Latent Profile Analysis of Children’s Active Physical Recreation Patterns in Middle Childhood

Understanding factors that influence physical activity participation in middle childhood is essential for developing effective interventions. To date, many studies have contributed valuable knowledge on the individual, or person-centered, factors that influence participation, such as motor competence and perceived motor competence. However, there is an increasing body of literature in support of exploring participation through a broader lens, considering additional social ecological factors and their role in participation. Understanding the development of unique combinations of personal and environmental characteristics can shed light on participation patterns over time. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify clusters of a longitudinal sample of children in grades 2, 3, 4, and 5 (n = 155; 55% girls) based on: motor skills; perceived physical competence; active physical recreation; and with whom and where participation occurs. Latent profile analysis results revealed a range of clusters within each grade, with a 3-cluster solution in grade 2, a 5-cluster solution in grade 3, a 4-cluster solution in grade 4, and a 6-cluster solution in grade 5. An analysis of the clusters revealed increasingly diverse clusters over time, with some clusters demonstrating paths toward engagement or disengagement in active physical recreation. The variation in clusters across grades indicates increasing diversity in personal and environmental factors through middle childhood. Recognizing this diversity can allow for teachers, coaches, and instructors to employ instructional styles to accommodate individuals’ differences and maximize participation in a range of physical activity contexts.