higher FMS competence associated with higher physical activity levels; however, the effectiveness of FMS interventions in primary school-aged children is not fully understood.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of FMS interventions at improving daily levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in 5- to 11-year-old children.

METHODS

Systematic searches were completed in eight electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, EMBASE, ERIC and Scopus). Studies were included if they were randomised or non-randomised controlled trials that implemented a physical activity intervention with an FMS component in 5- to 11-year-old children and included objectively measured daily levels of MVPA. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tools for randomised and non-randomised controlled trials. Random effects meta-analysis was performed to determine the pooled intervention effect (mean difference) on minutes spent in MVPA with meta-regression for the use of an operationalised definition of FMS, in line with the criteria reported by Logan et al. RESULTS: A total of 19 studies were identified for review and 14 studies were eligible for meta-analysis. The pooled intervention effect was 4.3 min (95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.03 to 8.8) of MVPA per day. The percentage of future studies likely to find an effect greater than the minimal clinically important difference was 47% (95% CI 22-70). Studies that attempted to conceptualise and define FMS by combining at least one of Logan and colleagues' operational definitions with a measure of FMS had a positive effect on daily MVPA (13.3 min/day, 95% CI 8.0-18.6; R² = 0.89). Meta-regression for the three levels of criteria reported by Logan et al. showed a linear increase in MVPA, with studies using all three criteria experiencing the largest additive effect (15.7 min/day, 95% CI 8.9-22.6; R² = 0.89).

CONCLUSIONS

FMS interventions have the potential to increase daily levels of MVPA in 5- to 11-year-old children. However, future studies should concentrate on establishing an accurate conceptualisation of FMS and how FMS will be integrated within their intervention to further increase physical activity levels.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Prospero registration number: CRD42017058718.

Obesity impacts on task performance and perceived discomfort during seated foot target reaches

This study examined obesity impacts on task performance and perceived discomfort during seated foot target reaches. Three independent variables, participant group, movement distance, and, movement direction, were considered. The task performance measures employed were reaction time, movement time and task performance time. Perceived discomfort was measured using a modified Borg CR-10 scale. Statistical analyses revealed that: obesity was associated with increases in movement time, reaction time and performance time; movement distance significantly affected the three task performance measures and discomfort rating; and, movement direction significantly affected movement time, performance time and discomfort rating. The obesity impacts observed are thought to reflect the decelerating effects of the extra fat mass in the obese body during foot reaches and possibly obesity-related physiological and cognitive changes. Design improvements of foot-operated systems, such as reducing distances to targets, increasing target sizes and avoiding forward foot reaches, may help counteract the observed obesity impacts. Practitioner Summary: This study empirically investigated the obesity impacts on task performance and perceived discomfort during seated foot target reaches. Obesity was found to be associated with increases in movement time, reaction time and performance time. The observed obesity impacts seem attributable to the anthropometric, motor and cognitive characteristics of the obese.Abbreviations: ANOVA: analysis of variance; BMI: body mass index; ROM: range of motion; Borg CR-10: Borg's category ratio 10 scale.

Associations between body composition and fundamental motor skill competency in children

Background

Evidence supports an inverse relationship between weight status and motor competence, but most work utilizes body mass index as the proxy for weight status. Body mass index fails to account for essential components of body composition, which may be critical for motor performance. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the relationship between fundamental motor skills competency and body composition (i.e., fat mass, fat percentage, and fatfree mass) as measured by bio-electrical impedance analysis and body mass index in children.

Methods

Two hundred forty-four children from the Southeastern portion of the United States participated in this project (6.05 ± 2.01 years, 53.3% male). Fundamental motor skills were measured using the Test of Gross Motor Development – 2nd edition and body composition was assessed with the Tanita SC-331S Body Composition Analyzer (bio-electrical impedance analysis). Body mass index was calculated using CDC normative growth charts.

Results

Bio-electrical impedance analysis measures accounted for 23.1%, F(3, 241) = 24.10, p < .001 and 2.7%, F(3, 241) = 2.22, p = .086 variance in locomotor and object control subscales, respectively; body mass index accounted for 8.4% (locomotor) and 0.1% (object control) variance. For the Test of Gross Motor Development -2nd edition total score, bio-electrical impedance analysis measures accounted for 24.4% F(3, 241) = 25.90, p < .001 compared to body mass index which accounted for 7.9% F(1, 244) = 20.86, p < .001 of the variance. Only fat free mass (p < .001) was a significant predictor for locomotor skills and total models for the Test of Gross Motor Development – 2nd edition; BMI was also a significant predictor (p < .001) in both the locomotor and total models.

