Physical activity types and motor skills in 3-5-year old children: National Youth Fitness Survey

This study examined relationships between specific types of physical activity (PA) and motor skill development in preschool-aged children. This study was completed using a cross-sectional study design. Data from children 3−5years old (N=342, 51% males) who participated in the 2012 National Youth Fitness Survey were analyzed. PA was measured using a questionnaire by parent report and motor skill development determined by Test of Gross Motor Development-2nd Edition (TGMD-2). Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between PA type and overall Gross Motor Quotient (GMQ) controlling for age, sex, race, and parental socioeconomic status. Commonly reported activities were running (43%), playing outdoor games (35%), and riding a bike (34%). Based on the standard scores, participants’ motor skill development for Locomotor, Object Control, and overall GMQ were considered average. Participation in the following physical activities were positively associated with GMQ: riding a bike (β (SE)=5.27 (2.02), p=0.02), scooter riding (β (SE)=9.83 (2.59), p=0.002), swimming (β (SE)=4.01 (1.17), p=0.004), and jumping on a trampoline (β (SE)=7.45 (3.09), p=0.03). With the exception of riding a bike, the physical activities positively related to GMQ had a reported range of participation between 7–12%. Participation in specific physical activities was related to higher GMQ in preschool-aged children. Also, with the exception of riding a bike, the activities that the children participated in the most were not the same as the activities that were positively related to motor skill development.