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Advances in Motor Competence and Physical Activity in School Children
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Advances in Motor Competence and Physical Activity in School Children

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Orthopedics & Sports Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 December 2024) | Viewed by 6919

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Ali S. Brian

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physical Education, College of Education, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
Interests: motor behavior; early childhood motor skill intervention; assessment; adapted physical activity/education
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Emily Munn

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Educational and Developmental Sciences, College of Education, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
Interests: developmental disabilities in children; motor behavior; motor development; motor competence

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are thrilled to invite you to contribute this Special Issue of the journal Children focused on motor competence and physical activity in school children. In an era marked by the increasing prevalence of sedentary lifestyles and a decline in physical activity among children, this Special Issue aims to shed light on the critical relationship between motor competence and physical activity levels in school-aged children.

Considering the success and popularity of the Special Issue "Motor Competence and Physical Activity in School Children" previously published in the journal Children (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/children/special_issues/5928VHHTS0), we are releasing a follow-up Special Issue with the aim to provide a platform for researchers to explore various aspects of motor competence, ranging from fundamental motor skill development to the promotion of physical activity in educational settings. We encourage submissions that examine the impact of motor competence on overall health, academic performance and psychosocial well-being in children. By fostering a deeper understanding of these inter-related factors, we hope to inform strategies and interventions that can enhance the health and well-being of our youngest generation.

We look forward to receiving your innovative contributions, which will help shape the future of children's physical activity and motor competence research.

Prof. Dr. Ali S. Brian
Guest Editor

Dr. Emily Munn
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Children is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • motor competence
  • physical activity
  • school-aged children
  • fundamental motor skills
  • health-related fitness
  • academic performance

