The KörperkoordinationsTest für Kinder: reference values and suitability for 6-12-year-old children in Flanders

Effects of fancy rope-skipping on motor coordination and selective attention in children aged 7-9 years: a quasi-experimental study

Introduction

Recent studies have emphasized the intricate connection between exercise and cognition, focusing on specific cognitive processes and their correlations with specific motor skills. However, research on the impact of the qualitative aspects of movement on both short- and long-term cognitive performance is limited. In this quasi-experimental study, we investigate the impact of a 10-week fancy rope-skipping intervention on motor coordination and selective attention of 7-9-year-old children.

Methods

A total of 60 primary school students from Changbin School in Haikou participated and completed the study from October to December 2022. The 60 participants were divided into a fancy rope-skipping group and a control group. Children's motor coordination was assessed using the Körperkoordinations Test für Kinder (KTK), while selective attention was evaluated using the d2 Test of Attention. Children were assessed at baseline and after the 10-week intervention.

Results

Compared with the control group, the scores for the total KTK and for the hopping for height, jumping sideways, and moving sideways sub-items were significantly higher in the rope-skipping group after the intervention, with a significant interaction effect between time and intervention. Attention concentration improved in the rope-skipping group and had a significant interaction effect between time and intervention compared with the control group; the effects of the intervention on other aspects of selective attention were unclear.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that a 10-week fancy rope-skipping intervention may potentially enhance motor coordination and selective attention accuracy in children aged 7-9 years.

Association between Gross Motor Competence and Physical Fitness in Chilean Children Aged 4 to 6 Years

The preschool period is considered critical for the development of motor competence, but as far as we know, no studies have investigated the association between motor competence and physical fitness in Chilean children. The aim of this study was to analyse the association between gross motor competence and physical fitness, controlling for possible confounding factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 144 preschool children (56.25% girls) with an average age of 5.3 years (4 to 6 years) from the Araucanía region, Chile. Motor competence was measured using the Children's Movement Assessment Battery, 2nd Edition (MABC-2). Regarding physical fitness, the components of cardiorespiratory fitness, lower body muscle strength and speed/agility were evaluated using the Battery to Assess FITness in PREschool (PREFIT). Partial correlation models and analysis of variance (ANCOVA) were used to assess differences in physical fitness between motor competence categories, controlling for age and body mass index. The mean fitness scores for cardiorespiratory fitness, lower body muscle strength and speed/agility components were significantly higher in children with higher gross motor competence. In terms of effect size, large values were found for the lower body strength component in model 1 for boys and in model 2 for the total samples of girls and boys. The results of this study suggest that good levels of gross motor competence are associated with better physical fitness levels.

The Effect of Sex, Maturity, and Training Status on Maximal Sprint Performance Kinetics

PURPOSE

The development of sprint running during youth has received renewed interest, but questions remain regarding the development of speed in youth, especially the influences of sex, training, and maturity status.

METHODS

One hundred and forty-seven team sport trained (69 girls; 14.3 [2.1] y) and 113 untrained (64 girls; 13.8 [2.7] y) youth completed two 30-m sprints separated by 2-minute active rest. Velocity was measured using a radar gun at >46 Hz, with power and force variables derived from a force-velocity-power profile.

RESULTS

Boys produced a significantly higher absolute peak power (741 [272] vs 645 [229] W; P < .01) and force (431 [124] vs 398 [125] N; P < .01) than girls, irrespective of maturity and training status. However, there was a greater sex difference in relative mean power and peak velocity in circa peak height velocity adolescents (46.9% and 19.8%, respectively) compared with prepeak height velocity (5.4% and 3.2%) or postpeak height velocity youth (11.6% and 5.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Sprint development in youth is sexually dimorphic which needs considering when devising long-term training plans. Further research is needed to explore the independent, and combined, effects of sex, training, and maturity status on sprint performance kinetics in youth.

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.

Effects of sports experience on children's gross motor coordination level

Background

Gross motor coordination (GMC) development could be influenced by age, gender, weight status, geographical area, living setting, home environment, socio-economic status, sports practice.

Purpose

To verify whether practicing sports and practicing different sports could influence children's GMC level.

Methods

A total of 295 children aged 8-11 years were involved in the study and divided into 5 groups in relation to the sport they practiced: gymnastics group (n = 67; 51F, 16M), cycling group (n = 64; 15F, 49M), athletics group (n = 47; 22F, 25M), swimming group (n = 35; 20F, 15M), control group (n = 82; 42F, 40M). The four subtests of the Körperkoordinations Test für Kinder (KTK) assessed children's GMC level. The scores from each of the four subtests were summed into the KTK total raw score (RS) and then converted into a gender- and age-specific motor quotient (MQ).

Results

Children practicing sports showed significantly higher RS and MQ score than children of control group (203.14 ± 38.55 vs. 163.63 ± 43.50 and 98.56 ± 15.79 vs. 83.01 ± 16.71, respectively; p < 0.001). Children practicing gymnastics had a significantly higher RS and MQ than children of cycling, swimming, and control groups (p < 0.05), children of control group had a significantly lower RS and MQ than children of all other groups (p < 0.05). Children practicing gymnastics performed better walking backwards subtest than all other children's groups (p < 0.001). Children of control group performed worse jumping sideways subtest than children of gymnastics, athletics and swimming groups (p < 0.01). Children practicing gymnastics performed better moving sideways subtest than children of athletics, cycling and control groups (p < 0.01); children of control group performed worse than children of all other groups (p < 0.01). Children of control group performed worse hopping for height subtest than children of gymnastics, athletics and cycling groups (p < 0.05); children practicing gymnastics performed better than children of swimming and control groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The performance model and therefore the specialized training that each sport discipline required, could justified the differences in children's GMC level among sports groups. Thus, coaches should plan individualized interventions and choose activity contents to support children's GMC development.

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.

Motor Coordination in Primary School Students: The Role of Age, Sex, and Physical Activity Participation in Turkey

Motor coordination (MC) is an essential skill underpinning precise and controlled movements, contributing significantly to daily functioning and overall performance. The developmental trajectory of MC in children is intricately shaped by a spectrum of factors encompassing age, gender, and physical activity engagement. Delving into the complex interrelation of these variables holds the potential to unravel nuanced developmental trends and offer targeted avenues for interventions aimed at augmenting motor proficiency in the pediatric population. This study aimed to assess the differences in MC of primary school students based on sex, age, and physical activity participation (PAP). A total of 848 students from public primary schools, aged between 6-9 years, including 412 boys and 436 girls. The MC was measured using Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK3+) test battery, which included Jumping sideways (JS), Balancing backward (BB), Moving sideways (MS), and Eye-Hand Coordination (EHC). One-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to determine the binary and triple interactions of sex, age, and PAP variables on the MC parameters of the participants. The study revealed that boys aged 6-9 had higher scores than girls on eye-hand coordination (EHC) (p < 0.02). No significant gender-related differences in balancing backward (BB), jumping sideways (JS), and moving sideways (MS) were found. When the subtests of KTK3+ were compared by age, a significant difference was observed between the groups in all subtests (p < 0.05). With respect to PAP, students with PAP had a significant advantage in all subtests of the KTK3+ (p < 0.05). The double co-effects or triple co-effects of age, sex, and PAP parameters do not influence the KTK parameters. This study presents evidence supporting sex differences in the motor skills of children within this age range and highlights the potential impact of age and physical activity on motor development.

