Relationship Between Fundamental Motor Skill Competence, Perceived Physical Competence and Free-Play Physical Activity in Children

Abstract

<b>Purpose</b>: This study examined the extent to which fundamental motor skill competence (FMSC; locomotor and object control skill competence) and perceived physical competence (PPC) predicted physical activity levels and sedentary behaviors during free-play time at preschool. <b>Method</b>: A total of 72 children (girls <i>n</i> = 33, boys <i>n</i> = 39; <i>M</i>_age = 4.38, <i>SD</i> = .85 years) were recruited from two preschools. Fundamental motor skill competence was measured using the Test of Gross Motor Development - 2nd edition, and PPC was assessed using the physical competence subscale of the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance. Physical activity was measured using accelerometers. <b>Results</b>: Children engaged in light physical activity 19.66%, and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) 36.41%, and sedentary behaviors 43.94% of their free-play time. Since no correlation was observed in light physical activity with any variables, a hierarchical multiple linear regression was run for MVPA and sedentary behaviors. The results illustrated 38.9% of the variance in MVPA during free-play time was predicted by FMSC and PPC, after controlling for age and sex, with locomotor skill competence as a significant predictor (<i>t</i>= 2.98, <i>p</i> < .05). For sedentary behaviors, the 32.9% of the variance during free-play time was predicted by FMSC and PPC, after controlling age and sex, with locomotor skill competence as a significant predictor (<i>t</i> = 2.72, <i>p</i> < .05). <b>Conclusion</b>: The findings highlight the importance of developing FMSC and positive PPC during early childhood to enhance physical activity engagement during free-play.