Conclusions

Different components of body composition (i.e., fat free mass) were associated with different aspects of fundamental motor skills competency. Excess body fat may be a morphological constraint to proficient locomotor performance when transporting the body through space. In contrast, body composition did not significantly predict object manipulation performance. More work is needed to understand the causality and directionality of this relationship; however, bio-electrical impedance analysis accounts for more variance in fundamental motor skills performance than body mass index in a field-based setting.

Interrelationship Between Age, Gender, and Weight Status on Motor Coordination in Italian Children and Early Adolescents Aged 6-13 Years Old

Although numerous evidences reported a negative correlation between motor coordination (MC) and overweight/obesity in children and adolescents, the interrelationship between age, gender, and weight status is still debatable. Hence, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the association between MC and weight status according to age and gender across childhood and early adolescence in a large sample of Italian elementary and middle school students. A number of 1961 Italian school students (1,026 boys, 935 girls) was stratified in three consecutive age groups (6-7, 8-10, and 11-13 years) and four weight status categories (underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese) according to Cole's body mass index (BMI) cut-off points for children. MC performance was assessed measuring motor quotient (MQ) with the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK). Results showed significantly lower MQ levels in children in overweight (OW) and with obesity (OB) in both sexes for all age groups than peers in normal weight (NW), except in 6-7-year-old boys. Girls in OW and with OB had similar MQ levels across all age groups, while younger boys in OW and with OB showed higher MQ levels than older ones (p < 0.05). The 6-7-year-old boys showed better MQ levels than girls peers in NW, OW, and with OB, while 8-10-year-old boys in underweight (UW), NW, and OW; and 11-13-year-old boys only in NW (p < 0.05). No interaction effect was found between age, gender, and weight status on MQ levels. These outcomes showed the negative impact of higher weight status on MC performance according to age and gender, pointing out the importance of planning targeted motor programs that consider these variables to improve MC performance.

Actual and Perceived Motor Competence in Relation to Body Mass Index in Primary School-Aged Children: A Systematic Review

Unhealthy-weight status may represent a precursor of poor actual (AMC) (i.e., process- and product-oriented) and perceived (PMC) motor competence. AMC and PMC represent key elements favoring long-term commitment in sports and day-to-day life physical activity. In fact, the development of AMC and PMC during the primary school years could help to counteract weight-related negative effects (i.e., overweight or obesity) that are responsible for sedentary or unhealthy behavior across the life span. Therefore, this review aimed to provide a synopsis of the current research investigating the relation of AMC and PMC with weight status and in the context of potential gender differences. Systematic research in five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus) was conducted from April 2021 to May 2021 in compliance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they involved obese or overweight youth (6–10 years) with no physical or cognitive impairment and used a longitudinal or a cross-sectional assessment of motor competence and perceived motor competence outcomes. After the selection process and after duplicates were removed, the final sample included 27 studies. Most of the studies reported that AMC and PMC are negatively associated with weight status, with male and females differing from each other in overall and subtest (locomotor, object control, and stability skills) AMC scores. However, according to a risk of bias assessment, the level of evidence linked to the association of AMC (process and product) and PMC with weight status (BMI) remained uncertain and lacking, respectively. Further high-quality studies are warranted to improve the understanding of AMC and PMC in relation to weight status, which appears to be differently expressed by gender in primary school years. Regardless, based on the current quantitative data, the emerging inverse association between AMC/PMC and weight status implies that it would be best to limit sedentary behavior by including daily lessons in physical education to limit unfavorable conditions (i.e., obesity and overweight) during the school years.

Effects of Different Types of Exercise Training on Fine Motor Skills and Testosterone Concentration in Adolescents: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

We sought to compare the effect of two types of exercise training on fine motor skills and to establish their association with the salivary testosterone. Research participants, 135 adolescents (68 adolescent females; mean age = 12.76, SD = 0.85) were assigned into three groups: coordinative exercise (CE), cardiovascular exercise (CVE), and the control group (CON). Fine motor skills were assessed with a drawing trail test and salivary testosterone concentration was measured before and after 10 weeks of intervention. There were no significant changes in fine motor skills and testosterone concentration after either CE or CVE training. However, a significant positive correlation between post-test fine motor skills and post-test testosterone concentration was found after the CVE training. One type of exercise training cannot be singled out as more effective for fine motor skills and testosterone activity. Nevertheless, our results showed a relationship between fine motor skills and testosterone concentration after the CVE training. Thus, the type of exercise training is important in the exercise-induced testosterone effect on fine motor skills.

