Cross-cultural comparison of fundamental movement skills in 9- to 10-year-old children from England and China

2021 ◽  
pp. 1356336X2110555
Author(s):  
Jiani Ma ◽  
Michael J. Duncan ◽  
Si-Tong Chen ◽  
Emma L.J. Eyre ◽  
Yujun Cai
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cultural Differences ◽  
Motor Development ◽  
Optimal Strategies ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Chinese Children ◽  
Movement Skills ◽  
Cross Cultural Differences ◽  
Fundamental Movement Skills ◽  
Activity Promotion

The present study aimed to examine cross-cultural differences in fundamental movement skills (FMS) proficiency levels in children aged 9–10 years old in England and China, using a process-oriented FMS measurement. Four FMS (run, jump, throw, catch) were measured using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2). The sample consisted of 272 (58.3% boys, 41.7% girls) Chinese children and 273 (48.7% boys, 51.3% girls) English children. ANCOVA analysis for the raw FMS scores showed significant sex by country interaction ( P = .022, partial η2 = .01). Chinese children scored higher than English children on total FMS, locomotor, and object control skill subsets. Additional Chi-squared analyses revealed significant differences regarding mastery levels of skills, with a higher proportion of Chinese children being classified as having advanced skill proficiency across three of four selected FMS (i.e. run, throw, and catch). The substantial cross-cultural differences found may be related to aspects such as Physical Education (PE) provision and process, educational policy, and other physical activity opportunities (e.g. extracurricular organised sports). Our findings require further examination of the contextual influences, in order to understand the optimal strategies that promote children's FMS development through PE, youth sports, or physical activity promotion.

scholarly journals Actual and Perceived Motor Competence Levels of Belgian and United States Preschool Children

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (s2) ◽  
pp. S320-S336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Brian ◽  
Farid Bardid ◽  
Lisa M. Barnett ◽  
Frederik J.A. Deconinck ◽  
Matthieu Lenoir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
United States ◽  
Cultural Differences ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Motor Competence ◽  
Actual Object ◽  
Object Control ◽  
Cross Cultural Differences ◽  
The Us ◽  
Us Children

Purpose: The present study examined the motor competence of preschool children from Belgium and the United States (US), and the influence of perceived motor competence on actual motor competence. A secondary objective was to compare the levels of motor competence of Belgian and US children using the US norms of the Test of Gross Motor Development, Second Edition (TGMD-2). Methods: All participants (N = 326; ages 4–5 years) completed the TGMD-2 and the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence for Young Children. Results: Belgian children performed significantly higher on actual object control and locomotor skills than US children. However, both Belgian and US children scored significantly worse on the TGMD-2 when compared to the US norm group from 1997–1998. Furthermore, perceived motor competence was significantly related to actual object control skills but not locomotor skills. Conclusion: The present study showed cross-cultural differences in actual motor competence in young children. The findings also indicate a secular downward trend in childhood competence levels, possibly due to a decrease in physical activity and increase in sedentary behavior. Future research should consider conducting an in-depth exploration of physical activity contexts such as physical education to better understand cross-cultural differences in motor competence.

scholarly journals Feasibility of the Go2Play Active Play intervention for increasing physical and social development in children with intellectual disabilities

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arlene McGarty ◽  
Nathalie Jones ◽  
Katie Rutherford ◽  
Sophie Westrop ◽  
Lara Sutherland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Motor Development ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Active Play ◽  
Play Intervention ◽  
Movement Skills ◽  
School Based ◽  
Fundamental Movement Skills

