Citation

Barnett LM, van Beurden E, Morgan PJ, Brooks LO, Beard JR. J. Adolesc. Health 2009; 44(3): 252-259.

Affiliation

University of Sydney, Department of Rural Health (Northern Rivers), Lismore, NSW, Australia. lisa.barnett@deakin.edu.au

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jadohealth.2008.07.004

PMID

19237111

Abstract

PURPOSE: Cross-sectional evidence has demonstrated the importance of motor skill proficiency to physical activity participation, but it is unknown whether skill proficiency predicts subsequent physical activity. METHODS: In 2000, children's proficiency in object control (kick, catch, throw) and locomotor (hop, side gallop, vertical jump) skills were assessed in a school intervention. In 2006/07, the physical activity of former participants was assessed using the Australian Physical Activity Recall Questionnaire. Linear regressions examined relationships between the reported time adolescents spent participating in moderate-to-vigorous or organized physical activity and their childhood skill proficiency, controlling for gender and school grade. A logistic regression examined the probability of participating in vigorous activity. RESULTS: Of 481 original participants located, 297 (62%) consented and 276 (57%) were surveyed. All were in secondary school with females comprising 52% (144). Adolescent time in moderate-to-vigorous and organized activity was positively associated with childhood object control proficiency. Respective models accounted for 12.7% (p = .001), and 18.2% of the variation (p = .003). Object control proficient children became adolescents with a 10% to 20% higher chance of vigorous activity participation. CONCLUSIONS: Object control proficient children were more likely to become active adolescents. Motor skill development should be a key strategy in childhood interventions aiming to promote long-term physical activity.

Language: en