Aging Effect on Manipulative Skills in Individuals With Down Syndrome

Deficits in motor performance have been well documented in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). However, only a few studies have focused on manipulative skills and older adults in this population. Given the associations between manipulative skills and daily living activities, more work is needed to examine the aging effect on individuals with DS. A total of 54 adults with DS participated in this study. The results indicated that older participants showed more lateralization than younger participants. They exhibited superior dominant hand preference compared to younger participants. In addition, participants with DS with high verbal ability had better performance in manual dexterity and handgrip force. Therefore, in the clinical setting, assessing mental age may help in identifying individuals with DS at a higher risk of motor impairment. Future work should examine additional determinants with a large sample size to understand the development of manipulative skills in individuals with DS. Furthermore, additional studies are needed to investigate the associations between mental age and other cognitive functions and motor performance in this population.

Helping Children with Obesity "Move Well" To Move More: An Applied Clinical Review

ABSTRACT

Children with obesity experience musculoskeletal pain and reduced physical function and well-being, which collectively impact their fitness, strength, motor skills, and even their ability to undertake simple tasks, like walking and climbing stairs. Disrupting obesity-related disability may be critical to increasing children's physical activity. Thus, barriers to movement should be considered by health practitioners to improve the efficacy of prescribed physical activity. This applied clinical review highlights key subjective and objective findings from a hypothetical case scenario, linking those findings to the research evidence, before exploring strategies to enhance movement and increase physical activity.

The importance of body weight status on motor competence development: From preschool to middle childhood

We evaluated the association between weight status and motor competence from preschool age (3‐5 years of age) until middle childhood (7‐9 years of age). Longitudinal study with three to five‐year‐old preschool children (n = 1155) enrolled in public and private preschools in Recife, Brazil. Children were followed twice (2010, 2012, and 2014) for four years. Köperkoordinationstest für kinder (KTK) assessed the children's motor competence (KTK Motor Quotient). Weight status (underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity) was classified according to the children's sex and age. Preschool children with normal weight exhibited higher motor competence at 5‐7 years of age compared to preschool children with overweight (+3.73 MQ, P = .03) and obesity (+5.09 MQ, P < .01). Preschool children with normal weight presented higher motor competence at 7‐9 years of age compared to their peers with overweight (+6.00 MQ, P = .03) and obesity (+5.88 MQ, P = .01). Children with normal weight at 5‐7 years of age presented higher motor competence at 7‐9 years of age compared to their peers with overweight (+3.33 MQ, P = .02) and obesity (+4.00 MQ, P = .02). Independent of the childhood phase and extension of the period evaluated (2‐ or 4‐year period), children who had excessive weight (overweight or obesity) and changed their weight status to underweight or normal weight presented similar motor competence compared to children who continued underweight or normal weight. Weight status already at preschool age is an important predictor of the children's motor competence until middle childhood. Interventions improving the children's weight status, already at preschool age, might impact their motor competence development positively.

Bidirectional association of neurodevelopment with growth: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The study aims to use the cross-lagged model and utilize data from the Born in Shenyang Cohort Study to characterize the bidirectional associations of the term-born infants' neurodevelopment in five domains and physical growth in early life.

METHOD

This study consists of 688 mother-child dyads from the Born in Shenyang Cohort Study. Infants' anthropometric (weight and length) and development in neurological outcomes (Gesell Development Scale) were measured at the age of 6 and 12 months. Cross-lagged analyses and multiple linear regression analyses were used to explore the longitudinal relationships in both directions.

RESULTS

In terms of longitudinal studies, the inverse associations between infants' two skills (gross motor and social behavior) at the age of 6 months with BMI Z -scores at the age of 12 months (gross motor: aβ = - 0.20, 95% CI: - 0.31 to- 0.09; social behavior: aβ = - 0.23, 95% CI: - 0.33 to- 0.13) were found. Conversely, a higher infant Z -scored BMI at the age of 6 months predicted a lower gross motor at the age of 12 months (aβ = - 0.08, 95% CI: - 0.12 to- 0.04). In cross-lagged analyses, an adverse association in both directions between gross motor and Z -scored BMI was observed.