Abstract Introduction An active play is designed to increase children’s physical activity levels and fundamental movement skills through outdoor play and is well-suited to the needs of children with intellectual disabilities. However, no active play interventions have included children with intellectual disabilities. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of a school-based active play intervention for children with intellectual disabilities. Method Children aged 7–12 years who had intellectual disabilities and were independently ambulatory were eligible. This single-group 17-week intervention was implemented in two additional support needs schools. It consisted of a weekly 1-h active play session incorporating 30 min of structured games and 30 min of free play. Feasibility of recruitment/retention, adherence, and outcome measures were investigated. Outcome measures included school-based physical activity (ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer), fundamental movement skills (Test of Gross Motor Development-2), and social interactions (Playground Observation of Peer Engagement). Staff feedback was collected via open-ended questionnaire. Feasibility was investigated using descriptive statistics and questionnaire data analyzed using thematic analysis. Potential pre-post changes were investigated for school-based physical activity, fundamental movement skills, and social interactions using paired samples t tests. The progression criteria were (1) > 50% of eligible participants recruited, (2) > 50% of recruited participants retained, (3) > 50% of active play sessions spent in MVPA, and (4) > 50% of participants complete outcome measurements. Results All progression criteria were met. Recruitment and retention rates were 100% (n=21 participants). Intervention adherence was high, based on data from n=1 school, with 90% of participants attending all sessions. Measuring physical activity using accelerometry and fundamental movement skills using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 were feasible. The Playground Observation of Peer Engagement tool to measure social interactions was not feasible. The only significant increase post-intervention was for social interactions during structured play (pre–post mean difference: –1.46, 95% CI −1.99, −0.93). Staff feedback was positive with the intervention well received by schools and potential benefits post-intervention identified by teachers. Conclusion The Go2Play Active Play intervention is feasible for children with intellectual disabilities. Future research should further investigate feasibility and implementation on a larger scale using a pilot cluster randomised controlled trial. Trial registration ISRCTN registry: ISRCTN10277566.

Correlates of College Students’ Physical Activity: Cross-Cultural Differences

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 421-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong-Chul Seo ◽  
Mohammad R. Torabi ◽  
Nan Jiang ◽  
Xinia Fernandez-Rojas ◽  
Bock-Hee Park
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
College Students ◽  
Cultural Differences ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
The Past ◽  
Cross Cultural Differences ◽  
Vigorous Intensity

This study examined cross-cultural differences in personal and behavioral determinants of vigorous-intensity and moderate-intensity physical activity (PA) among college students living in distinctly different cultures, that is, the United States, Costa Rica, India, and South Korea. Participants of this study were recruited from randomly chosen public universities in the 4 countries during the 2006-2007 academic year. A total of 4685 students participated in the study (response rate 90%). Vigorous-intensity PA was measured by asking on how many of the past 7 days the participants participated in PA for at least 20 minutes that made them sweat or breathe hard. For moderate-intensity PA, participants were asked on how many of the past 7 days they participated in PA for at least 30 minutes that did not make them sweat or breathe hard. Findings indicate that whereas perceived overweight and fruit and vegetable consumption are relatively culture-free predictors of PA, gender and TV/video watching are culture-specific predictors. Binge drinking was not predictive of meeting the vigorous-intensity and moderate-intensity PA guidelines in any of the 4 countries.

scholarly journals Association between Physical Activity and Fundamental Movement Skills in Preschool-Aged Children: Does Perceived Movement Skill Competence Mediate This Relationship?

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 1289
Author(s):  
Qing He ◽  
Johan Y. Y. Ng ◽  
John Cairney ◽  
Chloe Bedard ◽  
Amy S. C. Ha
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Motor Development ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Bootstrap Method ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Movement Skills ◽  
Fundamental Movement Skills ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Preschool Aged Children

Objectives: The purpose of this research is to examine whether perceived fundamental movement skills (FMS) competence mediated the relationship between actual FMS and physical activity (PA) in Hong Kong preschool-aged children. Design: A cross−sectional study. Methods: 148 preschool-aged children (43% girls; mean age = 4.52 ± 0.67 years) from five preschools/childcare centres completed all assessments. Actual FMS was rated using the Test of Gross Motor Development−2, whilst perceived FMS was assessed via the Pictorial Scale for Perceived Movement Skill Competence. PA was measured through accelerometry. A bootstrap method was used to assess the potential mediating effect of perceived movement skill competence on the relationship between actual FMS and PA. All mediation models were adjusted for sex and age. Results: Mediation analyses showed that the direct path between actual FMS and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was significant (b = 0.228, p = 0.008), as was the path between MVPA and actual FMS (b = 0.214, p = 0.008). However, perceived FMS competence did not mediate the association between actual FMS and MVPA in the models. Conclusions: Our results showed evidence of reciprocal pathways between actual FMS and MVPA, reinforcing the need to simultaneously target both domains as part of broader developmental strategies, initiated in early childhood. Unlike emergent adolescence, perceptions of movement skill competence do not play a significant role in influencing the relationship between actual FMS proficiency and MVPA in this developmental period.