Influences of Psychomotor Behaviors on Learning Swimming Styles in 6-9-Year-Old Children

The aim of this study was to identify the existence of some relationships between certain psychomotor behaviors, which we consider specific to swimming, and learning to execute the technique of some swimming styles (front crawl and backstroke). The study was carried out for 10 months and included 76 children (40 boys and 36 girls) aged between 6 and 9 years who practice recreational swimming in a city in Romania. Several tools were used: the Tapping test for manual dexterity, the Goodenough test for body schema, the Flamingo test for static balance, and the horizontal buoyancy test for body balance on the water. The results indicated better ratings on all psychomotor behaviors analyzed according to gender (in favor of girls compared to boys). The levels of all analyzed psychomotor behaviors have a direct relationship to the subjects' age. Also, we identified moderate positive correlations for manual dexterity (rs = 0.63 in the front crawl style; rs = 0.57 in the backstroke style) and strong correlations for body schema, static balance and buoyancy, coordination with the learning of the two swimming styles (r or rs between 0.77 and 0.85). In conclusion, psychomotor behaviors can be predictors for learning swimming styles.

The effect of rhythm training on the motor coordination abilities of 8-12-year-old freestyle swimmers

This study aims to evaluate the effect of rhythm training in the early coordination development and to find out its role in the transfer of specific performance in young swimmers. Eighty young swimmers aged eight to twelve were divided randomly into a control group (CON, n = 40, M/F=17/23) or an experimental group (EXP, n = 40, M/F=19/21). A total of 72 swimmers completed all the training programs and tests included in this study (CON, n = 35, M/F=15/20; EXP, n = 37, M/F=16/21). The training programme lasted 12 weeks. During the study period, all groups participated in the same swimming training program with the control group participating six times a week, and the experimental group participating four times a week with an additional two rhythm trainings each week. The height, weight, walking backwards ability, jumping sideways ability, and 25 m freestyle were measured for each participant and an index of coordination was analyzed from recordings of the participant's 25 m freestyle. The results indicated that participation in rhythm training resulted in improved general motor and swimming-specific coordination among the swimmers, but the results varied by number of years of sport-specific training experience. The swimmers with more training experience improved more in swimming-specific coordination but less in general motor coordination. This study strengthens the evidence for the effectiveness of early rhythm training in swimmers, indicating that it is feasible to design programs to address general and sport-specific coordination in young athletes.

Reliability and validity of the Körperkoordinationstest Für Kinder in Chinese children

Background

The Körperkoordinationstest Für Kinder (KTK) is a reliable and low-cost motor coordination test tool that has been used in several countries. However, whether the KTK is a reliable and valid instrument for use in Chinese children has not been assessed. Additionally, because the KTK was designed to incorporate locomotor, object control, and stability skills, and there is a lack of measurement tools that include stability skills assessment for Chinese children, the KTK's value and validity are worth discussing.

Methods

A total of 249 primary school children (131 boys; 118 girls) aged 9-10 years from Shanghai were recruited in this study. Against the Test of Gross Motor Development-3 (TGMD-3), the concurrent validity of the KTK was assessed. We also tested the retest reliability and internal consistency of the KTK.

Results

The test-retest reliability of the KTK was excellent (overall: r = 0.951; balancing backwards: r = 0.869; hopping for height: r = 0.918; jumping sideways: r = 0.877; moving sideways: r = 0.647). Except for the boys, the internal consistency of the KTK was higher than the acceptable level of Cronbach's α > 0.60 (overall: α = 0.618; boys: α = 0.583; girls: α = 0.664). Acceptable concurrent validity was found between the total scores for the KTK and TGMD-3 (overall: r = 0.420, p < 0.001; boys: r = 0.411, p < 0.001; girls: r = 0.437, p < 0.001).

Discussion

The KTK is a reliable instrument for assessing the motor coordination of children in China. As such, the KTK can be used to monitor the level of motor coordination in Chinese children.

The feasibility of using the Körperkoordinationstest fur Kinder (KTK) in a U.S. elementary physical education setting to assess gross motor skills specific to postural balance

Introduction

For the past ten years, falls have been the leading cause of nonfatal injuries for all age groups less than 15 years old. A significant rise in childhood sedentary behavior in schools and limited opportunities to be outside has led to motor coordination deficits which have contributed to fall injuries.

Method

A German assessment tool, the Körperkoordinationstest fur Kinder (KTK), which has been used for decades in Western European countries, allows researchers and physical education teachers to evaluate typical and atypical children's motor coordination competencies related to dynamic postural balance successfully. No research has been published on the use of this assessment tool in the United States. If its use were found to be feasible in this country for identifying motor coordination deficits in typical and atypical children, it would close the gap in determining motor coordination. Therefore, this study sought in Phase 1 to determine the feasibility of using the KTK assessment in U.S. children and Phase 2 sought to determine the adaptability of the scoring protocol from use in other countries to the United States.

Results

The Phase 1 results revealed the KTK assessment was feasible to administer in U.S. physical education class by addressing three challenges for U.S. schools: 1) KTK implementation, 2) time to assess each skill, and 3) the equipment availability and cost to implement the test in a physical education setting. In Phase 2, the researchers were able to determine the raw scores and motor quotient scores in this population and then were able to show similar scoring trends between U.S. children and Flemish children from a previous study.

Conclusion

This assessment tool was deemed feasible and adaptable which is the first step to use the KTK in U.S. physical education elementary school settings.

Children's Physical Activity During the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Cross Cultural Comparison Between Portugal, Brazil and Italy

The COVID-19 pandemic forced governments to implement measures that disrupted the daily routines of many families worldwide. We studied how the COVID-19 lockdown affected children's routines in Portugal (PT), Brazil (BR), and Italy (IT) to determine if children's age and country impacted their physical activity (PA) and sedentary time. We launched an anonymous online survey to assess how 3-12 years old children adjusted their daily routines to this situation. Parents reported the times each child was engaged in different activities throughout the day, and we used these data to calculate separately overall sedentary and physical activity time. We conducted separate analyses of variance for age and country on the percentage of time spent in the different activities. Results, based on the data from 3045 children in these three countries (PT n = 2044; BR n = 836; IT n = 165), showed that, during lockdown, most children spent most of their awake daily hours in sedentary activities. There was a clear age effect on the way their routines were organized. Percentages of time spent in intellectual activity, playful screen activity, and overall sedentary time were greater in the older age groups, whereas percentages of time spent in play (with and without PA) and in overall PA were greater in the younger groups. We found a main effect of country for all variables except play without PA. The country effect was mainly due to the difference between the routines in BR when compared to PT and IT. Values of playful screen time and overall sedentary activity were higher in BR than in the two European countries. Conversely, values for play with PA, PA, and overall PA (except in the older group) were lower in BR. Patterns of time spent in these activities were similar in IT and PT, but PA and overall PA times were higher in the two younger age groups in IT. In summary, percentage of PA time of confined children was low and decreased with age across all three countries and was particularly low for children in BR relative to those in PT and IT.

