ERIC Number: EJ1244057
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0270-1367
EISSN: N/A
Relationship between Fundamental Motor Skill Competence, Perceived Physical Competence and Free-Play Physical Activity in Children
Tsuda, Emi; Goodway, Jacqueline D.; Famelia, Ruri; Brian, Ali
Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, v91 n1 p55-63 2020
Purpose: This study examined the extent to which fundamental motor skill competence (FMSC; locomotor and object control skill competence) and perceived physical competence (PPC) predicted physical activity levels and sedentary behaviors during free-play time at preschool. Method: A total of 72 children (girls n = 33, boys n = 39; M[subscript age] = 4.38, SD = 0.85 years) were recruited from two preschools. Fundamental motor skill competence was measured using the Test of Gross Motor Development - 2nd edition, and PPC was assessed using the physical competence subscale of the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance. Physical activity was measured using accelerometers. Results: Children engaged in light physical activity 19.66%, and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) 36.41%, and sedentary behaviors 43.94% of their free-play time. Since no correlation was observed in light physical activity with any variables, a hierarchical multiple linear regression was run for MVPA and sedentary behaviors. The results illustrated 38.9% of the variance in MVPA during free-play time was predicted by FMSC and PPC, after controlling for age and sex, with locomotor skill competence as a significant predictor (t= 2.98, p < 0.05). For sedentary behaviors, the 32.9% of the variance during free-play time was predicted by FMSC and PPC, after controlling age and sex, with locomotor skill competence as a significant predictor (t = 2.72, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of developing FMSC and positive PPC during early childhood to enhance physical activity engagement during free-play.
Descriptors: Correlation, Physical Activities, Play, Self Concept, Psychomotor Skills, Preschool Children, Motor Development, Tests, Peer Acceptance, Pictorial Stimuli, Predictor Variables, Gender Differences, Age Differences, Measures (Individuals), Student Attitudes, Preschool Education, Disadvantaged Youth
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Preschool Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A