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Review
. 2015 Oct 9:2:833-8.
doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2015.09.015. eCollection 2015.

Early motor skill competence as a mediator of child and adult physical activity

Paul D Loprinzi  1 , Robert E Davis  1 , Yang-Chieh Fu  2
Affiliations
Review

Early motor skill competence as a mediator of child and adult physical activity

Paul D Loprinzi et al. Prev Med Rep. .

Abstract

Objective: In order to effectively promote physical activity (PA) during childhood, and across the lifespan, a better understanding of the role of early motor skill development on child and adult PA is needed.

Methods: Here, we propose a conceptual model delineating the hypothesized influence of motor skill development on child and adult PA, while providing an overview of the current empirical research related to this model.

Results: There is consistent and emerging evidence showing that adequate motor skill competence, particularly locomotor and gross motor skills, is associated with increased PA levels during the preschool, child, and adolescent years, with early motor skill development also influencing enjoyment of PA as well as long-term PA and motor skill performance. The physical education setting appears to be a well-suited environment for motor skill development.

Conclusion: Employing appropriate strategies to target motor skill development across the childhood years is of paramount interest in helping shape children's PA behavior, their experiences related to PA, as well as maintain their PA.

Keywords: Child development; Exercise; Motor development.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Conceptual model delineating potential direct and indirect pathways of motor competence on child/adult physical activity.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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