Associations between Fundamental Movement Skills and Moderate-to-Vigorous Intensity Physical Activity among Chinese Children and Adolescents with Intellectual Disability

Abstract

Higher physical activity (PA) levels will obtain more health-related benefits for children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID). The mastery of fundamental movement skills (FMS) potentially correlates with PA. This study aimed to examine the associations of FMS with moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) levels in children and adolescents with moderate to severe ID. Moreover, this research analyzes whether there are gender and age differences in the association between these two variables. A total of 93 children and adolescents with ID, aged 8–17 years (mean age = 13.27; SD = 3.35), were recruited from a special school located in western China. The time spent in MVPA was measured using waist-worn accelerometers. FMS proficiency was assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development 2 (TGMD-2). Children and adolescents with ID tend to have delayed maturity of FMS patterns (locomotor skills t (92) = −16.91, p < 0.001, d = 2.48; object control skills t (92) = −25.39, p < 0.001, d = 3.72; total FMS t (92) = −21.83, p < 0.001, d = 3.20) and lower proficiency in objective control skills (t (92) = 3.989, p < 0.001, d = 0.29). A significant positive correlation was found between MVPA and FMS, and this association was moderated by gender and age. For boys, object control skills were a significant predictor of MVPA time (B = 0.842, p < 0.01), whereas locomotor skills were a significant predictor of MVPA time (B = 0.472, p < 0.05) for girls. For children with ID, object control skills were a significant predictor of MVPA time (B = 0.736, p < 0.05). Proficiency in FMS has a positive effect on increasing the level of MVPA in children and adolescents with ID. Gender and age factors should be considered when implementing FMS intervention programs.

Association between Fundamental Movement Skills and Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity in Orphan Children with Severe Intellectual Disabilities

“…Recent studies have begun to investigate the relationship between FMS and PA among children with ID. Wang et al (2022) examined the association between FMS and PA in children and adolescents with moderate to severe ID from a special school, with a total of 93 children aged 8-17 years [20]. The authors concluded that object control skills were a signi cant predictor of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) in children and adolescents with ID [20].…”

“…Wang et al (2022) examined the association between FMS and PA in children and adolescents with moderate to severe ID from a special school, with a total of 93 children aged 8-17 years [20]. The authors concluded that object control skills were a signi cant predictor of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) in children and adolescents with ID [20]. However, that study examined the association among children with moderate to severe ID, and the sample size was relatively small.…”

The Influence of Physical Activity Regime on Body Composition in Teenagers With and Without Intellectual Disabilities

“…Up to this day, just a few studies have investigated physical activity involving children and teenagers and the opportunities available to them in school (e.g., participating in games, interactive programs) and outside it (i.e., active commute -walking from home to school and vice versa, participating in practices within clubs after school). Furthermore, whereas scientists are aware of the low levels of physical activity engaging children and teenagers with intellectual disabilities (Wang et al, 2022), it is hard for researchers to determine the time and methods for this population to exercise due to the limited number of studies. The school environment, the Physical Education classes, and the periods for play provide a substantial amount of time for children and teenagers to engage in physical activities (Maiano & Hue, 2019).…”