CONCLUSION

We found bidirectional relationships between infants' neurodevelopment of gross motor with physical growth and suggested the term-born infants, who are on the edge of the developmental danger, should not be overlooked.

Guidelines for designing age-appropriate cooking interventions for children: The development of evidence-based cooking skill recommendations for children, using a multidisciplinary approach

Cooking interventions have been criticised for their weak designs and 'kitchen sink' approach to content development. Currently, there is no scientific guidance for the inclusion of specific skills in children's cooking interventions. Therefore, a four step method was used to develop age-appropriate cooking skill recommendations based on relevant developmental motor skills. The steps include: 1) a critical review of academic and publicly available sources of children's cooking skills recommendations; 2) cooking skill selection, deconstruction and mapping to relevant motor skills; 3) grouping the cooking skills by underlying motor skills for age appropriateness to generate evidence based recommendations; 4) establish face validity using a two-stage expert review, critique and refinement with a multidisciplinary international team. Seventeen available sources of cooking skills recommendations were identified, critiqued and deconstructed and cooking skills mapped to developmental motor skills. These new recommendations consist of 32 skills, across five age categories: 2-3 years, 3-5 years, 5-7 years, 7-9 years, and 9+ years. The proposed recommendations will strengthen programme design by providing guidance for content development targeted at the correct age groups and can act as a guide to parents when including their children in cooking activities at home.

Obesity impairs performing and learning a timing perception task regardless of the body position

Obesity has been associated with poorer sensorimotor performance. However, it remains unclear whether these obesity-related impairments can be mitigated by practice. In the present study, we sought to investigate the effects of practice on performing and learning a temporal estimation task, in women with and without obesity. The experimental task consisted of synchronizing the arrival of two rectangles at a target point. Limited to the pressing of a switch, the task was intended to minimize possible muscular fatigue, self-generated perturbations to balance and the need to accelerate/decelerate body segments. Participants were allowed to choose the displacement velocity of the rectangle they controlled and were informed that they would not be offered any choice over it during a test to come. To control for the effect of different body positions on sensorimotor performance and learning, the 19 women with obesity (BMI = 40.0 + 7.33, age = 44.2 + 6.6) and 20 without obesity (BMI = 22.3 + 1.95, age = 43 + 6.9) were assigned into 4 groups, according to their BMI and body position assumed during practice (standing upright with feet together or sitting). As no significant differences concerning body position were found, the data were reanalysed disregarding this factor. Results revealed that while both groups reduced errors during the Acquisition, participants with obesity showed poorer performance (Acquisition) and sensorimotor learning (Transfer). Given the experimental task and adopted procedures, our results tend to support the hypothesis that hindered perception and/or integration of sensory information is associated with obesity.

Effects of Overweight/Obesity on Motor Performance in Children: A Systematic Review

Childhood obesity is a serious public health problem. Childhood obesity and overweight are associated with the appearance of coordination deficit disorder and can cause impaired motor performance. We searched online databases for all related articles using comprehensive international databases from the Medline PubMed Institute, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SCOPUS, and PsycINFO up to December 20, 2020. Overall, 33 studies were included in this systematic review. The present review demonstrated that children with higher percentage of body fat had lower levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity, as well as decreased levels of gross motor coordination, as shown by tests for neuromuscular performance. These results corroborate the hypothesis that overweight and obesity in children and adolescents are associated, not only with insufficient performance during gross motor coordination activities, but also with a greater risk to physical health.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42020182935].

Delayed motor skills associated with pediatric obesity

OBJECTIVE

To review the literature regarding associations between developmental motor delay (DMD) and pediatric obesity. We hope to identify potential interventions that can improve motor coordination at an early age, thereby minimizing the deterring factors of physical activity down the road.

DESIGN

An integrative review was undertaken using search combinations to best identify potential publications. Manuscripts were reviewed, summarized, and discussed in detail. An experienced clinician in pediatric obesity reviewed the final searches for substantive content.

CRITERIA

Inclusion criteria include English language studies or publications, children ≤18 years old, publication/study relates to DMD and pediatric obesity. Excluded publications regarded topics of pediatric obesity that have been extensively studied such as maternal and family histories of obesity, isolated nutritional or physical interventions to improve obesity without discussion of DMD.

