A multivariate multilevel analysis of youth motor competence. The Peruvian Health and Optimist Growth Study.

We use a multivariate multilevel model to study the links between physical fitness (PF) and gross motor coordination (GMC) and investigate the influence of predictors affecting their levels across age. We sampled 7918 Peruvians, aged 6-15 years, from sea-level, Amazon region and high-altitude. Composite markers of GMC and PF were derived (GMCz and PFz , respectively). BMI, biological maturation, and stunting were assessed. School characteristics were obtained via an objective audit. School contexts explained 35% of the associations between PFz and GMCz , whereas children's characteristics explained 65% of the total variation. On average, with increasing age, there was a greater increase in GMCz (ß = 0.79 ± 0.04, P < .001) than in PFz (ß = 0.15 ± 0.03, P < .001); boys outperformed girls (PFz , ß = 3.25 ± 0.08, P < .001; GMCz , ß = 1.58 ± 0.09, P < .001); those with lower BMI and ahead in their maturation had higher PFz (ß = -0.13 ± 0.01, P < .001; ß = 1.09 ± 0.05, P < .001, respectively) and GMCz (ß = -0.18 ± 0.01, P < .001; ß = 0.39 ± 0.06, P < .001, respectively) levels. Stunting was negatively related to PFz (ß = -0.30 ± 0.07; P < .001) and GMCz (ß = -0.30 ± 0.08, P < .001) and high-altitude Peruvians had significantly lower GMCz (ß = -0.93 ± 0.33, P < .001), and those living in the Amazon region had significantly higher PFz (ß = 1.21 ± 0.58, P < .001) compared to those living at sea level. A higher number of students was negatively related to PFz (ß = -0.016 ± 0.006, P < .001) and positively with GMCz (ß = 0.005 ± 0.003, P < .001); the duration of physical education classes was positively associated with PFz (ß = 0.70 ± 0.32, P < .001) and GMCz (ß = 0.46 ± 0.15, P < .001); and the existence of policies for physical activity was only negatively associated with GMCz (ß = -1.17 ± 0.34, P < .001). In conclusion, PFz and GMCz were positively correlated and child- and school-level traits predicted their levels.

A multilevel analysis of gross motor coordination of children and adolescents living at different altitudes: the Peruvian Health and Optimist Growth Study.

BACKGROUND: Gross motor coordination (GMC) is a potential correlate of lifestyle behaviours and health outcomes in childhood and adolescence. AIMS: The aim of this study was to examine how sex, age, biological maturation, overweight, stunting, and physical fitness are associated with GMC in children and adolescents from Peru, and to examine associations between geographical area of residence, school-level characteristics, and GMC. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The sample included 7408 subjects, aged 6-14 years, from sea level, Amazon and high-altitude regions of Peru. A composite marker of total coordination was derived by the sum of scores from each test (GMCT). Overweight was identified using BMI, and biological maturation, physical fitness, and stunting were assessed. School characteristics were obtained via an objective audit. RESULTS: Boys (ß = 12.23 ± 0.90) and older children (ß = 13.37 ± 0.64) had higher GMCT than girls and younger children, respectively. Overweight was associated with lower GMCT (ß = -5.23 ± 0.80), whereas fitness was positively associated with GMCT (ß = 6.30 ± 0.25). Biological maturation was not a predictor; however, stunting was negatively associated with GMCT (ß = -3.71 ± 1.56). Subjects living in the Amazon had higher GMCT than those at sea level (ß = 16.57 ± 4.73). Five of nine school-level predictors (number of students, playground area with obstacles, multi-sports roofed, frequency and duration of Physical Education classes) were significant predictors of GMCT. CONCLUSIONS: Child- and school-level variables were significantly associated with GMCT in this sample. These findings are important for the Peruvian community, especially school principals, councils and physical education teachers, helping them to define more efficient strategies and action plans to increase motor coordination in children.

Modelling the dynamics of children's gross motor coordination.

