The purpose of this study was to investigate motor competence, health-related physical fitness, self-perception and activity participation of Taiwanese preschoolers and to understand the role of gender and MD in children’s performance.
Seventy-five children aged 4-5 years (5.0±0.5 years; 53% girl) and without known health conditions or developmental concerns were recruited from childcare centers. Motor competence was assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children- Second Edition and children were identified as MD if their scores were below the 16th percentile compared to the norms of the instrument. Physical fitness was examined with body mass index, 10-meter progressive shuttle run test, sit-and-reach, long jump and handgrip strength test. Children’s self-perception of motor competence was assessed via child interviews using the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance for Young Children. Diversity and intensity of activity participation was assessed using the Assessment of Preschool Children’s Participation questionnaire. Two-way ANOVA were applied to examine the influence of gender and MD in children’s motor competence, physical fitness, self-perception and activity participation.
Our results found that Taiwanese preschool-aged girls demonstrated better manual skills, balance and flexibility performance, and participated in more varieties of activities than boys (all p0.05). About 20% girls and 37% boys were identified as MD in the present study. Except for poorer motor competence and long jump, children with MD’s performance in physical fitness and activity participation were comparable with peers without MD. Children’s self-perception of motor competence was not influenced by gender or MD (p>0.05).
During preschool period, gender appears to play a role in children’s motor competence, physical fitness and activity participation. Unlike previous research on school-aged children, our results show that motor deficits may have not yet to show negative impacts on children’s activity participation, physical and psychosocial well-beings.
Early identification and early intervention in preschool period is necessary to prevent negative consequences of motor deficits. Intervention for motor coordination disorders at young age should focus on improving motor competence combined with enhancing physical fitness, rather than solely increasing participation in physical activity.
Activity participation
Preschool