RESULTS

21 publications were included for review. Papers fell into three main categories regarding the association between pediatric obesity and DMD: 1) Motor function - negative association with motor function and obesity 2) Motor Development - lower levels of motor function are associated with decreased levels of exercise, and 3) Role of Intervention - specific physical activity intervention showed improvements in motor function.

CONCLUSIONS

Motor function deficits appear to be associated with obesity. However, it is not well understood if children with obesity have delayed motor skills as a consequence of their weight or if the DMD is a risk factor for the development of obesity; existing studies do not provide an answer.

Dual-Task Effect on Gait in Healthy Adolescents: Association between Health-Related Indicators and DT Performance

The purpose of this study was to determine how dual-task (DT) effect on gait differs among adolescents with different fitness and health profiles. The gait performances of 365 adolescents aged 13-14 years were assessed at single and DT walking. The proportional changes in gait parameters from single to dual were regressed against gender, body mass index (BMIz), three components of MABC-2 (balance, aiming &catching and manual dexterity), group (high vs low motor competence), body strength, physical fitness level using multiple regression analyses; and gender and four items of balance subtest of MABC-2 in the secondary analysis. The analyses showed that being female was associated with greater reduction in gait speed and stride length and an increase in double support time and step time; and having lower score in balance was related to greater reduction in gait speed, and cadence, and an increase in step time. Only zig-zag hopping item of the balance subtest was associated with DT effect on gait speed and stride length. No significant relationships were found between DT effect on gait and the rest of the predictors. Females and adolescents with lower level of balance function may be at higher risk of having DT deficit during walking.

Impact of Weight Status on the Cardiopulmonary Fitness Outcome of a School-Based Physical Activity Program

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of school-based physical activity interventions for improving cardiopulmonary fitness (CPF) of overweight and obese children is not well established. In this study, we evaluated whether overweight and obese children had similar changes in body mass index (BMI) and CPF as normal weight children after participating in a program for one academic year.

METHODS

Using purposive sampling at the school level, we selected 16 program and 7 control schools in a large metropolitan area in the Southeast during the 2015-2016 academic year. In these schools, 3396 fourth-graders participated with parental consent. Of these, 2332 (68.7%) participated in BMI measures and 1780 (52.4%) in Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) measures for CPF at two time points.

RESULTS

Students of all weight statuses pre-program did not show changes in BMI after program implementation. All students showed statistically significant improvements in the PACER test at follow-up, regardless of their participation in the program. However, overweight and obese children showed less improvement in CPF level than their normal weight classmates, regardless of their participation in the program.

CONCLUSION

Special attention for improving engagements of overweight and obese children may be needed to achieve improvements in their CPF level similar to that of normal weight students.

Association Between Preschoolers' Specific Fine (But Not Gross) Motor Skills and Later Academic Competencies: Educational Implications

Motor development is an inseparable component of cognitive development. So, to develop the mind, it is necessary to work the body. Therefore, Early Childhood Education curricula and the scientific literature emphasize the need to promote the development of motor skills during the 1st years of life. These skills are necessary for learning and subsequent academic performance. However, studies frequently offer only a partial view of these relationships. Few works have analyzed the specific relationships between different components of preschool gross and fine motor skills and subsequent performance on different academic competencies. Further, they present discrepant results. The aim of this study was to determinate which specific components of gross and fine motor skills assessed in Spanish students during the final year of Early Childhood Education (5 to 6-year-olds) were associated with different academic competencies assessed in the following academic year, when the students were in their 1st year of Primary Education. The final sample consisted of 38 Spanish students, aged 5. A mixed methods approach was used. It consisted of systematic observation to assess specific components of gross and fine motor skills when children were in the Early Childhood Education period, and selective methodology to evaluate their academic competencies (specifically in literacy and mathematics and overall), 1 year later, once in Primary Education. Multiple linear regression models were constructed using the computing language R to examine the association between motor skills and academic competencies. The results indicated that only the components of fine motor skills showed associations with academic competencies. The pattern of association varied when literacy and mathematics competencies were specifically and individually assessed and when overall academic competency was considered. The two assessed fine motor skills (Coordination and Integration) were associated with literacy competency (β = 0.344, p = 0.025; β = 0.349, p = 0.024, respectively) and overall academic competency (β = 0.267, p = 0.065; β = 0.493, p = 0.001, respectively). However, only Integration was associated with mathematics competency (β = 0.476, p = 0.002). The "Discussion" section focuses on the educational implications of these results and future research. It highlights the importance of early assessment of fine motor skills to identify students likely to present inadequate subsequent academic performance and the need to apply instruction and interventions tailored to the specific needs of each child.