This study modelled children's gross motor coordination, investigated sex-differences and identified the effects of fixed and dynamic correlates on motor coordination development. A total of 344 Portuguese children (170 girls), from 6 age cohorts (5 to 9 years of age), were followed consecutively for three years (age range 5 to 11 years) using a mixed-longitudinal cohort design. Birth weight, hand dominance and socioeconomic status (SES) were identified. Gross motor coordination, body mass index, physical fitness (PF) and physical activity (PA) were assessed annually. A sequence of multilevel hierarchical linear models were developed. Model 1 found that age, age2, sex, sex-by-age and sex-by-age2 were significant predictors (p < 0.05) of gross motor coordination. Boys outperformed girls from 6 years of age onwards. Model 2 found a cohort effect (p < 0.05). Model 3 found that right handers were more coordinated (p < 0.05). When the confounders of body mass index, PF and PA were added to the model (Model 4) it was found that boys and girls had parallel trajectories in their gross motor coordination development. In conclusion children with increasing body mass index were less coordinated, while those who were stronger and more agile had steeper trajectories of gross motor coordination with age.

Tracking of gross motor coordination in Portuguese children.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the tracking of gross motor coordination (GMC) and to profile children at 6 years of age who consistently showed higher stability patterns in different levels of GMC. The participants were 245 children (123 boys and 122 girls) who were assessed longitudinally from 6 to 9 years of age. GMC was assessed using the Korperkoordinationtest fur Kinder (KTK) test battery. Anthropometry, physical activity, and health- and performance-related physical fitness were also measured. Cohen's kappa (κ) was used to estimate tracking. Tracking was poor for all GMC tests (0.17 ≤ κ ≤ 0.38) and moderate for the GMC motor quotient (MQ) in both boys and girls (0.44 ≤ κ ≤ 0.45). Instability at the extremes was low in GMC tests and negligible for MQ. Children who consistently showed high GMC levels during the 4 years of follow-up were lighter, had lower body mass index and subcutaneous fat, and showed higher scores in physical fitness tests at 6 years of age than those who consistently had low GMC levels. In conclusion, GMC showed low-to-moderate tracking over time in childhood. However, children who consistently demonstrated high GMC levels over time had healthier profiles at 6 years of age.

Familial resemblance in gross motor coordination. The Peruvian Sibling Study on Growth and Health.

BACKGROUND: The development of gross motor coordination (GMC) is governed by biological and environmental factors whose effect sizes are still unclear. AIM: To investigate sibling resemblance in GMC, as well as biological and environmental correlates of GMC among Peruvian children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample comprised 1256 biological siblings (6-15 years old), from three geographical areas of Peru. GMC was assessed using the Korperkoordinationtest für Kinder (KTK) test battery. Anthropometry, biological maturation and physical fitness (PF) were also measured. Multilevel modelling was performed using Stata 14 software. RESULTS: In general, sister-sister pairs (SS) showed the highest resemblance in GMC (ρ = 0.24) compared to brother-sister (BS) (ρ = 0.10) and brother-brother (BB) pairs (ρ = 0.07). On average, BB pairs had higher GMC than SS pairs and older siblings had higher GMC than younger siblings. Further, those with lower body mass index (BMI) and higher PF had higher GMC. There was also a significant interaction between age and PF with GMC. Siblings from the rainforest region demonstrated higher GMC than those from sea level and high-altitude siblings demonstrated lower GMC than their sea-level peers. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate statistically significant sibling resemblance in GMC. Age, BMI, PF and geographical area were significant correlates of GMC.

Correlation between gross motor coordination and basic coordination capacities in normal-weight and overweight/obese children aged 9-10 years.

