A1 Journal article (refereed)
Motor skill competence and moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity : a linear and non-linear cross-sectional analysis of eight pooled trials (2024)
Barnett, L. M., Verswijveren, S. J. J. M., Colvin, B., Lubans, D. R., Telford, R. M., Lander, N. J., Schott, N., Tietjens, M., Hesket, K. D., Morgan, P. J., Hinkley, T., Downing, K. L., Telford, R. D., Cohen, K. E., Ridgers, N. D., & Abbott, G. (2024). Motor skill competence and moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity : a linear and non-linear cross-sectional analysis of eight pooled trials. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 21, Article 14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-023-01546-7
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Barnett, L. M.; Verswijveren, S. J. J. M.; Colvin, B.; Lubans, D. R.; Telford, R. M.; Lander, N. J.; Schott, N.; Tietjens, M.; Hesket, K. D.; Morgan, P. J.; et al.
Journal or series: International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
eISSN: 1479-5868
Publication year: 2024
Publication date: 07/02/2024
Volume: 21
Article number: 14
Publisher: Biomed Central
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-023-01546-7
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Open Access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/93977
Publication is parallel published: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10848369/
Abstract
Few studies have examined the relationship between motor skill competence and device-measured physical activity in large samples and none have used non-linear modelling. This study assessed the linear and non-linear associations between motor skill competence and physical activity in children using pooled data from eight studies.
Methods
Cross-sectional ActiGraph accelerometer and motor skills competence data from 988 children (50.8% boys) aged 3–11 years were included. Total, object control and locomotor skill competence were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Skill Development. Linear mixed models were fitted to examine linear associations between motor skill competence and physical activity. Then, restricted cubic splines models were used to assess potential non-linear relationships. Interactions by sex and age were assessed.
Results
There was evidence of positive linear associations between total skill, and object control and locomotor skills, with moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity; however, the associations with total skill competence and object control better fitted a non-linear model. Non-linear models indicated associations were positive but relatively weak in the low to mid ranges of TGMD/object control scores but at high ranges (~ > 70 out of 100/ and ~ 35 out of 50) the association strength increased for both moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity. There were sex interactions for locomotor skills only, specifically for vigorous activity with boys having a stronger positive association than girls.
Conclusions
There appears to be a threshold for object control skill proficiency that children need to reach to enhance their physical activity levels which provides support for a motor skill “proficiency barrier”. This provides a tangible benchmark for children to achieve in motor competence programs.
Keywords: motor skills (general); development of motor skills; motor functions; physical training; motor skills (sports); physical activity; children (age groups)
Free keywords: child; object control; locomotor; accelerometer
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2024
Preliminary JUFO rating: 3