Association between Actual and Perceived Motor Competence in School Children

(1) Background: The association between actual and perceived motor competence (MC) is one of the underlying mechanisms that influence the practice of physical activity. This study mainly aimed to analyze the structure and correlations between actual and perceived MC in schoolchildren and to compare actual and perceived MC between girls and boys. (2) Methods: A total of 467 fifth and sixth graders (43.9% girls, M = 11.26, SD = 0.70) participated. Actual and perceived MC were assessed. To examine the proposed four factor models, structural equation models (factor analyses, latent correlations, invariance testing for gender) were conducted. Student t-test for independent samples was used to compare boys and girls. (3) Results: Proposed models achieved acceptable fit values with moderate correlation between the factors according to the type of MC in actual and perceived MC. Invariant factor structure in boys and girls was revealed. Boys performed and perceived themselves higher in object control than girls; whereas girls showed higher actual and perceived self-movement than boys. (4) Conclusions: The association between actual and perceived MC exists both globally and separately by gender, despite the differences between boys and girls. It is important to consider the role of gender and type of MC in the development of motor competencies, as well as in the strengthening of the children’s sense of competence.

Children Who Are Overweight Display Altered Vertical Jump Kinematics and Kinetics From Children Who Are Not Overweight

PURPOSE

Children who are overweight typically do not perform motor skills as well as normal-weight peers. This study examined whether vertical jump kinetics and kinematics of children who are overweight differ from nonoverweight peers.

METHODS

Thirty-nine children completed maximum-effort countermovement vertical jumps. Motion capture was used to complete lower extremity kinematic and kinetic analyses.

RESULTS

The overweight group (body mass index ≥ 85th percentile; N = 11; age = 6.5 [1.6] y) jumped lower relative to their mass (0.381 cm/kg lower; P < .001) than normal-weight peers (N = 28; age = 6.4 [1.7] y). Compared with children who are normal weight, children who were overweight exhibited a shallower countermovement (knee: 12° less flexion, P = .02; hip: 10° less flexion, P = .045), lower hip torque (0.06 N·m/kg lower, P = .01) and hip work (40% less work, P = .01), and earlier peak joint angular velocities (knee: 9 ms earlier, P = .001; hip: 14 ms earlier, P = .004).

CONCLUSION

Children who are overweight do not achieve optimal jumping mechanics and exhibit jumping characteristics of an earlier developmental stage compared with their peers. Interventions should help children who are overweight learn to execute a proper countermovement.

The association between mental rotation capacity and motor impairment in children with obesity-an exploratory study

BACKGROUND

Motor impairments are relatively common in children with obesity and evidence suggests that these difficulties go beyond those expected based on the extra weight. This study aimed to investigate the mental rotation capacity in children with obesity, i.e., the ability to mentally view and rotate spatial information, which is a function of both visual-spatial and action representation processes. In particular, we examined whether children with obesity solved mental hand rotation tasks using an egocentric perspective (i.e., motor imagery) and if performance was related to their motor competence.

METHODS

Fifty children (age range: 7-11 y) of which 19 with obesity and motor impairments (OB-) as assessed by the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (2nd version), 13 with obesity without motor impairments (OB+) and 18 control children with a healthy weight (HW) and normal motor competence, were submitted to a classic hand rotation task. Sitting at a desk the children were instructed to indicate the laterality of a picture of a hand displayed on a monitor as quickly and as accurately as possible.

RESULTS

The results indicate no differences in response time between groups (2,648 ms, 2,558 ms, 2,664 ms for OB-, OB+ and HW respectively). The OB- group, however, had significantly lower accuracy rates and inverse efficiency scores than the HW group (Accuracy: 72% vs. 89%; Inverse efficiency: 4,428 vs. 3,238). No difference was observed in accuracy and inverse efficiency between the OB+ and HW group (Accuracy: 86%; Inverse efficiency: 3,432). In all groups, slower and more error-prone responses were observed when the angle of rotation was larger and when the hand on display was incongruent with the posture of the participants, which indicates that judgments were made from an egocentric perspective and involved motor imagery.

CONCLUSION

All children, including those with obesity, appear to engage in motor imagery. This notion needs to be investigated further in children with obesity and motor impairments, given their generally lower accuracy and decreased efficiency, which may indicate a reduced mental rotation capacity.

