Relationship Between Fundamental Motor Skill Competence, Perceived Physical Competence and Free-Play Physical Activity in Children

• Published in: Research quarterly for exercise and sport Vol. 91; no. 1; pp. 55 - 63
• Main Authors: Tsuda, Emi, Goodway, Jacqueline D., Famelia, Ruri, Brian, Ali
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Routledge 02-01-2020
• Subjects: Age Differences; Correlation; Disadvantaged Youth; early childhood; Gender Differences; Locomotor and object control skills; Measures (Individuals); moderate to vigorous physical activity; Motor Development; Peer Acceptance; Physical Activities; Pictorial Stimuli; Predictor Variables; Preschool Children; Preschool Education; Psychomotor Skills; sedentary behaviors; Self Concept; Student Attitudes; Tests; moderate to vigorous physical activity; Locomotor and object control skills; early childhood; sedentary behaviors
• ISSN: 0270-1367; 2168-3824
• DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2019.1646851

Purpose: This study examined the extent to which fundamental motor skill competence (FMSC; locomotor and object control skill competence) and perceived physical competence (PPC) predicted physical activity levels and sedentary behaviors during free-play time at preschool. Method: A total of 72 children (girls n = 33, boys n = 39; M
age
= 4.38, SD = .85 years) were recruited from two preschools. Fundamental motor skill competence was measured using the Test of Gross Motor Development − 2nd edition, and PPC was assessed using the physical competence subscale of the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance. Physical activity was measured using accelerometers. Results: Children engaged in light physical activity 19.66%, and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) 36.41%, and sedentary behaviors 43.94% of their free-play time. Since no correlation was observed in light physical activity with any variables, a hierarchical multiple linear regression was run for MVPA and sedentary behaviors. The results illustrated 38.9% of the variance in MVPA during free-play time was predicted by FMSC and PPC, after controlling for age and sex, with locomotor skill competence as a significant predictor (t= 2.98, p < .05). For sedentary behaviors, the 32.9% of the variance during free-play time was predicted by FMSC and PPC, after controlling age and sex, with locomotor skill competence as a significant predictor (t = 2.72, p < .05). Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of developing FMSC and positive PPC during early childhood to enhance physical activity engagement during free-play.