The association between childhood motor performance and developmental trajectories of sport participation over 5 years in Danish students aged 6-16-year-old

Sports participation has potential to promote physical activity in youth. Unfortunately, sports participation and physical activity may decline from childhood to adolescence and into adulthood. Globally, only 20% of 13-15-year-olds meet the World Health Organisation recommendations for physical activity. This study aimed to investigate the 5-year trajectories of sports participation and their association with baseline motor performance in Danish school children as part of the Childhood Health Activity and Motor Performance School Study-Denmark (CHAMPS-DK), a school-based physical activity intervention study which investigated the health benefits of increased physical education lessons. Five distinct trajectories were identified, with group 1 maintained a stable trajectory of little to no sports participation, and group 2 showing a low decreasing trend. Group 3-5, the most sports active, demonstrated increasing sport participation at different rates. Baseline motor performance score was associated with the two most active sports participation groups. Students who were more physically active during school hours participated less in organised leisure time sports. This suggest focusing on improving motor performance in youth may support future sports participation and thus health-related physical activity. But also, that it might be necessary to engage and maintain children and adolescents in leisure time sports while implementing physical activity promotion interventions.

Motor, Physical, and Psychosocial Parameters of Children with and without Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Comparative and Associative Study

(1) Background: Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a chronic impairment that affects several domains that mark the developmental trajectory from childhood to adulthood. Aim: This study examined the differences in physical and psychosocial factors for children with DCD and typical development (TD) and the associations between these factors with gross motor coordination. (2) Methods: Children with DCD (n = 166; age: M = 8.74, SD = 2.0) and TD (n = 243; Age: M = 8.94; SD = 2.0) attending private and public schools were screened using the MABC-2. Children were then assessed using the Körperkoordination test für Kinder (gross coordination), the Perceived Efficacy and Goal Setting System (self-efficacy), horizontal jump (lower limb strength), and dynamometer (handgrip strength). A semi-structured interview was carried out to examine the oriented physical activity practice in the daily routine, the time spent in the activities, and the use of public spaces to practice non-oriented physical activities. (3) Results: Children with TD showed scores significantly higher than children with DCD in almost all factors with small to very large effect sizes; the exceptions were self-care and daily physical activity. The structural equation model showed that for children with DCD, the BMI explained negatively and significantly the motor coordination (b = -0.19, p = 0.019), whereas physical activity (b = 0.25, p < 0.001), lower limb strength (b = 0.38, p < 0.001), and perceived self-efficacy (b = 0.19, p = 0.004) explained it positively. For children with TD, the BMI explained negatively and significantly the motor coordination (b = -0.23, p = 0.002), whereas physical activity (b = 0.25, p < 0.001) and lower limb strength (b = 0.32, p < 0.001) explained it positively. (4) Conclusions: The authors extended previous research by providing evidence that factors affecting motor coordination vary across childhood for children with DCD and TD. Self-efficacy was relevant only in explaining motor coordination for children with DCD.

The Körperkoordinations Test Für Kinder for Iranian Youth: Factor Structure, Measurement Invariance, and Covariates

Purpose: To examine the factor structure and measurement invariance of the Körperkoordinations Test Für Kinder (KTK) and covariates of motor competence in a sample of Iranian children aged 5–14 years. Methods: Participants were children aged 5–14 years (N = 432, 61% boys). Age, sex, and body mass index were collected. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to investigate the factorial structure of KTK and multigroup CFA carried out to test measurement invariance across sexes and age groups. In addition, we calculated a model with covariates to identify the association between KTK items with age, sex, and body mass index z score. Results: CFA supported the construct validity of a one-factor model with an appropriate fit indices that the four subtests loaded on the same factor namely motor competence. Furthermore, according to the magnitude of changes in root mean square error of approximation and comparative fit index between nested models, the assumption of KTK measurement invariance across age-groups and sex were valid. Finally, adequate fit indices were found for the multigroup CFA path model of KTK with the covariates sex, age, and body mass index z score. Conclusion: The KTK is a valid, reliable, and valuable instrument for assessing motor competence of Iranian children and adolescents.

Effectiveness of a physical activity intervention on the overweight and obesity of Chilean schoolchildren

INTRODUCTION

Physical fitness is considered a measure that integrates most of the functions of the human organism that are involved in physical activity. Motor competence is important due to its observed implications in the physical, mental and social development of children and adolescents. These assessments require the existence of updated reference values that allow the categorization of individuals and groups according to levels of physical fitness and motor competence. This paper describes the study protocol to Effectiveness of a Physical Activity Intervention on the Overweight and Obesity of Chilean Schoolchildren, and in this way determine, through the calculation of a representative sample, reference values for physical fitness and motor competence in children aged 4 to 6 years in the region of La Araucanía, Chile.

METHODS

children in pre-basic education in transition grades I and II (4 and 5 years old), and those in the first year of basic education (6 years old) will be invited to participate. The sample will be probabilistic. The measures of a randomized controlled trial (registered in ClinicalTrial.gov NCT04194580) will be used.

CONCLUSION

the lack of reference values for physical condition and motor competence for children between 6 and 4 years of age in the Araucanía region highlights the need to establish values, which will contribute to improving the health of children of the age group to be worked on.

The Developmental Trajectory of Motor Competence of Children That Lived the COVID-19 Confinement Period: A Four-Year Follow-Up Study in Portuguese Children

Children’s motor competence (MC) was negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic; however, possible chronic effects have not been studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the possible impact of the forced lack of physical activity (PA) during the COVID-19 lockdown on children’s MC two years later. The motor competence of sixty-seven healthy children (7.4−12.2 years old) was assessed using the Motor Competence Assessment (MCA). All participants completed the MCA tests at two different moments (before and after the COVID-19 lockdown), four years apart. The mean values after the COVID-19 lockdown for all participants on the subscales and on the Total MCA are lower, but no significant changes were found when controlling for gender and age (p > 0.05 in all analyses). However, a significant decrease was found in the Locomotor subscale in boys (p = 0.003). After dividing the participants into three age groups, the youngest also suffered a decrease in the Locomotor subscale (p < 0.001) and their Total MCA (p = 0.04). In addition, those participants who had a higher MC at baseline decreased their scores for the Locomotor (p < 0.001) and Manipulative (p < 0.001) subscales, and for the Total MCA (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the younger children and the more motor proficient did not fully recover from the negative effects of the pandemic lockdown after two years.

Is Motor Coordination the Key to Success in Youth Cycling?

PURPOSE

To evaluate the predictive value of a (non-)sport-specific test battery on the future success of young cyclists, test scores were compared with competition performances 2-3 years later.

