Bidirectional Relationships among Children’s Perceived Competence, Motor Skill Competence, Physical Activity, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness across One School Year

Abstract

Purpose. The bidirectional associations among children’s motor skill competence (MSC), perceived competence (PC), physical activity (PA), and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) over time remain unanswered. This study is aimed at discerning the bidirectional relationships among elementary school children’s MSC, PC, PA and, CRF over the course of one school year. Methods. A total of 261 second and third grade children (127 boys, 134 girls; mea n age = 8.27 years; BMI = 18.22 ± 3.71 ) were recruited from two Texas elementary schools. Approximately 73.56% of participants were White American. Children’s baseline data were assessed in September/October in 2012 (Time1), and identical assessments were conducted in April/May in 2013 (Time2). MSC was assessed using product-oriented skill tests (e.g., throw, kick, and jump). PC was assessed via the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence for Children. Minutes spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was assessed using ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers for five days, and CRF was assessed by the PACER test. Six age- and body mass index-adjusted cross-lagged panel models were used to test the relationships between the variables. Results. We observed that T1 MSC significantly predicted T2 MSC ( β = 0.59 ; p < 0.01 ), T2 CRF ( β = 0.28 ; p < 0.01 ), and T2 MVPA ( β = 0.18 ; p < 0.01 ). Children’s CRF was a positive predictor for T2 CRF ( β = 0.56 ; p < 0.01 ) and T2 MSC ( β = 0.13 ; p < 0.05 ) Additionally, T1 MVPA significantly predicted T2 MVPA ( β = 0.30 ; p < 0.01 ) and T2 PC ( β = − 0.14 ; p < 0.05 ). Conclusion. Findings suggested a fully bidirectional relationship between elementary children’s MSC and CRF. Other bidirectional relationships among the variables were only partially supported. Educators and health professionals need to emphasize the importance of developing both MSC and CRF to maintain physical health over time.

Investigating Relationships between Preschool Children’s Perceived Competence, Motor Skills, and Physical Activity: A Cross-Lagged Panel Model

“…Furthermore, our total sample data indicated no significant bidirectional or predictive relationship between MSC and PC, indicating that MSC and PC were not considered as significant contributors of each variable. These observations aligned with a recent study that was held in two U.S. elementary schools [ 43 ]. However, several previous studies showed inconsistent findings [ 21 , 22 , 59 , 60 ].…”

“…Our study has several strengths. First, our study used a cross-lagged panel model approach, which allows us to investigate the direction and strength of the associations between PA, MSC, and PC by testing bidirectional relationships between the variables [ 43 ]. Second, we used objective measurements to assess PA, MSC, and PC in preschool children.…”

“…The main variables in the analyses included the T1 and T2 MVPA, T1 and T2 MSC, and T1 and T2 PC. This study employed a cross-lagged model panel approach to discover the dynamic bidirectional relationships between the variables at the two time points (i.e., at the baseline and the 8-week follow-up) [ 43 ]. Prior to our primary analyses, outliers were screened using boxplots and a paired t-test was used to compare the variable scores that were retained in the study across the two time points of assessment.…”

“…Furthermore, we observed the overall model fit of data by using the comparative fit index (CFI) and root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA). An RMSEA was classified as excellent if RMSEA < 0.05, good if RMSEA < 0.08, and normal if RMSEA < 0.1; for CFI, it was suggested to be excellent if CFI ≥ 0.90 [ 43 , 46 , 47 ].…”

Integrating Regular Exergaming Sessions in the ExerCube into a School Setting Increases Physical Fitness in Elementary School Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Without a certain physical fitness level and basic competencies in different motor skills, children are limited in the amount and range of PA they can undertake [ 8 ]. According to the literature, there is a strong association between motor skill performance, physical fitness, and PA participation [ 9 , 10 ]. Therefore, strategies aiming to improve children’s PA need to ensure children have the competency to be physically active in the first place [ 11 ].…”