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 2935 KiB  
Article
Repetitive Sprinting and Running Fatigue in Children with Different Levels of Motor Competence
by Dané Coetzee, Wilmarié du Plessis and Bouwien Smits-Engelsman
Children 2025, 12(2), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12020135 - 26 Jan 2025
Viewed by 654
Abstract
Background: Children with motor delays often experience challenges in health-related fitness, but the impact on running skills remains unclear. Previous research has shown that children with motor coordination problems have lower cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, endurance, and higher body weight compared to peers. [...] Read more.
Background: Children with motor delays often experience challenges in health-related fitness, but the impact on running skills remains unclear. Previous research has shown that children with motor coordination problems have lower cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, endurance, and higher body weight compared to peers. Few studies have examined anaerobic capacity, muscular power, endurance, running performance, and fatigue in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). This study aims to compare repetitive running and running-induced fatigue in typically developing children and those with varying degrees of motor coordination problems. Methods: Groups were classified using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, second edition (MABC-2), as probably having DCD (p-DCD, ≤5th percentile, age 9.7 (SD 1.6), n = 141), at risk for DCD (r-DCD, 6th–16th percentile, age 9.9 (SD1.6), n = 160), and typically developing (TD, >16th percentile, age 9.6 (SD 1.6), n = 191). Anaerobic fitness and fatigue were assessed using the Children’s Repetitive and Intermittent Sprinting Performance test (CRISP), while lower and upper body muscular strength, running, and agility were measured with the performance and fitness (PERF-FIT) test battery Power and Agility subscale. Age groups (6–9 and 10–12 years) were analyzed to determine when performance deficits emerged. Results: The p-DCD group was significantly slower, had less power, and fatigued more than the r-DCD and TD children (p < 0.01). This was already clearly the case in the 6–9-year-olds, who slowed down already after the first runs, while the older poorly coordinated children started slower than their peers and showed a more gradual decrease in performance over the runs. Conclusions: Moderate coordination differences between r-DCD and TD children did not significantly impact fatigue, but p-DCD children exhibited greater fatigue due to overestimating their start speed, higher body weight, lower power, and reduced agility, especially in younger age groups. (Too) High starting speed, especially in the younger less coordinated children (p-DCD), is likely to lead to more fatigue. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Motor Competence and Physical Activity in School Children)
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12 pages, 4456 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Rhythm Jump Training on the Rhythmic Reproduction Ability in Jumping and Agility in Elementary School Soccer Players
by Yudai Kato, Hiroyuki Watanabe, Masashi Kawabata, Noritaka Mamorita, Ryota Muroi, Yukiyasu Tsuda, Yuto Uchida, Yusuke Tsuihiji, Koharu Mogi, Yuto Watanabe, Yuto Sano and Naonobu Takahira
Children 2025, 12(2), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12020133 - 26 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1006
Abstract
 Background/Objectives: This study aimed to elucidate the effect of rhythm jump training on the rhythm and motor abilities of elementary school students to provide insights into its potential benefits for their physical performance and coordination. Methods: A non-randomized controlled trial was [...] Read more.
 Background/Objectives: This study aimed to elucidate the effect of rhythm jump training on the rhythm and motor abilities of elementary school students to provide insights into its potential benefits for their physical performance and coordination. Methods: A non-randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 101 elementary school students (grades 1–6) attending a soccer school. Participants were divided into a rhythm jump group (n = 51, age: 7.5 years, height: 126.0 cm, weight: 25.7 kg) and a control group (n = 39, age: 8.0 years, height: 128.8 cm, weight: 26.5 kg) based on their practice venue. The rhythm jump group engaged in 10 min of rhythm jump at the beginning of soccer practice once a week over 8 weeks (intervention period), while the control group continued regular soccer training. Measurements included rhythmic reproduction ability during jumps, Pro Agility Test (PAT) values, and Reactive Strength Index (RSI) scores, assessed before and after the intervention period. Rhythmic reproduction ability was measured by comparing the data of the timing of jumps to 4- and 8-beat audio tracks. These were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Significant interactions were observed between 8-beat rhythmic reproduction ability and PAT values. In 8-beat rhythm deviation, a significant decrease was observed in the rhythm jump group (0.048 s) compared to that in the control group (0.013 s) (p < 0.01). PAT time significantly decreased in the rhythm jump group (0.18 s) compared to the control group (−0.25 s) (p < 0.01). There was no observed interaction between 4-beat rhythmic reproduction ability and RSI. Conclusions: This study revealed that rhythm jump training can be effective even with short sessions and infrequent practice, emphasizing its efficiency. The short-term rhythm jump intervention improved the 8-beat rhythmic reproduction ability and agility of elementary school students. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Motor Competence and Physical Activity in School Children)
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31 pages, 348 KiB  
Article
Design, Content and Ecological Validity and Reliability of the Physical Activity and Sport Habits Questionnaire for Children Aged 8–12 Years in the Province of Gipuzkoa (Spain)
by Aduna Badiola-Lekue, Irantzu Ibañez, Maite Fuentes, Javier Yanci, Oidui Usabiaga and Aitor Iturricastillo
Children 2025, 12(1), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12010100 - 16 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 867
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to develop a questionnaire to describe and diagnose the physical activity and sport (PAS) habits of 8–12-year-old schoolchildren, assessing its content, ecological validity and reliability, from a multidimensional perspective aligned with Global Matrix 4.0 indicators. Methods: The questionnaire design [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to develop a questionnaire to describe and diagnose the physical activity and sport (PAS) habits of 8–12-year-old schoolchildren, assessing its content, ecological validity and reliability, from a multidimensional perspective aligned with Global Matrix 4.0 indicators. Methods: The questionnaire design phase involved seven individuals from the university sector and sport managers from the Gipuzkoa Provincial Council. Seventeen experts later evaluated the questionnaire’s content and ecological validity. For reliability testing, 276 schoolchildren aged 8 to 12 completed the questionnaire twice, with a time interval of two weeks to two months. Statistical analyses included the Wilcoxon test to compare expert ratings, effect size and percentage change calculations for magnitude assessment, and McNemar, McN-Bowker or Wilcoxon tests to compare differences between initial and repeat responses. Cohen’s Kappa was used to assess agreement. Results: The initial battery of items, submitted to the validation process, comprised 31 items across 10 dimensions, derived from validated questionnaires and published works. Following content and ecological validity evaluations, modifications were made and nine items were removed due to improved wording, clarification of concepts, redundancy or lack of relevance. Expert quantitative analyses indicated improved overall questionnaire values. Reliability analysis revealed significant differences in five of the twenty-two items, though substantial agreement (from slight to almost perfect) was observed in twenty items. Conclusions: The study confirmed the questionnaire’s validity and reliability as a suitable tool for assessing PAS practices among 8–12-year-old schoolchildren in Gipuzkoa, Spain, in both Basque and Spanish languages. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Motor Competence and Physical Activity in School Children)
21 pages, 2271 KiB  
Article
Contemporary Normative Values for Five Common Static Standing Tasks on Firm and Compliant Floor Surfaces in Children Two to Thirteen Years
by Nancy S. Darr, Mary Rose Franjoine, Cathey Norton and Brenda L. Young
Children 2025, 12(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12010035 - 28 Dec 2024
Viewed by 735
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Static upright tasks, including standing unsupported (SU), eyes closed (SEC), feet together (SFT), tandem (TS), and single limb (SLS), are routinely examined in children and are included in many norm-referenced measures. Existing normative values for these standing tasks may not apply to [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Static upright tasks, including standing unsupported (SU), eyes closed (SEC), feet together (SFT), tandem (TS), and single limb (SLS), are routinely examined in children and are included in many norm-referenced measures. Existing normative values for these standing tasks may not apply to contemporary children and have not been established across wide age ranges. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate developmental trajectories of and relationships between four static standing positions (SPs [SU, SFT, TS, SLS]) in children aged 2 through 13 years who are developing typically. The effects of altered sensory input, including floor surface (firm and compliant) and vision (eyes open [SU] and eyes closed [SEC]), as well as influences of sex, height, weight, and BMI on static standing were also examined. Methods: Children (n = 807) developing typically performed two trials of each task up to 2 minutes per trial using standardized procedures. A total of 482 children were also tested on a compliant surface. Results: Descriptive statistics were calculated by age, height, weight, task, and floor surface. Two-way ANOVA showed no significant effects (p > 0.05) of sex on standing times; however, age was significant for all standing tasks. Repeated-measure ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests identified significant effects (p < 0.05) of age and floor surface on standing times. SU, SEC, and SFT times increased up to 8 years, with most children achieving the 2 minute maximum by age 8. TS and SLS times improved up through 13 years, with wide variations in performance noted in children 8 years and older. Conclusions: Contemporary normative performance values are provided for five common standing tasks on firm and compliant surfaces by age in one-year increments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Motor Competence and Physical Activity in School Children)
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10 pages, 275 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Energy Expenditure of Sports School Activities in Children
by Daniel González-Devesa, Miguel Adriano Sanchez-Lastra, Carlos Ayán-Pérez, Nerea Blanco-Martínez, María Soutullo Rivas, María Vidal-Mariño and Silvia Varela
Children 2024, 11(8), 946; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11080946 - 5 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1293
Abstract
(1) Background: This study explores the potential energy expenditure associated with participation in after-school sports activities among primary school children. (2) Methods: The study involved 129 children age (11.35 ± 0.55 years) recruited from eight different public after-school sport programs. (3) Results: Data [...] Read more.
(1) Background: This study explores the potential energy expenditure associated with participation in after-school sports activities among primary school children. (2) Methods: The study involved 129 children age (11.35 ± 0.55 years) recruited from eight different public after-school sport programs. (3) Results: Data analyses revealed significant differences between the eight sports in total calories per session, calories per minute, and METs (p < 0.05). All sports showed higher energy expenditure compared to chess (p < 0.05), with soccer and rugby exhibiting the highest energy expenditure per session. Team sports showed elevated energy consumption per session (p < 0.01, r > 0.30), calories per minute (p = 0.01, r > 0.40), and METs (p < 0.01, r > 0.40) in comparison with individual sports. (4) Conclusions: These findings enhance our understanding of the energy expenditure observed in primary school children following various after-school sports activities. The results indicate that team sports, in particular, are pivotal in elevating physical activity levels, thereby playing an essential role in fostering healthier lifestyles among children. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Motor Competence and Physical Activity in School Children)
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Graphical abstract