METHODS

Three motor coordination, 5 physical performance, and 2 cycling-specific measurements were collected in 111 U15 (13.0-14.9 y) and 67 U17 (15.0-16.9 y) male road cyclists. In addition, maturity status, relative age, and competition history were assessed. National and provincial competition results 2-3 years later, in the U17year2 and U19year2 categories, were submitted to 2 separate 4-stage hierarchical regressions.

RESULTS

The results of the model of the U15 group revealed that maturity, relative age, competition history, motor coordination, physical performance, and cycling-specific performance accounted for 22.6% of the variance in competitive success. For the U15 category, only maturity and motor coordination were significant predictors of competitive success in the U17year2 category. Maturity and motor coordination each uniquely explained ±5% of the variance. However, for the U17 group-neither motor coordination, physical performance, nor cycling-specific performance could predict competitive success in the U19year2 category.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study underlines the importance of general motor coordination as a building block necessary for optimal development in youth cycling. However, considering the lack of predictive value from the U17 category onward, other features may determine further development of youth athletes. Nevertheless, it is questioned why athletes need to possess a minimum level of all physical, motor coordination, and cycling-specific characteristics to experience success and enjoyment in their sport.

Primary School Pupils: Unequal GMC Developmental Pathways in a Single School Year

Gross motor coordination (GMC) is essential for the development of specific motor skills and long-term participation in physical activities and sports. Group analysis reveals that, on average, children develop these skills gradually; however, how individuals develop GMC is less clear. The main aim of this study is to increase the understanding of developmental patterns within one school year, and whether children’s grade, gender, or baseline GMC proficiency are associated with these developmental patterns. In total, 2594 Dutch children aged 6−12 years performed the modified Körper Koordinations Test für Kinder (KTK3+) twice in one school year (autumn and spring). The KTK3+ includes four subtests: walking backwards, moving sideways, jumping sideways, and eye-hand coordination (EHC) test. On average, children developed significantly on all subtests (p < 0.001). At baseline, children in higher grades scored significantly higher than children in lower grades, and children in grades 5 and 6 (age 9 and 10 years) showed most development (raw scores on average, p < 0.001). Boys outperformed girls on EHC across all grades, whereas girls outperformed boys on walking backwards. Nevertheless, both boys and girls developed similarly. Children with lower scores at baseline developed more quickly across all grades. Noteworthy is that 12.1−24% (depending on the test item) of the children scored lower in the spring than in the autumn tests. On average, children develop their GMC; however, we report large differences in their individual trajectories and note that a substantial number did not show a positive GMC development. Further research should examine GMC development with more possible influencing factors as well as over a longer time span to better understand differences in children’s GMC development. This may result in more individualized programs in PE lessons, enabling children to optimally develop their GMC, and better use of GMC assessment tools to monitor children’s development.

Associations Between Gross Motor Coordination and Executive Functions: Considering the Sex Difference in Chinese Middle-Aged School Children

Considering that motor and cognitive processes are intertwined and inhibit or help each other throughout life and that primary school age is one of the most critical stages of children's cognitive and motor development, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between executive functions and gross motor skills in Chinese children aged 9–10 years, as well as gender differences. The flanker task, the 1-back task, the more-odd shifting task, and the test of gross motor coordination (Körperkoordinationtest für Kinder) were used to collect data on executive functions and gross motor coordination. The results were as follows. First, there was a weak association between gross motor coordination and the inhibition reaction time in the congruent test and the reaction time of working memory (r = −0.181 to −0.233), but no association was found between gross motor coordination and cognitive flexibility. Second, a weak-to-moderate correlation was presented between the move sideways test and the inhibition reaction time in the congruent test and the reaction time in the refreshing test of the working memory (r = −0.211 to −0.330). Finally, gender influenced on the relationship between gross motor coordination and the reaction time of both inhibition (βGender = −0.153, p &lt; 0.05) and working memory (βGender = −0.345, p &lt; 0.01). To conclude, our results suggest that children with better motor coordination skills require less reaction time, especially girls, and this association was more substantial than in boys. The finding supports the current assertion that there are commonalities between gross motor coordination and cognitive control by showing the relationship between gross motor coordination and complex cognitive processes (executive function) in preadolescent children.

Effects of Free Play and Partly Structured Playground Activity on Motor Competence in Preschool Children: A Pragmatic Comparison Trial

Both the indoor and the outdoor environments and their organization exert pronounced influence upon physical activity behavior and motor development of preschool children. The aim of this study was to explore whether partly structured activity or free play in a specific playground had different impacts on motor competence development in 4–6-year-old preschoolers. The study had a pretest–post-test design, with two intervention groups and one control. Sixty-two children were included in a partly structured activity group and forty-three children in a free-play group. Both groups participated in playground activities consisting of 10 sessions (once a week), each lasting 1 h, in a specific playground setting. For the partly structured activity group, activities in each session consisted of a combination of both structured and free activity while the free-play group were engaged in unstructured play only. The control group did not attend the playground activities (N = 36). To assess levels of motor skills, each child completed pre- and post-tests using the Movement Assessment Battery for children (MABC-2), the Test of Motor Competence (TMC) and two playground-specific tests. A 3 (study group) and X 2 (gender) ANCOVAs were conducted on post-test scores on each of the test items from TMC, MABC-II and playground tests, with pre-test scores as covariates. Post hoc pairwise multiple comparisons were conducted with the alpha Bonferroni corrected, and the partial eta-squared (η2p) was applied as a measure of effect size. The results indicate no significant differences in motor competence measured by the TMC or the MABC-2 between groups. On the contrary, a significant improvement in performance in the playground-specific tests was observed in the partly structured activity group compared to the free-play and control groups.

Accuracy vs. Practicality of Inertial Measurement Unit Sensors to Evaluate Motor Competence in Children

The TGMD (i.e., Test of Gross Motor Development) has been considered as one of the gold standards of assessment tools for analysis of motor competence in children. However, it is rarely used by teachers in schools because the time, resources, and expertise required for one teacher to assess a class of students is prohibitive in most cases. A potential solution may be to automate the testing protocol using objective measures and inertial measurement unit sensors. An accurate method using 17 sensors to capture full body motion profiles and machine learning methods to objectively assess proficiency has been developed; however, feasibility of this method was low. Subsequently, a simplified method using four sensors (i.e., attached to wrists and ankles) was found to be effective, efficient, and potentially highly feasible for use in school settings. For some skills, however, not all skill criteria could be assessed. Additionally, misclassification on occasion, marred results. In the present paper we consider a previous experiment that used wireless motion capture to assess criteria from the TGMD-3. We discuss the advantages alongside the disadvantages of testing motor competence in children using sensors and consider the question—Can a compromise be struck between accuracy and feasibility?

Gross motor coordination and their relationship with body mass and physical activity level during growth in Children aged 8-11 years old: a longitudinal and allometric approach

Background

Gross motor coordination (GMC) is fundamental to the harmonious development of physical skills during the growth of children. This research aimed to explore the developmental changes in GMC during childhood, having controlled for the differences in children's body size and shape using a longitudinal, allometric scaling methodology.

