Associations between basic motor competencies and physical fitness in Spanish pre-schoolers: a cross-sectional study
Abstract
Background Basic motor competencies (BMC) play a vital role in child development and are a primary focus of physical education. However, there is a lack of research on BMC in preschool-aged children, making this study particularly significant. The present study aims to examine the relationship between BMC and physical fitness components in Spanish preschool children. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 101 children ( n = 52 boys, average age of 4.80 years) living in Pamplona, North Spain. Components of physical fitness (handgrip strength, standing long jump, speed-agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness) were assessed using the PREFIT Battery. Overall physical fitness was computed from the four selected fitness components separately for boys and girls. Higher z-scores values in physical fitness indicate better fitness performance. To assess BMC, the MOBAK KG test battery was applied (subscales of object control and self-movement). Sex, age, and body mass index were used as main confounders. Results After adjustment for confounding factors, the BMC was positively associated with single (z-scores) components and overall physical fitness sum of z-scores ( R ^2 from 0.178 to 0.469, all P -values < 0.05). Additional percentile scores weakened the associations, but they still remained significant ( R ^2 from 0.146 to 0.337, all P -values < 0.05). Compared with participants in the lowest tertile, those in the highest tertile of the MOBAK KG sum score, and in both…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 101 participants or records.
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