Association between motor competence, health-related fitness and body mass index in 4th grade school children

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between Motor Competence (MC), Cardiorespiratory Fitness (CRF), Muscular Strength (MS) and Body Mass Index (BMI) in 4th grade school children. This cross-sectional study included 116 children enrolled in the 4th grade (62 boys; Mage 9.95yrs ± -0.33). Motor competence was assessed by a Motor Competence Assessment instrument, CRF was assessed by a 20m shuttle run test, and MS was assessed by a countermovement vertical jump power on a force platform. The BMI was calculated from measured weight and height. Pearson’s correlation was used to analyze correlations between all variables. There were large positive associations between MC and both CRF and MS, as well as a large inverse association between MC and BMI; there were inverse associations between BMI and both CRF (moderate) and MS (large); there was a positive moderate association between CRF and MS (p≤0.005). The associations found among these parameters, both in boys and girls, highlight the critical role of MC in health, as it is related to better physical fitness levels. Given that association, it may be important to promote MC to enhance physical fitness and reduce the negative effects of a higher BMI in children.