Predicting cross-cultural intentions to engage in physical activity

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 307-324
Author(s):  
Najam Us Saqib
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Theory Of Planned Behavior ◽  
Cultural Differences ◽  
Planned Behavior ◽  
South Asian ◽  
North American ◽  
Behavioral Intentions ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cross Cultural Differences

Purpose This research identifies cross-cultural differences between perception and behavioral intentions of Western and South Asian consumers to engage in physical activity. The theory of planned behavior is applied. It aims to provide insights to healthcare marketers and managers to address the problems of being overweight and obese in South Asia. Design/methodology/approach Path analysis was used to conduct this research. Two online questionnaires were used to collect data from South Asian and North American respondents. Cross-cultural differences were identified based on results from structural equation models. Findings Path analysis shows that the theory of planned behavior effectively predicted the behavioral intentions of North American and South Asian respondents. South Asians are more strongly influenced by subjective norms and perceived behavioral control in their intentions to engage in physical activity. On the other hand, North Americans are more strongly influenced by their attitudes. Practical implications A consistent campaign to increase awareness about the risks of being overweight and obese will be necessary in South Asian countries to address this problem. Healthcare marketers need to emphasize marketing messages that lead to positive attitudes toward a healthy lifestyle in society and form public opinion such that it increases the role of social norms. Originality/value The research establishes the utility of the theory of planned behavior for South Asian populations. It identifies cross-cultural differences in terms of how behavioral intentions to engage in physical activity are formed in North American and South Asian populations. The findings are relevant to healthcare service managers and marketers in South Asia.

scholarly journals Fundamental Movement Skills and Physical Activity of 3–4-Year-Old Children within Early Childhood Centers in New Zealand

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 742
Author(s):  
Ajmol Ali ◽  
Claire McLachlan ◽  
Tara McLaughlin ◽  
Owen Mugridge ◽  
Cathryn Conlon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Motor Development ◽  
Gross Motor ◽  
Object Control ◽  
Childhood Education ◽  
Gross Motor Development ◽  
Movement Skills ◽  
Fundamental Movement Skills ◽  
Light Medium

We sought to describe and explore relationships between fundamental movement skills (FMS) and level of physical activity (PA; light-, medium-, vigorous, and kCal/hour) in preschool children, aged 3–4-years-old, across four early childhood education (ECE) settings. Children’s FMS were assessed using the Test for Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2; n = 81) and PA via accelerometers (S = 53). Eighty-four children participated, with 50 in both assessments. The TGMD-2 showed as the children got older, their locomotor skills (p < 0.001, r = 0.512) and object control motor skills (p < 0.001, r = 0.383) improved. Accelerometry showed children were primarily inactive at ECE (78.3% of the time). There were significant correlations between kCal/hour and light (p < 0.001, r = −0.688), moderate (p < 0.001, r = 0.599) and vigorous (p < 0.001, rs = 0.707) activity, and between gross motor quotient and locomotor (p < 0.001, r = 0.798) and object control (p < 0.001, r = 0.367) skills. No correlation was observed between gross motor quotient and kCal/hour. To conclude, children in this cohort were primarily inactive during ECE center hours. Moreover, gross motor quotient was significantly correlated to locomotor and object control skills.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Afterschool Activity Programs’ (ASAP) Effect on Children’s Physical Activity, Physical Health, and Fundamental Movement Skills

2021 ◽  
pp. 109019812110332
Author(s):  
Mitchell Crozier ◽  
Niko S. Wasenius ◽  
Kathryn M. Denize ◽  
Danilo F. da Silva ◽  
Taniya S. Nagpal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Aerobic Capacity ◽  
Motor Development ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Physical Literacy ◽  
Object Control ◽  
Gross Motor Development ◽  
Movement Skills ◽  
Fundamental Movement Skills

