Prevalence and correlates of low motor skill competency in Australian children

Tracking of Gross Motor Coordination From Childhood Into Adolescence

“…In addition, D'Hondt et al (2014) showed that children with lower motor coordination levels at baseline had an increase in BMI z-score Tracking of gross motor coordination after two years; and a higher BMI at baseline also predicted a decrease in gross motor coordination performance after two years. In addition, several other investigations have shown associations between low motor coordination and low physical activity and low fitness levels (Barnett, van Beurden, Morgan, Brooks, & Beard, 2008;Hardy, Reinten-Reynolds, Espinel, Zask, & Okely, 2012;Laukkanen et al, 2014;Lopes, Rodrigues, et al, 2011;Lubans et al, 2010;Morrison et al, 2012). In particular, motor coordination predicted overall physical activity, measured by questionnaire.…”

“…Therefore, lower motor coordinated children may be genetically predisposed to continue along that path unless the path is disrupted by intervention. Interventional studies have succeeded in improving skills in lower motor coordinated children (D'Hondt, Deforche, Bourdeaudhuij, & Lenoir, 2009;Graf et al, 2004;Hardy et al, 2012;Laukkanen et al, 2014;Lubans et al, 2010;Morgan et al, 2013;Morrison et al, 2012), which leads us to believe this is the case.…”

Measuring movement skill perceptions in preschool children: A face validity and reliability study

“…Children with developed FMS are more likely to engage in higher levels of physical activity and have a healthier weight (Hardy, Reinten‐Reynolds, Espinel, Zask & Okely, ). FMS are the locomotor (e.g.…”

“…(Clark & Metcalfe, ). However, recent data showed that only 50% of Australian children obtain mastery in most FMS by the end of primary school (Hardy et al .), which may have consequences for both current and future physical activity engagement and participation.…”

Relationship between children's performance‐based motor skills and child, parent, and teacher perceptions of children's motor abilities using self/informant‐report questionnaires

“…Approximately, 10–15% of Australian children are diagnosed with some form of motor disorder (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), , ), including deficits in either gross motor abilities (that involves large muscle groups to move the body or objects, such as running and riding a bicycle) or fine motor abilities (that includes manipulating small objects with the hands and fingers, such as handwriting and playing with LEGO ® ; Bee & Boyd, ; Burton & Miller, ). The negative impacts that motor deficits have on children are well documented, including experiencing difficulties in performing daily tasks, poor peer relationships in school settings, lack of physical activity from childhood to adulthood and increased parental stress (Cermak, Gubbay & Larkin, ; Hardy, O'Hara, Rogers, St George & Bauman, ; Hardy, Reinten‐Reynolds, Espinel, Zask & Okely, ; Larkin & Summers, ; Livesey, Lum, Toshack & Zheng, ; May‐Benson, Ingolia & Koomar, ; Rose & Larkin, ).…”