Relationship of physical activity to fundamental movement skills among adolescents

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the relationship of participation in organized and nonorganized physical activity with fundamental movement skills among adolescents.

Methods: Male and female children in Grade 8 (mean age, 13.3 yr) and Grade 10 (mean age, 15.3 yr) were assessed on six fundamental movement skills (run, vertical jump, catch, overhand throw, forehand strike, and kick). Physical activity was assessed using a self-report recall measure where students reported the type, duration, and frequency of participation in organized physical activity and nonorganized physical activity during a usual week.

Results: Multiple regression analysis indicated that fundamental movement skills significantly predicted time in organized physical activity, although the percentage of variance it could explain was small. This prediction was stronger for girls than for boys. Multiple regression analysis showed no relationship between time in nonorganized physical activity and fundamental movement skills.

Conclusion: Fundamental movement skills are significantly associated with adolescents' participation in organized physical activity, but predict only a small portion of it.