Methods

A total of 104 children from North-East Italy of third-fourth- and fifth-grade students and each participant were tested for three consequently years. Subjects performed the short version of korperkoordinationstest fur kinder (KTK3) and the anthropometric characteristics were simultaneously collected. The physical activity questionnaire (PAQ-C) was used to evaluate the weekly physical engagement.

Results

Ontogenetic multiplicative models suggested nonlinear associations with GMC across the children's developmental years. Linear physique was a significant predictor associated with the development of GMC across time. PAQ-C was significantly associated with GMC from 8 to 13 years old.

Conclusion

Growth does not respect linear trends. A greater lean body mass could be assessed as a reliable predictor of GMC in children. The crucial period of life to improve the GMC is 8-10 years, while stabilization becomes evident from 10 to 13 years.

Trends in gross body coordination and cardiorespiratory fitness-a hierarchical Bayesian Analysis of 35 000 2nd Graders

OBJECTIVE

A negative decline of motor competence in children has been observed over the last decades. Though most studies derive their inferences from only two distant points in time and thus neglect to investigate the variability of the temporal trends.

METHODS

Between the year 2000 and 2011, 35 018 second graders performed the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK), consisting of four items (WB, HH, JS, and MS) and a six minute run test (6MRT). A hierarchical Bayesian regression model with varying intercepts and temporal trends was fitted to the data. Age, sex, and BMI categories were included as input variables. The outcome variables were z-standardized to the initial cohort.

RESULTS

In all four KTK items, we observed a yearly decline of -0.020 (95% UI -0.038 to -0.001) for WB, -0.054 (95% UI -0.071, -0.037) for HH, -0.028 (95% UI -0.045 to -0.012) for JS and -0.088 (95% UI -0.108 to -0.067) for MS. For the 6MRT, no trend was identified. Overweight and obese children showed a disadvantage in all tests scores. Negative time interactions were observed for overweight and obese children in HH and JS. A substantial between-city variation for all temporal trends was observed. The predictive validation for all models but MS was successful.

CONCLUSION

A general negative decline was confirmed for coordinative abilities but not in cardiorespiratory fitness. For all outcome variables, a substantial between-city variation was observed, highlighting the importance of environmental factors in motor development. Overweight and obese children demonstrated an urgent need for action.

Variation and Predictors of Gross Motor Coordination Development in Azorean Children: A Quantile Regression Approach

We investigated the development of gross motor coordination (GMC) as well as its predictors in school-aged Azorean children. The sample included 181 children (90 girls), followed consecutively for 4 years from 6 to 9 years of age. GMC was assessed with the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder, and predictors included body mass index, standing long jump, 50-yard dash, and shuttle run. The changes in GMC and the effects of predictors were analyzed with mean-modeling as well as quantile regression. In the latter, we considered the following three quantiles (Q): Q20, Q50, and Q80 as markers of low, median, and high GMC levels, respectively. All analyses were conducted using R software and alpha was set at 5%. The GMC changes were curvilinear in both models, but the quantile approach showed a more encompassing picture of the changes across the three quantiles in both boys and girls with different rates of change. Further, the predictors had different effect sizes across the quantiles in both sexes, but in the mean-model their effects were constant. In conclusion, quantile regression provides more detailed information and permits a more thorough understanding of changes in GMC over time and the influence of putative predictors.

Construct Validity Evidence in the Motor Coordination Test with Ball - MCTB

Our purpose with this study was to analyze construct validity evidence for the Motor Coordination Test with Ball (MCTB). Our participant sample included 1620 students (741 girls; 879 boys) aged between 10-12 years. Evidence for construct-validity of the four tasks using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and adequacy indices confirmed a good fit of a final two-dimensional model (BTS = .000; KMO = .83; loading .53 to .91; communalities ranging from .31 to .86; explained variance of 63.5%; goodness-of-fit index (GFI) = .99; adjusted GFI (AGFI) = .97; RMSR = .03), and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) (X²/df = 4.9; GFI = .97; comparative fit index (CFI) = .92; TLI = .90; Root-Mean-Square Error of Aproximation (RMSEA) = .03). We concluded that, in a Brazilian sample, the MCTB has good construct validity for motor coordination tests with balls; this helps qualify this test for use in schools and in the sports context.

Predictors of selection into an elite level youth football academy: A longitudinal study

Talent identification in football is complex. Research regarding talent indicators that predict selection into professional academies is increasingly multi-disciplinary, though is typically cross-sectional, failing to consider whether the rate of change of those indicators influences selection. The aim of this study was to determine if longitudinal changes in talent indicators are associated with selection into a professional football academy. A total of 110 Dutch male football players (aged 8-12) playing in a youth development programme of a professional club were included in the study. Players were assessed regularly on their anthropometry, physical fitness, gross motor coordination, technical ability, and psychosocial capacities over four years. A subset of players was then selected into the academy. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses revealed the indicators that best predicted selection. The best indicator was the 30 m sprint speed, with prediction not improving when including other predictors or their rate of change. The individuals that the club ultimately selected at age 12 could have been predicted well above chance levels using the sprint speeds at age nine or ten. The relative consistency of the rate of improvement in indicators across participants meant that the rate at which they developed played little role in selections.

The confounding effect of biological maturity on talent identification and selection within youth Australian football

This study measured the influence of biological maturity across numerous performance parameters for talent identification in Australian football. Anthropometry, estimated maturity status using a maturity ratio from anthropometric measurements and chronological age, motor competence, physical fitness and small-sided match involvements of 227 U13-U15 high-level academy athletes were assessed. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed significant moderate effects of maturity status on physical fitness (p = 0.008, ES = 0.07) and significant large effects on anthropometry (p = 0.001, ES = 0.20), but not on motor competence or match involvements. Univariate analyses of variance demonstrated significant large effects of maturity on anthropometry, but only one subset of physical fitness (i.e. lower-body power). U15 players selected into a U16 development programme were biologically older thandeselected players, despite selection being independent of maturity when a categorical descriptor was used. This study confirms that maturation affects anthropometry and certain measures of physical fitness in youth Australian football players, but not match involvements and motor competence. Furthermore, a player's maturity could affect selection and progression into advanced academy programmes. Involvements and motor competence should be included in multidimensional assessment batteries for Australian Football as they appear less confounded by maturity than fitness and anthropometry.

Effects of Equine-Assistant Activity on Gross Motor Coordination in Children Aged 8 to 10 Years

Generally, adequate motor coordination (MC) ability is one among the critical factors for the overall development of children. In this paper, we have thoroughly analyzed the effects of equine-assistant activity (EAA) training on MC in children. For this purpose, MC test, specifically for children, was used to the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK), and a total of 100 children, particularly those in 8 to 10 age, were equally separated into equine-assistant activity group (EAAG) and control group (CG), respectively. The EAAG group has attended a 14-week EAA training program, while the CG joined in physical education activity once per week. The experimental results have indicated that four indices of KTK test (i.e., backward walk [WB], height jump [HH], jumping sideways [JS] and moving sideways [MS], and motor quotient [MQ] score) showed significant differences ( ^∗ P < 0.05) after a 14-week EAA training. Furthermore, the indices of physical fitness test, standing long jump (SLJ), and sit and reach (SAR) showed significant differences ( ^∗ P < 0.05), but the handgrip (HG) increased slightly without significant difference (P > 0.05) after a 14-week EAA training. In conclusion, there were improvements in MC, lower limb strength, and flexibility by EAAG for those who participated in a 14-week EAA training, and this study has demonstrated the effectiveness of the KTK assessment of MC in children 8 to 10 years.

