The Relationship Between Daily Physical Activity and Motor Proficiency in 8–10 Years Old Amateur Children Athletes

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between motor proficiency and physical activity in 8-to 10-year old amateur children athletes. Methods:A total of 87 volunteer amateur athletes, consisting of 50 girls and 37 boys with a mean age of 9.18±0.8 years, participated in the research. Children's demographic data were recorded, and physical activity level was assessed by Bouchard's Physical Activity Record. Motor proficiency was determined by Bruininks Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP) which assess gross and fine motor skills with 8 headlines. Results:The 8 subtests assess motor proficiency, three of them were significantly associated with daily energy expenditure. Upper Limb Coordination Tests [Catching a tossed ball with two hands p=0.001; r=0.399), Throwing a Ball at a Target With Dominant Hand (p=0.016; r=0.303)] and daily energy expenditure were assigned associated significantly on positive way. Daily energy expenditure and reaction time were found associated significantly on negative way (p=0.023; r=-0.286). Discussion:In results; it's seen that children's motor proficiency is positively associated with physical activity and negatively associated with sedentary lifestyle. Due to the fact that motor performance is a determinant parameter in terms of physical activity, it was concluded that focusing on increasing motor skills from childhood onwards is an effective strategy for improving the physical activity and health of the child in the youth and adult periods.