Motor competence and health-related physical fitness in schoolchildren

Aim: to assess the possible associations between the development level of fundamental movement skills and health-related physical fitness in primary schoolchildren. Methods: in 21 healthy schoolchildren (14 girls) aged 7-12 years, motor competence was assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development, which provide motor competence score and also locomotor and object control skills scores; and health-related physical fitness was evaluated using the ALPHA-Fitness test battery, which includes the assessment of musculoskeletal fitness, body composition, and motor fitness. Results: locomotor skills were positively associated with musculoskeletal fitness (r=0.662; p<0.001) and inversely associated with motor fitness (r=-0.587, p=0.005). In addition, run was inversely related to body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (r=-0.550, p=0.010; r=-0.510, p=0.018, respectively). Regarding object control skills, they were also inversely associated with motor fitness (r=-0.532, p=0.013) and, in particular, catch with BMI (r=-0.487, p<0.025). The overhand throw was positively associated with musculoskeletal fitness (r=0.529, p=0.014).Conclusion: motor competence milestones of schoolchildren are associated with their anthropometric measurements and physical fitness indicators (musculoskeletal and motor fitness). These facts support the implementation of strategies to assess and try to improve the motor competence and physical fitness of schoolchildren, from the earliest ages, in order to increase their physical skills and long-term health.