A Novel Monitoring System (AUT FIT) for Anthropometrics and Physical Fitness in Primary School Children in Austria: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

Monitoring of anthropometric and physical fitness parameters in primary school children is important for the prevention of future health problems. Many of the existing test batteries that are useful for monitoring require expensive test materials, specialized test administrators, and a lot of space. This limits the usefulness of such tests for widespread use. The aim of this pilot study was to design and evaluate monitoring tools for anthropometrics and physical fitness tests in primary schools, called AUT FIT. The test battery consists of height, weight, and waist circumference measurement and eight fitness tests (6 min run, V sit-and-reach, jumping sideways, standing long jump, medicine ball throw, 4 × 10 m shuttle run, ruler drop, single leg stand). Data of 821 children aged 7 to 10 years were gathered. Most AUT FIT tests showed excellent test–retest and interrater reliability and were easy to implement. Criterion-related validity was evident by a strong correlation between physical education teacher rankings and rank scores for motor fitness. Nationwide implementation in the Austrian school system could be an important component for monitoring and improving the health and fitness of primary school children.

Health-Related Motor Testing of Children in Primary School: A Systematic Review of Criterion-Referenced Standards

Being physically fit in younger years prevents several diseases in the presence as well as in the life course. Therefore, monitoring physical fitness and motor competence through motor testing is essential for determining developmental status and identifying health-related risks. The main objectives of this systematic review were (1) to identify currently available health-related criterion-referenced standards and cut-off points for physical fitness and motor competence test items, (2) to frame the methodological background on setting health-related criterion-referenced standards and (3) to give implications for a health-related evaluation system for physical fitness and motor competence tests. The electronic data base search (PubMed, Web of Science and SURF) yielded 2062 records in total and identified six empirical studies reporting cut-off points of motor test items for children (7-10 years), as well as 30 methodological papers discussing determination approaches to health-related criterion-referenced standards. Data collection, selection and analyses followed the PRISMA guidelines. Health-related motor test standards need to be gender- and age-specific but should refer to an absolute cut-off point rather than to relative performance in the reference group. Due to the lack of data on health-related criterion referenced standards, receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curves provide a tool for the determination of cut-off points and criterion referenced standards for physical fitness and motor competence tests. A standardized approach forms the fundamental base for a globally applicable evaluation of health-related fitness tests.

Investigation of Muscle Strength, Motor Coordination and Balance in Children with Idiopathic Toe Walking: A Case-control Study

Purpose: To compare muscle strength, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), motor coordination and balance, between children with and without Idiopathic Toe Walking (ITW).Materials and methods: This is an observational case-control study. The primary outcome is the triceps surae muscle strength. The secondary outcomes are the anterior tibialis muscle strength, lower limb balance, motor coordination, and ankle dorsiflexion ROM. Thirty-eight children were recruited: 19 between 5 to 11 years old with ITW and 19 healthy (control). Ankle dorsiflexion ROM, triceps surae, anterior tibialis muscle strength, motor coordination, and balance were assessed.Results: Children with ITW showed reduced triceps surae strength [mean difference (MD): 16.2 kgf/kg*100; 95% confidence interval (CI) -32.72 to 0.28; p = .05], reduced anterior tibialis strength (MD: 8.5 kgf/kg*100; 95% CI -13.35 to -3.05; p ≤ 0.001), reduced ankle dorsiflexion ROM (MD: 19.6 degrees; 95% CI 15.43 to 23.77; p ≤ 0.001) and impaired motor coordination and balance (MD: 17.7; 95% CI -25.54 to -9.82; p ≤ 0.001) compared to healthy children.Conclusion: Children with Idiopathic Toe Walking, presented in this study, demonstrated triceps surae and anterior tibialis muscle strength reduction, ankle dorsiflexion ROM reduction, impaired motor coordination, and balance compared to healthy children.

Does motor coordination influence perceptual-cognitive and physical factors of agility in young soccer players in a sport-specific agility task?

This study aims to determine whether motor coordination influences the perception-decision time (perceptual-cognitive factor) and movement response time (physical factor) of young soccer players in a sport-specific agility task regardless of maturation. Eighty-seven young male soccer players were analysed. Anthropometric measurements were used to determine the maturity offset, while physical qualities including agility, change of direction speed (CODS) and motor coordination were also assessed. The following variables were obtained from these tests: Motor coordination score, perception-decision time, movement response time, agility time and CODS time. Motor coordination revealed a non-significant correlation with perception-decision time (r = 0.10, p = 0.34). However, motor coordination showed negative and significant correlations with CODS time (r = -0.47, p < 0.01), agility time (r = -0.52, p < 0.01) and movement response time (r = -0.62, p < 0.01). In addition, regression analysis showed that each increase in motor coordination score was associated with significant decreases in agility time (b = -0.023), movement response time (b = -0.021) and CODS time (b = -0.021) independent of maturity offset. The results of this study indicated that motor coordination was significantly related to the physical factors of agility in young soccer players.

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.

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

Introduction

In 2008, a conceptual model explaining the role of motor competence (MC) in children’s physical activity (PA), weight status, perceived MC and health-related fitness was published.

Objective

The purpose of the current review was to systematically compile mediation, longitudinal and experimental evidence in support of this conceptual model.

Methods

This systematic review (registered with PROSPERO on 28 April 2020) was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. Separate searches were undertaken for each pathway of interest (final search 8 November 2019) using CINAHL Complete, ERIC, Medline (OVID), PsycINFO, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus and SportDiscus. Potential articles were initially identified through abstract and title checking (N = 585) then screened further and combined into one review (n = 152), with 43 articles identified for extraction. Studies needed to be original and peer reviewed, include typically developing children and adolescents first assessed between 2 and 18 years and objective assessment of gross MC and at least one other variable (i.e., PA, weight status, perceived MC, health-related fitness). PA included sport participation, but sport-specific samples were excluded. Longitudinal or experimental designs and cross-sectional mediated models were sought. Strength of evidence was calculated for each pathway in both directions for each domain (i.e., skill composite, object control and locomotor/coordination/stability) by dividing the proportion of studies indicating a significantly positive pathway in the hypothesised direction by the total associations examined for that pathway. Classifications were no association (0–33%), indeterminate/inconsistent (34–59%), or a positive ‘+’ or negative ‘ − ’ association (≥ 60%). The latter category was classified as strong evidence (i.e., ++or −−) when four or more studies found an association. If the total number of studies in a domain of interest was three or fewer, this was considered insufficient evidence to make a determination.