13 pages, 1359 KiB  
Article
Child Motor Development before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic: Are There Social Inequalities?
by Mariann Rigó and Simone Weyers
Children 2024, 11(8), 936; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11080936 - 31 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1645
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 pandemic has influenced all children’s motor development. We examine whether this differs by social circumstances. We hypothesise that socially disadvantaged children experienced more pronounced motor problems compared with better-off children. Methods: Our trend study includes three representative waves of preschoolers (school [...] Read more.
Background: COVID-19 pandemic has influenced all children’s motor development. We examine whether this differs by social circumstances. We hypothesise that socially disadvantaged children experienced more pronounced motor problems compared with better-off children. Methods: Our trend study includes three representative waves of preschoolers (school years 2018/19, 2019/20, 2023/24) from a German school enrolment medical screening. Based on logistic regressions, we computed predicted prevalences of motor problems separately for children in different social circumstances (neighbourhood, migration background, family status). Results: Motor development of preschoolers slightly worsened by 2023 compared to pre-pandemic level (6.3 percent 2018 to 7.4 percent 2023). Results by neighbourhood highlight that preschoolers from well-off districts experienced a deterioration of motor development (4.9 percent 2018–6.4 percent 2023). The prevalence of motor problems is, however, below that of children from deprived neighbourhoods with consistently high prevalence (9.2–10 percent). Results by migration background show a worsening trend for children without migration background and the gap between the groups disappears in 2023. Results by family status do not indicate significant differences. Conclusion: Contrary to our hypothesis, socially disadvantaged children experienced smaller change in motor problems. However, our results highlight the potential of structured physical activities in daycare centres and sports facilities to enhance the motor development of these children. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Motor Competence and Physical Activity in School Children)
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