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Is Foundational Movement Skill Competency Important for Keeping Children Physically Active and at a Healthy Weight?

Author

Listed:
  • Jonathan D. Foulkes

    (School of Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Student Life Building, Copperas Hill, Liverpool L3 5AJ, UK)

  • Zoe Knowles

    (Physical Activity Exchange, Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, 5 Primrose Hill, Liverpool L3 2EX, UK)

  • Stuart J. Fairclough

    (Movement Behaviours, Health and Wellbeing Research Group, Department of Sport & Physical Activity, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk L39 4QP, UK)

  • Gareth Stratton

    (College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK)

  • Mareesa V. O’Dwyer

    (Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AT, UK)

  • Lawrence Foweather

    (Physical Activity Exchange, Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, 5 Primrose Hill, Liverpool L3 2EX, UK)

Abstract

This longitudinal study examines the associations between foundational movement skills (FMS) competency, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and weight status among children ( n = 75) attending preschools in deprived areas from early to late childhood. Twelve FMS were assessed using the Children’s Activity and Movement in Preschool Motor Skills Protocol and video analysis. Physical activity was measured via hip-mounted accelerometry. Data was collected over a five-year period, with Baseline Follow Up data collected between 2010 and 2015. There was an overall pattern of increase for total, object-control and locomotor scores between Baseline and Follow-Up. Conversely, there was an overall pattern of decline for MVPA among participants. There was a positive significant ( p < 0.05) association between total and locomotor scores and MVPA at Baseline. However, these associations weakened over time and no significant associations were found at Follow-Up. Baseline competency failed to predict Follow-Up MVPA or weight status. Likewise, Baseline MVPA was not found to be a predictor of Follow-Up FMS competency. Further longitudinal research is required to explore these associations among children from highly deprived areas. Future interventions may require a more holistic approach to improving FMS competency and increasing PA in order to account for the number of variables that can affect these outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonathan D. Foulkes & Zoe Knowles & Stuart J. Fairclough & Gareth Stratton & Mareesa V. O’Dwyer & Lawrence Foweather, 2021. "Is Foundational Movement Skill Competency Important for Keeping Children Physically Active and at a Healthy Weight?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2021:i:1:p:105-:d:709226
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