Results

There was strong evidence in both directions for a negative association between MC and weight status. There was strong positive evidence for a pathway from MC to fitness and indeterminate evidence for the reverse. There was indeterminate evidence for a pathway from MC to PA and no evidence for the reverse pathway. There was insufficient evidence for the MC to perceived MC pathway. There was strong positive evidence for the fitness-mediated MC/PA pathway in both directions. There was indeterminate evidence for the perceived MC-mediated pathway from PA to MC and no evidence for the reverse.

Conclusion

Bidirectional longitudinal associations of MC with weight status are consistent with the model authored by Stodden et al. (Quest 2008;60(2):290–306, 2008). However, to test the whole model, the field needs robust longitudinal studies across childhood and adolescence that include all variables in the model, have multiple time points and account for potential confounding factors. Furthermore, experimental studies that examine change in MC relative to change in the other constructs are needed.

Trial Registrations

PROSPERO ID# CRD42020155799.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40279-021-01516-8.

Exploring the importance of diversified physical activities in early childhood for later motor competence and physical activity level: a seven-year longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Research indicates that childhood motor competence (MC) can predict physical activity (PA) levels later in life and it has been argued that frequently engaging in a wide diversity of physical activities will eventually improve children's MC. However, no longitudinal or experimental studies have confirmed this theoretical rationale. The aims of this study are to explore the longitudinal associations between diversified physical activities at age six and later MC and PA (time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA) (age nine and 13). Furthermore, we explore to what extent the longitudinal association between diversified physical activity and PA is mediated by MC.

METHODS

Longitudinal data from the Copenhagen School Intervention Study were used for this analysis, where 704 participated (69% response rate). Diversified physical activity (self-reported), MC (The Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder battery of postural stability and locomotor skills) and PA (accelerometer) were assessed in the children at age six, age nine and age 13. A total of 654 participated in at least two of the measures and, therefore, were included in the analysis. Two structural equation models were constructed, with diversified physical activity at age six and MC and PA at age nine as predictors of PA and MC at age 13.

RESULTS

The data from both models demonstrated good model fit. Diversified physical activity at 6 years of age was significantly associated with physical activity and MC at age 13, when adjusting for sex, age, intervention, weight, height, and previous levels of PA and MC. Diversified physical activity at age six was also positively associated with PA and MC at age nine, which were, in turn, positively related to PA at age 13 but to a lesser degree than diversified PA at age six. The association between diversified physical activity at age six and PA at age 13 was not mediated by MC at age nine.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicate that diversified physical activity at age six is important for the development of MC and PA in adolescence. Increasing the diversity of children's daily physical activities, not only the amount and intensity, seems important for future PA behavior and thereby health promotion in a life course perspective.

Motor Competence Performances Among Girls Aged 7–10 Years: Different Dimensions of the Motor Competence Construct Using Common Assessment Batteries

This paper aimed to investigate different dimensions of motor competence (MC) by using four commonly administered MC assessment tools (Test of Gross Motor Development-3, Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 Short Form, Körperkoordinationtest Für Kinder, and Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2) in a sample of 184 girls (Mage = 8.61 years; SD = 1.21 years). This is the first study of its kind to shed light on different dimensions of MC, identifying them through rigorous and robust statistical analysis. The Delphi method was used to select the dimensions of MC. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess whether the dimensions loaded onto the same construct (i.e., MC). Face and content validity identified three dimensions of MC: fundamental motor skills, gross motor coordination, and motor abilities. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated an adequate fit for the final MC model with three dimensions. In this model, fundamental motor skills, gross motor coordination, and motor abilities loaded on the MC construct. The data reported present a revised definition of holistic MC, which comprises the level of motor abilities (physical proficiency and perceptual motor abilities) as well as gross motor coordination and fundamental motor skills proficiency, which underlie the performance of a wide range of tasks, including fine and gross motor activities in daily life.

Validation of a Motor Competence Assessment Tool for Children and Adolescents (KTK3+) With Normative Values for 6- to 19-Year-Olds

The use of the short form of the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK3) to evaluate children's and adolescents' motor competence (MC) is increasing. When combined with an alternating one-handed catching and throwing ball task, assessing eye-hand coordination (EHC), it has been shown that the different aspects of motor skills are adequately covered in one compact KTK3+ test battery, studied in 6- to 10-year-old children. The present study aimed to validate the KTK3+ test battery and to provide contemporary MC normative values for boys and girls from 6- to 19-year-olds. A total of 2,271 children and adolescents (1,112 boys, 1,159 girls) participated in this study and were evaluated on the four included test items: jumping sideways (JS), moving sideways (MS), balancing backwards (BB), supplemented by an EHC task. Children's participation in organised sport was registered using a demographic questionnaire. For the first objective, a factor analysis with multidimensional scaling demonstrated that the one-dimensional model provided the best fit, with all test items correlating to the same latent construct: "MC". This was further supported with moderate to good correlations between all four test items (r = 0.453-0.799). Construct validity was investigated with a three-way MANOVA, demonstrating a significant multivariate interaction effect between sex and age group (p = 0.001) as well as a multivariate main effect of sex, age group, and organised sport participation (p < 0.001). Boys outperformed girls on two out of the four tests (JS and EHC, p < 0.005), while girls were better than boys on the BB test (p < 0.005). Performance scores increased across age groups on all tests (p < 0.001). Only for the BB test score, a plateau effect was noted around the age of 12 years. Children and adolescents participating in sports generally outperformed their peers who were not involved in organised sports, on the present KTK3+ test battery. For the second objective, raw score normative values are provided separately for both sexes between 6- to 19-year-olds. In combination with the one-factor structure confirmation, these sex, age, and sport participation effects demonstrate the validity of the test battery. The provided normative values are useful to evaluate MC in children and adolescents from 6 to 19 years old. The use of only four test items that are identical across all ages makes the KTK3+ test battery a practical instrument to assess and compare MC development.

Socio-Cultural and Somatic Factors Associated with Children's Motor Competence

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of somatic and socio-cultural factors on children's motor competence (MC). MC was assessed through the standing long jump (SLJ), distance throw of a tennis ball (TTB), and 20 m dash (20 m) in 181 children (84 girls) with a mean age of 6.10(0.47) years. The effect of socio-economic status, house/living space, educational practices, the child's interaction with peers and siblings, and the sum of five skinfolds (SS) were analysed via structural equation modelling (SEM) in each motor skill. The SEM models displayed a good fit to the data. In addition, standardized direct effects are significant on different outcome variables, except for brotherhood relationship (BR) and peer relationship in TTB, and 20 m dash and BR in standing long jump (SLJ). SS are negatively related to all motor skills.

Effects of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Portuguese Children's Motor Competence

During long periods without school, children are more susceptible to unhealthy behaviors, such as an increase in sedentary behaviors, which has a negative impact on children’s motor competence (MC). The COVID-19 lockdown offered us a unique opportunity to test, in a quasi-experimental setting, the impact of lockdown movement restrictions on children’s MC. We assessed the motor competence of 114 children aged 6–9 years using the motor competence assessment. All children were tested before and after the COVID-19 lockdown. Chi-square and 2 × 2 ANOVA (sex by moment) were used to further analyze the data. Regardless of sex, motor performances in all tests (except for jumping sideways in boys) were lower when compared with performances before lockdown. There was a marked decreasing trend in children’s levels of MC, shifting from an upper to a lower quartile in different tests. The results after the lockdown were always significantly inferior to the results before lockdown in all motor tests (except jumping sideways), in the three components of MC, and in global MC. Children’s global MC score decreased by an average of 13 points in boys and 16 points in girls. The imposed movement restrictions had a negative effect on children’s motor competence development.

