Relationships among Actual Motor Competence, Perceived Motor Competence, and Health-Related Fitness in College-Aged Males

Abstract

Actual motor competence (MC), perceived motor competence (PMC), and health-related fitness (HRF) exhibit a dynamic and reciprocal relationship in child populations, but little is known about the nature of these relationships in young adulthood. The purpose of the study was to assess these relationships in a sample of college-aged males. A total of 55 participants enrolled in an undergraduate Kinesiology course completed the study. Perceived motor competence (PMC) was assessed with the Physical Self-Perception Profile questionnaire; MC was assessed using maximum throw and kick speed and maximum jump distance; HRF was assessed with a two-minute push-up test, two-minute sit-up test, and the Multistage 20-m Shuttle Run Test. Pearson’s bivariate correlations were calculated to assess relationships among PMC total score, MC scores, and HRF scores. Two separate indices were calculated to create composite total MC and total HRF scores used for subsequent analyses. Significant correlations were found between PMC total score, MC index, and HRF index. Multiple linear regressions were used for analyzing predictive measures for HRF and PMC scores. From the two regression models, significance varied among total MC scores, PMC scores, and HRF individual measures. These findings may suggest that relationships among MC, HRF, and PMC strengthen over developmental time in young adult males.

Examining the Link between Isokinetic Strength Metrics and Ball Speed in Women’s Soccer

“…The ball velocities of the players were measured using a highly reliable hand-held radar gun (Bushnell 101911, Overland Park, KS, USA) that has previously been reported to have a strong correlation (r = 0.88) [19][20][21]. Before the measurements, the players engaged in a 15 min warm-up session with the ball, followed by additional warm-up exercises consisting of taking ten penalty kicks, each from a distance of 11 m. Subsequently, they were instructed to take shots at a goal with dimensions of 2 m × 3 m from a distance of 11 m. The radar device was manually placed behind the goal, precisely at its center, to record the shot with the highest ball speed among three attempts, measured in kilometers per hour (km/h).…”

“…Studies highlight the reliability of speed data obtained with handheld radar devices, which are frequently utilized in biomechanical research for measuring the velocity of objects [19][20][21]. Consequently, the speed at which the ball travels during a shot can be reliably and easily gauged using such equipment [22,23].…”