Role of Motor Competence and Executive Functioning in Weight Loss: A Study in Children with Obesity

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare motor competence and executive functioning (EF) between children with obesity and peers with healthy weight. Additionally, the predictive value of motor competence and EF in weight loss after a 5-month multidisciplinary residential treatment program was examined.

METHODS

Thirty-two children with obesity (7-11 years, 14 boys) and 32 age-matched controls (18 boys) performed 8 motor skill tasks and 4 tasks of EF (only at baseline). In the group of children with obesity, anthropometric measurements were performed at baseline and 5 months after the start of their treatment program. Also in control children, there was a time span of 5 months in between anthropometric measurements.

RESULTS

Lower levels of motor competence and reduced updating abilities, inhibition control, and planning skills were observed in children with obesity compared with healthy-weight controls. Within the total group, better general motor competence and balance skills were significantly associated with better updating, inhibition control, and planning. Finally, hierarchical regression analyses revealed that ball skills, balance skills, and inhibition/updating at baseline predicted 14% to 17% of the variance in weight loss after a 5-month treatment program in children with obesity.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that motor competence and EF are both relevant factors associated with childhood obesity. Moreover, these factors seem to be significant predictors of weight loss. Future (intervention) studies are needed to understand the impact of the difficulties in motor and EF on obesity-related behaviors as well as on short-term and, especially, long-term weight loss and maintenance.

Impacts of the late adulthood diet-induced obesity onset on behavior, immune function, redox state and life span of male and female mice

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the late onset of diet-induced obesity (DIO) in middle-aged mice affected behavioral, immunological and oxidative stress parameters as well as life span of male and female mice. Also, it was analyzed whether the late DIO onset aggravated immunosenescence in old female mice. Late-adult male and female ICR/CD1 mice (28 weeks old) were fed either a high-fat diet or a standard diet during 14 weeks. After that, in these middle-aged (42 weeks old) diet-induced obese (DIO) and non-DIO controls, behavior as well as functions and redox state of peritoneal leukocytes were evaluated. These same parameters (excepting behavioral tests) were repeated when female mice were old (72 weeks old). The results showed lower exploratory activity and higher anxiety-like behavior in middle-aged male and female DIO than in controls. Moreover, these DIO animals from both sexes exhibited statistically significant impaired immune cell functions, such as chemotaxis of macrophages and lymphocytes, phagocytosis of macrophages, natural killer activity and lymphoproliferation in response to ConA and LPS, as well as an oxidative stress state in comparison with controls. Male DIO mice exhibited higher impairments in a variety of the evaluated parameters and a shorter life span than their female counterparts. In addition, female DIO mice, at old age, showed aggravated immunosenescence. In conclusion, the late DIO onset leads to impairments in behavior as well as in immune system functions of middle-aged male and female mice, males being significantly more affected than females.

Body composition during early infancy and developmental progression from 1 to 5 years of age: the Infant Anthropometry and Body Composition (iABC) cohort study among Ethiopian children

Early nutrition and growth have been found to be important early exposures for later development. Studies of crude growth in terms of weight and length/height, however, cannot elucidate how body composition (BC) might mediate associations between nutrition and later development. In this study, we aimed to examine the relation between fat mass (FM) or fat-free mass (FFM) tissues at birth and their accretion during early infancy, and later developmental progression. In a birth cohort from Ethiopia, 455 children who have BC measurement at birth and 416 who have standardised rate of BC growth during infancy were followed up for outcome variable, and were included in the statistical analysis. The study sample was restricted to mothers living in Jimma town who gave birth to a term baby with a birth weight ≥1500 g and no evident congenital anomalies. The relationship between the exposure and outcome variables was examined using linear-mixed regression model. The finding revealed that FFM at birth was positively associated with global developmental progression from 1 to 5 years (β=1·75; 95 % CI 0·11, 3·39) and from 4 to 5 years (β=1·34; 95 % CI 0·23, 2·44) in the adjusted model. Furthermore, the rate of postnatal FFM tissue accretion was positively associated with development at 1 year of age (β=0·50; 95 % CI 0·01, 0·99). Neither fetal nor postnatal FM showed a significant association. In conclusion, fetal, rather than postnatal, FFM tissue accretion was associated with developmental progression. Intervention studies are needed to assess whether nutrition interventions increasing FFM also increase cognitive development.