DEVELOPMENT OF BALANCE IN CHILDREN PARTICIPATING IN DIFFERENT RECREATIONAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

Balance, an important motor coordination ability, underlies the performance of variousmotor skills and allows for participation in common childhood activities. Research indicatesthat sport participation could support balance development in children. To confirm the aboveeffect, this study investigated whether participation in different recreational physicalactivities could induce differences in children’s balance ability. Specifically, 138 children, 5-11 years old (Mage=8.4±1.3), classified into four groups according to the activity they tookpart in (basketball, track and field, rhythmic gymnastics, contemporary dance), were assessedby the balance subset of the KörperKoordinationstest für Kinder. Pearson correlations wereapplied to detect associations of balance scores with age, height, body mass index (BMI) andshowed significant correlations for BMI (p< .001). The analyses of covariance (covariate:BMI) that were computed on children’s balance scores showed statistically significant effectsof group (p< .001). Sidak post hoc tests indicated that children participating in rhythmicgymnastics surpassed all three other groups; whereas those taking part in basketball had thelowest scores in almost every balance item. It seems that the type of physical activity a childparticipates in could be a significant contributor to the development of his/her balance.Physical activities encompassing the execution of various balance tasks, such as rhythmicgymnastics, seem to offer children greater opportunities to make improvements in this areacompared to children engaging in activities of low balancing requirements. This findinghighlights the potential that is available to coaches: they can contribute to children’s balancedevelopment by implementing sport-specific programs that target this human ability.

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].

Effects of COVID-19 Confinement on the Household Routines Of Children in Portugal

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 disease (COVID-19) was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on 11 March, 2020. Since then, physical distancing measures such as confinement have been adopted by different governments to control human to human transmission. This study aimed to determine how confinement affects children's routines, more specifically their physical activity (PA) and sedentary time. An online survey was launched to assess how Portuguese children under 13 years of age adjusted their daily routines to confinement. Parents reported the time each child was engaged in different activities throughout the day, which was used to calculate overall sedentary time and overall physical activity time. Based on the data of 2159 children, our study showed that during confinement: (i) there was a decrease in children's physical activity time and an increase in screen time and family activities; (ii) boys engaged in more playful screen Time than girls (p < 0.05), and girls played more without PA than boys (p < 0.05); (iii) along the age groups, there was a trend for an increase of the overall sedentary time and an associated decrease of the overall physical activity time. In summary, PA of confined children showed low levels and a clear decreasing trend along childhood. Conjoint family and societal strategies to target specific age groups should be organized in the future.

Gross Motor Coordination: We Have a Problem! A Study With the Körperkoordinations Test für Kinder in Youth (6-13 Years)

The main goal of our cross-sectional research was to determine the current values of gross motor coordination (GMC) of Italian boys and girls between 6 and 13 years of age. Secondary goals were to study gender differences, and the four subtests trend with ages. Results were compared with the references proposed by KTK authors and with similar searches. Anthropometric measurements and KTK data from 2,206 schoolchildren (girls: n = 1,050; boys: n = 1,156) were collected. The KTK raw score (RS) increased with the age of the subjects (r = 0.678; p < 0.001). In 11-13-year-old subjects, the increase in results is less than in younger subjects. RS showed differences by gender (F = 5.899; p = 0.015) and age (F = 269.193; p < 0.001) without interaction gender × age. Motor quotient (MQ) tended to decrease with age (r = -0.148; p < 0.001); it showed differences by gender (F = 79.228; p < 0.001), age (F = 14.217; p < 0.001), and an interaction gender × age (F = 2.249; p < 0.05). Boys showed better performance than did girls in the raw scores of three of four subtests (JS: F = 24.529; MS: F = 9.052; HH: F = 11.105). Girls show better performances than did boys in the WB (F = 14.52). Differences between genders make us believe it appropriate to maintain a differentiated standardization. RS increased with age, and it seems reasonable, therefore, to maintain a GMC age-based normalization. On the contrary, MQ tended to decrease. All this makes us speculate that today's young people accumulate less significant motor experiences over the years compared to those achieved by their peers in the 1970s. Italian data were lower than German references and Belgian results but slightly higher than the Brazilian ones. The comparison among these four searches confirmed a worrying downward trend in GMC and its characterization by geographical and sociocultural areas. Updated parameters of the KTK can provide helpful references to improve policies to support physical activity, sport, and physical education in youth.

A Narrative Review of Motor Competence in Children and Adolescents: What We Know and What We Need to Find Out

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.

Screening of Sensitive Items on Gross Motor Development in Toddlers Aged 24~36 Months and Analysis of the Factors Influencing the Passing Rate

BACKGROUND

To save assessment time and improve the efficiency, it is necessary to find sensitive indicators from the test items of gross motor development in the C-LAP system for children aged 24~36 months and analyze the influencing factors of the passing rate of these indicators.

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted among 1354 toddlers (3058 person-times) aged 24 to 36 months in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong between January 2013 and December 2019. A linear regression model and Cox regression model were performed to screen sensitive indicators and explore their influencing factors, respectively.

RESULTS

"Walk backwards", "Stand from supine position" and "Hop with one foot at least twice" are the three sensitive indicators for evaluating the development of gross motor function in 24~36 month old children. The child's physiological age at first measurement and region are the two common independent factors influencing the passing rate of the three items, while paternal age and education may influence one or two of them.

CONCLUSIONS

"Walk backwards", "Stand from supine position" and "Hop with one foot at least twice" are sensitive indicators for the effective evaluation of the development of gross motor function in 24~36 month old children, and their passing rates are influenced by some demographic variables.

Correlates of children's physical activity during the COVID-19 confinement in Portugal

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to understand the role of household variables on the percentage of physical activity (%PA) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) confinement in Portugal.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional study design using an anonymous online survey was launched to assess how Portuguese families with children aged younger than 13 years adjusted their daily routines to the confinement.

METHODS

Separate analyses of variance were performed to investigate how factors such as the number of children, age, sex, the housing characteristics, and the adults' job situation can affect the percentage of time for PA (%PA).

RESULTS

Findings, based on data from 2159 children, indicate that (1) boys and girls did not differ in the %PA on any of the age-groups; (2) children with an outdoor space and who had other children in the household were significantly more active (P < .001); (3) children from families with all adults working from home showed lower levels of %PA; and (4) being younger, having a big outdoor space, having other children in the household, and having at least one adult free from working from home were significant positive predictors of children's %PA, explaining 21% of the overall variance.

CONCLUSION

Time allocated for PA during this period is reduced compared with what is usually reported on normal days. It is necessary to find strategies to increase children's PA, especially in families in which both parents are working and have no outdoor space.