Motor Skill Performance and Physical Activity in Low-Income Hispanic Children

• In Event: 49.089 - Poster Session 9
  In Poster Session: 49.089-10 - EE/CD SIG Poster Session

Abstract

Guided by Stodden et al’s conceptual model (Stodden et al., 2008), main purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between motor skill performance and four different intensity levels of physical activity (PA). A prospective design was used in this study. Participants were 115 (58 boys; 57 girls) lower-income Hispanic Kindergarteners recruited from three public schools in the southern United States. Results indicate motor skill scores were positively related to moderate-to-vigorous PA. Regression analysis indicates that locomotor skill was a significant predictor of children’s sedentary behavior. Gender and age differences among study variables were evident. Adequate motor skill development during childhood may result in participating in more varied physical activities, thus leading to higher intensities of PA.

Authors

• Xiangli Gu, Univeristy of North Texas

• Yulin Chen, University of North Texas