A1 Journal article (refereed)
Do Fundamental Movement Skill Domains in Early Childhood Predict Engagement in Physical Activity of Varied Intensities Later at School Age? A 3-Year Longitudinal Study (2023)

Kasanen, M., Laukkanen, A., Niemistö, D., Kotkajuuri, J., Luukkainen, N.-M., & Sääkslahti, A. (2023). Do Fundamental Movement Skill Domains in Early Childhood Predict Engagement in Physical Activity of Varied Intensities Later at School Age? A 3-Year Longitudinal Study. Journal of Motor Learning and Development, 11(3), 424-443. https://doi.org/10.1123/jmld.2023-0004

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Kasanen, Maria; Laukkanen, Arto; Niemistö, Donna; Kotkajuuri, Jimi; Luukkainen, Nanne-Mari; Sääkslahti, Arja

Journal or series: Journal of Motor Learning and Development

ISSN: 2325-3193

eISSN: 2325-3215

Publication year: 2023

Volume: 11

Issue number: 3

Pages range: 424-443

Publisher: Human Kinetics Publishers

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/jmld.2023-0004

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/92524

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine how total fundamental movement skill (FMS) score and, separately, locomotor skill (LMS), and object control skill scores in children 3–8 years old predicted their specific-intensity physical activity 3 years later. Overall, 441 Finnish children (51.7% female, baseline mean age of 5.6 years) participated in the study. Total FMS, LMS, and object control skill scores were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development, third edition. The time spent engaged in physical activity of different intensities (light, moderate, vigorous, moderate-to-vigorous, light-to-vigorous, and sedentary behavior) was determined using accelerometers. A two-level regression model was used in the analysis, considering potential covariates and interactions. The results showed that moderate physical activity, vigorous physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were predicted by the total FMS score (β = 0.177 to 0.203, p = .001–.003) and the LMS score (β = 0.140 to 0.164, p = .004–.014), but not the object control skill score. Moreover, the LMS score inversely predicted sedentary behavior (β = −0.116, p = .042). In conclusion, higher FMS and, specifically, LMS scores seem to predict more engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and less sedentary behavior over time. However, most of the variance in physical activity remains unexplained.

Keywords: children (age groups); childhood; development of motor skills; physical activity; physical training

Free keywords: children; infancy; motor development

Contributing organizations

Related projects

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2023

JUFO rating: 1