Background Physical literacy-focused afterschool activity programs (ASAPs) can be an effective strategy to improve children’s health-related parameters. We sought to compare physical activity, body composition, aerobic capacity, and fundamental movement skills between physical literacy-focused ASAP and a standard recreational ASAP. Method A pre–post (6 months) comparison study was conducted in 5- to 12-year-old children in a physical literacy-focused ASAP (physical literacy group, n = 14) and children attending a standard recreational ASAP (comparison group, n = 15). Physical activity guideline adherence was assessed using accelerometry, body composition was analyzed using bioelectrical impedance, aerobic capacity was estimated using the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run test, and fundamental movement skills were evaluated using the Test of Gross Motor Development–2. Results There were no significant differences between groups at baseline. After 6 months, the physical literacy group exhibited a significant improvement in their total raw score for the Test of Gross Motor Development–2 ( p = .016), which was likely due to improvements in object control skills ( p = .024). The comparison group significantly increased body mass index ( p = .001) and body fat ( p = .009) over time. No significant between-group differences were found; however, there was a trend for improved aerobic capacity in the physical literacy group ( d = 0.58). Conclusions Engagement in the physical literacy-focused ASAP contributed to an attenuated increase in adiposity and an improvement in object control skills.

scholarly journals Fundamental Movement Skills and Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity Levels during Early Childhood: A Systematic Review

Children ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 224
Author(s):  
Alexandra Dobell ◽  
Andy Pringle ◽  
Mark A. Faghy ◽  
Clare M. P. Roscoe
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Motor Development ◽  
Conclusive Evidence ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Movement Skills ◽  
Fundamental Movement Skills

Early childhood is a key period for children to begin developing and practicing fundamental movement skills (FMS), while aiming to perform sufficient physical activity (PA). This study reviews the current evidence for the levels of achievement in FMS and PA measured using accelerometers among 4–5-year-old children and examines differences by gender. This review was conducted using the PRISMA framework. Keyword searches were conducted in Pubmed, Medline, Google Scholar and SPORTDiscus. Inclusion criteria included age: 4–5 years old; FMS measurement: Test of Gross Motor Development 2 and 3; PA measurement: objective methods; balance measurement: static single limb; study design: cross-sectional observational/descriptive, randomised control trials, intervention studies; language: English. Twenty-eight articles from twenty-one countries met the inclusion criteria and were split into either FMS and PA articles (n = 10) or balance articles (n = 18). Three articles showed children achieving 60 min of moderate to vigorous PA per day, two articles demonstrated significant differences between girls’ and boys’ performance of locomotor skills and five reported locomotor skills to be more proficient than object control skills at this age for both genders. Balance was measured in time (n = 12), points score (n = 3) or biomechanical variables (n = 3), displaying heterogeneity of not only measurement but also outcomes within these data, with static single limb balance held between 6.67 to 87.6 s within the articles. Four articles reported girls to have better balance than boys. There is little conclusive evidence of the current levels for FMS, PA and balance achievement in young children 4–5 years of age. The academic literature consistently reports low levels of FMS competence and mixed evidence for PA levels. Inconsistencies lie in balance measurement methodology, with broad-ranging outcomes of both low and high achievement at 4–5 years old. Further research is required to focus on increasing practice opportunities for children to improve their FMS, increase PA levels and establish sufficient balance ability. Consistent and comparable outcomes during early childhood through more homogenous methodologies are warranted.

Cognitive gadgets: A provocative but flawed manifesto

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Del Giudice
Keyword(s):  
Theory Of Mind ◽  
Cultural Differences ◽  
Twin Studies ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Evolutionary Approach ◽  
Genetic Inheritance ◽  
Double Standards ◽  
Cross Cultural Differences ◽  
Cherry Picking ◽  
Dichotomous Thinking

Abstract The argument against innatism at the heart of Cognitive Gadgets is provocative but premature, and is vitiated by dichotomous thinking, interpretive double standards, and evidence cherry-picking. I illustrate my criticism by addressing the heritability of imitation and mindreading, the relevance of twin studies, and the meaning of cross-cultural differences in theory of mind development. Reaching an integrative understanding of genetic inheritance, plasticity, and learning is a formidable task that demands a more nuanced evolutionary approach.

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