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Pre‐schoolers fundamental movement skills predict BMI, physical activity, and sedentary behavior: A longitudinal study
Author(s) -
Duncan Michael J.,
Hall Charlotte,
Eyre Emma,
Barnett Lisa M.,
James Rob S.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of medicine and science in sports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.575
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1600-0838
pISSN - 0905-7188
DOI - 10.1111/sms.13746
Subject(s) - body mass index , physical activity , test (biology) , longitudinal study , medicine , sedentary behavior , physical therapy , demography , gerontology , psychology , paleontology , pathology , sociology , biology
Aims This study aimed to predict the variation in future fundamental movement skills (FMS), physical activity (PA) and body mass index (BMI) from prior FMS, PA, and BMI in British pre‐schoolers. Methods British pre‐schoolers (n = 177) underwent assessment of FMS, via the Test of Gross Motor Development 2 (TGMD‐2), BMI, and PA, via accelerometer at two time points one year apart. Regression analysis was used to predict the change in PA and BMI in Year 2 from FMS variables in Year 1 and Year 2. Results Variation in FMS performance between individuals predicted a significant amount of change in BMI, with 12.3 and 9.8% of the change in Year 2 BMI data explained by change in Year 1 and Year 2 FMS data, respectively. Change in FMS performance between individuals predicted a significant amount of change in PA, but was better at predicting change in sedentary activity rather than light or moderate‐vigorous activities. A combination of run, throw, dribble, and kick performance predicted 46.1% of the change in sedentary activity between individuals in the 2nd year of testing. Conclusions FMS mastery at four years of age predicts children's BMI and time spent sedentary at five years of age.