Reduced motor competence in children with obesity is associated with structural differences in the cerebellar peduncles

Previous studies have suggested that neurological factors partly explain the reduced motor competence found in many children with obesity. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to compare motor competence and white matter organization of important pathways for motor control (cerebellar peduncles) in children with and without obesity. Nineteen children with obesity and 25 children with a healthy weight, aged 7-11 years old, were included. Anthropometric measurements were taken and the level of motor competence was assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (2nd Edition). Children's brain was scanned using diffusion weighted imaging preceded by a standard anatomical scan. Fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity were extracted from the cerebellar peduncles. Obese children's level of motor competence was significantly lower than that in healthy weight peers (p < 0.05). Additionally, significant group differences (p < 0.05) were found for values of fractional anisotropy, but not for mean diffusivity. Further analyses revealed that lower values of fractional anisotropy in the inferior (p = 0.040) and superior (p = 0.007) cerebellar peduncles were present in children with obesity compared to children with a healthy weight. After controlling for multiple comparisons (p < 0.0167), only significant differences in the superior cerebellar peduncle remained significant. Our results showed that childhood obesity is accompanied by reduced motor competence and alterations in white matter organization. This suggests that the motor difficulties of children with obesity are not solely due to carrying excess weight, which may have implications for prevention and intervention programs.

An epidemiological evaluation of fractures and its determinants among Lebanese schoolchildren: a cross-sectional study

The purpose of this study is to establish the prevalence and determinants of fractures among 974 Lebanese schoolchildren aged 8-18. Fractures might be less common in the Lebanese pediatric population compared to western populations. Male gender and high SES are independent risk factors for fractures, while 25(OH)D and BMI have no impact.

PURPOSE

To establish the prevalence of fractures among Lebanese schoolchildren and its relationship with age, gender, BMI, 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels, and socioeconomic status (SES).

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 974 Lebanese schoolchildren aged 8-18 years old, mean age 13.37 ± 2.92 (508 boys and 466 girls), were recruited from 10 schools with different SES. For each participant, a questionnaire was used to collect data regarding history of fractures. Serum 25(OH)D was also measured.

RESULTS

The prevalence of Lebanese children sustaining ≥ 1 fracture was 16.9% and was higher in boys compared to girls (22.2% vs 11.1%, p < 0.0001). A 71.3% of fractures were localized in the upper limbs and 20% of participants had at least one displaced fracture. Children who sustained a fracture had a non-significant higher BMI compared to those without (p = 0.096). The percentage of children with fractures was higher in children from high SES compared to those from middle and low SES (respectively 23.3% vs. 16.3% and 13.8%, p < 0.0001). Fractures occurred at a younger age in girls compared to boys, but this difference was non-significant (p = 0.13). 25(OH)D levels were significantly higher in children with fractures compared to those without (p = 0.017). Finally, female gender was protective against upper limb fractures (p = 0.009). In a logistic regression analysis, male gender and high SES were independently associated with fractures, while BMI and 25(OH)D were not.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that the prevalence of fractures in the Lebanese pediatric population might be lower than western populations. It also confirms that male gender and high SES are independent risk factors for fractures, while 25(OH)D and BMI were not independently associated with fracture risk.

Testing the Motor Competence and Health-Related Variable Conceptual Model: A Path Analysis

The purpose of this study was to empirically test a comprehensive conceptual model linking gross motor skills, school day physical activity and health-related variables in a sample of sixth graders. Participants were a convenience sample of 84 sixth grade students (Mean age = 11.6 ± 0.6 years). Gross motor skills were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development-3rd Edition (TGMD-3), school day physical activity was assessed using pedometers, health-related fitness was assessed using Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) laps, perceived competence assessed using a validated questionnaire and the health-related outcome was assessed using Body Mass Index (BMI). The relationship between school day step counts and TGMD-3 scores was mediated through both perceived competence and PACER laps (p = 0.015) and the direct path coefficient between TGMD-3 scores and BMI was statistically significant (b = -0.22 kg/m², p < 0.001). Overall there was good model fit with all indices meeting acceptable criteria (χ² = 3.7, p = 0.293; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.062, 90% Confidence Interval (C.I.): 0.00-0.23; Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.98; Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.96; Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR) = 0.052). The comprehensive conceptual model explaining the inter-relationships among motor competence and health-related variables was empirically validated with the relationship between physical activity and gross motor skills mediated through both perceived competence and cardiorespiratory endurance in a sample of sixth graders.