Relationship between Physical Activity, Weight, and Motor Skill Development

Relationship between Physical Activity, Weight, and Motor Skill Development

Children seem to move less and sit more.  Did you know that in the United States, only 22% of children meet the current physical activity guidelines of 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity? In addition, 63% of children participate in more than 2 hours of screen time per day?   All of this lack of movement has the potential to affect weight and motor skill development.  Perceptual Motor Skills published research on the relationship between physical activity, weight, and motor skill development.

The study examined the relationships between 96 children’s physical activity levels, body mass index (BMI), and motor skills. Each participant was evaluated using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2nd edition (MABC-2), height and weight measurements and accelerometry for physical activity levels.  The results indicated the following for the children:

• more time in moderate and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity had higher Total motor skill scores on the MABC-2.
• higher moderate physical activity levels had higher Balance scores.
• moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels demonstrated higher Aiming and Catching scores.
• healthier BMI and more time spent in physical activity, regardless of intensity, was related to higher Aiming and Catching scores.
• BMI scores suggestive of overweight/obesity, both moderate and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels were positively related to Balance scores.

The researchers came to three conclusions:

1. BMI scores were not directly related to motor skills.
2. Physical activity levels were positively related to motor skills.
3. Weight status mediated the relationship between physical activity levels and specific components of motor skills.

Read more about:

Children’s Physical Activity Level and Depression

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Extra Physical Activity and Academic Achievement

Movement Flashcards – Movement Flashcards digital download includes 10 aerobic exercises with flashcards templates. Students can get physical activity while reviewing material. The 10 aerobic activities include: run in place, jumping, hopping, squats, lunges, skipping, twists, cross crawls, jumping jacks and marching. Each page includes a picture image of the aerobic exercise along with a blank template to type in 18 flashcards. You choose what to work on for academic material.

References:

DuBose, K. D., Gross McMillan, A., Wood, A. P., & Sisson, S. B. (2018). Joint Relationship Between Physical Activity, Weight Status, and Motor Skills in Children Aged 3 to 10 Years. Perceptual and motor skills, 0031512518767008.

Katzmarzyk, P. T., Denstel, K. D., Beals, K., Bolling, C., Wright, C., Crouter, S. E., … & Stanish, H. I. (2016). Results from the United States of America’s 2016 report card on physical activity for children and youth. Journal of physical activity and health, 13(11 Suppl 2), S307-S313.