A1 Journal article (refereed)
Early childhood physical activity parenting and sport club participation as predictors of perceived motor competence : a three-year longitudinal study (2024)
Meklin, E., Laukkanen, A., Niemistö, D., Kotkajuuri, J., Luukkainen, N.-M., & Sääkslahti, A. (2024). Early childhood physical activity parenting and sport club participation as predictors of perceived motor competence : a three-year longitudinal study. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, Early online. https://doi.org/10.1080/17408989.2024.2352823
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Publication details
All authors or editors: Meklin, Elina; Laukkanen, A.; Niemistö, D.; Kotkajuuri, J.; Luukkainen, N.-M.; Sääkslahti, A.
Journal or series: Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy
ISSN: 1740-8989
eISSN: 1742-5786
Publication year: 2024
Publication date: 15/05/2024
Volume: Early online
Publisher: Routledge
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17408989.2024.2352823
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/94908
Abstract
Enhancing perceived motor competence (PMC) is an important factor in increasing the physical activity and motor competence of children. Longitudinal research is needed to identify the factors that support children’s positive and realistic PMC development. To address this research gap, we examined physical activity parenting (PAP) and sports club participation (SCP) as predictors of children’s PMC.
Methods
We assessed PMC using a modified pictorial scale of perceived movement skill competence (PMSC) for young children at the following two time points: in early childhood education and care (ECEC) (T1; N = 259; Mage = 6.27 ± .67; 50.2% boys) and approximately three years later in primary school (T2; N = 259; Mage = 9.45 ± .79 years). PAP and SCP (the type and number of sports) were examined using a parental questionnaire (N = 259; Mage = 36.2 ± 5.64). The children’s actual motor competence (AMC) was assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development – Third Edition (TGMD-3). Linear regression analyses were performed to examine how the number of sports in which a child participates (SCPsum) predicted PMC. Then, we analysed how participation in a specific type of sport (locomotor and ball sports) predicted PMC in terms of locomotor skills, ball skills and total skills. The analyses were adjusted for the T2–T1 time difference and AMC.
Results
PAP was a significant predictor of PMC three years later for ECEC-aged girls but not for boys. Moreover, participation in a ball sport at T1 predicted higher scores for girls’ PMC at T2. In addition, the girls who participated in more than one ball sport exhibited lower PMC at T2. For boys, higher AMC, higher BMI and less access to electronic devices at T1 predicted higher PMC at T2.
Conclusion
The results suggest that PAP in ECEC age is important for girls’ PMC development over time. The role of SCP was ambiguous in girls. Participation especially in ball sports may have different influences on PMC in girls depending on the frequency of participation. Therefore, parents, sport instructors and coaches should adapt their child rearing and pedagogical practices by considering child PMC development in addition to promoting physical activity and skills.
Keywords: sports clubs; physical activity; physical training; early childhood; parenthood
Free keywords: perceived motor competence; physical activity parenting; sport club participation; actual motor competence
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2024
Preliminary JUFO rating: 1