Background: Gross motor coordination (GMC) plays a crucial factor in children's motor development and daily activities. It encompasses various sub-capacities, such as spatial orientation, rhythm, and motor reaction, collectively referred to as basic coordination capacities (BCC). However, children who are overweight and obese (OW/OB) often display poorer GMC. This study aims to examine the impact of gender and weight status (BMI categories) on children's GMC and BCC. It also seeks to investigate the impact of BCC and BMI on GMC. Method: The study involved 266 participants, 135 in the NW group (boys: n = 75; girls: n = 60) and 131 in the OW/OB group (boys: n = 68; girls: n = 63). An NW status is defined by a BMI z-score between ≥-2SD to ≤1SD, while an OW/OB status corresponds to a BMI z-score > 1SD. Physical activity was assessed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children, developed by the University of Saskatchewan, Canada. We used six field tests to evaluate BCC, including single leg standing test (static balance), YBT (dynamic balance), rhythmic sprint test (rhythm), reaction time test (motor reaction), target standing broad test (kinesthetic differentiation), and numbered medicine ball running test (spatial orientation). GMC was evaluated with Kiphard-Schilling's Body Coordination Test (KTK). Result: The motor quotient (MQ) was primarily affected by weight status (F = 516.599, p < 0.001; gender: F = 6.694, p = 0.01), with no significant interaction effect (F = 0.062, p = 0.803). In BCC, gender had a significant main effect on rhythm capacity (F = 29.611, p < 0.001) and static balance (F = 11.257, p = 0.001) but did not significant influence other sub-capacities (p > 0.05). Weight status impacted dynamic balance (F = 11.164, p = 0.001). The interaction of gender and weight status significantly impacted motor reaction (F = 1.471, p = 0.024) and kinesthetic differentiation (F = 5.454, p = 0.02), but did not affect other sub-capacities (p > 0.05). The physical activity was not significant affected by gender (F = 0.099, p = 0.753), weight status (F = 0.171, p = 0.679) and the interactions of two variables (F = 0.06, p = 0.806). In the regression analysis, except motor reaction (p > 0.05), other BCC sub-capacities influenced GMC to varying extents (ß = -0.103-0.189, p < 0.05). Nonetheless, only two types of balance significantly mediated the relationship between BMI and GMC (BMI→MQ: ß = -0.543, p < 0.001; BMI→YBT: ß = -0.315, p < 0.001; BMI→SLS: ß = -0.282, p < 0.001; SLS→MQ: ß = 0.189, p < 0.001; YBT→MQ: ß = 0.182, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Compared to gender, the main effect of weight status on most GMC and BCC's sub-capacities was more pronounced. OW/OB children exhibited poorer GMC, which is related to their reduced static and dynamic balance due to excess weight. Kinesthetic differentiation, spatial orientation, and rhythm capacity are not significantly associated with BMI, but these sub-capacities positively influence gross motor coordination (GMC), except for hand-eye motor reaction.

Examination of basic motor skills in children and adolescents.

Aim of the study: The aim of this study was the investigation of basic motor skills in 5-14-year-old boys and girls. Materials and Methods: A total of 842 primary school children, 421 boys and 421 girls, participated in the study. 13.3% of the participants were 5-6 years old, 29.5% were 7-8 years old, 21.5% were 9-10 years old, 16.4% were 11-12, and 19.4% were 13-14 years old. The balance skills of the participants were measured with the (Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder) KTK test. Findings: When the classification of children according to KTK defining classes is examined, 40.7% are very good. When the children's KTK Backward Balancing scores were examined, a statistically significant difference was found between gender and age groups (p < 0.05). Girls between the ages of 5-6 and 7-8 years had a higher score for KTK backward balance. KTK Total scores were examined according to the Body Mass Index groups, when the total scores of KTK were compared, the lowest scores were in the obese group. Conclusion: According to the study results, age is an essential factor for balance skills. As the age increased, the overall scores of the KTK increased. It was determined that girls' KTK backward balancing scores were higher than boys. According to BMI results, the balance performances of obese children were found to be lower than the other groups. This difference can be explained by the negative effect of obesity in this age group. According to these results, it may be recommended to observe and improve the balance performances of obese children.

Health supervision for children and adolescents with 16p11.2 deletion syndrome.

Rare genetic conditions are challenging for the primary care provider to manage without proper guidelines. This clinical review is designed to assist the pediatrician, family physician, or internist in the primary care setting to manage the complexities of 16p11.2 deletion syndrome. A multidisciplinary medical home with the primary care provider leading the care and armed with up-to-date guidelines will prove most helpful to the rare genetic patient population. A special focus on technology to fill gaps in deficits, review of case studies on novel medical treatments, and involvement with the educational system for advocacy with an emphasis on celebrating diversity will serve the rare genetic syndrome population well.

Associations Between Gross Motor Coordination and Executive Functions: Considering the Sex Difference in Chinese Middle-Aged School Children.

Considering that motor and cognitive processes are intertwined and inhibit or help each other throughout life and that primary school age is one of the most critical stages of children's cognitive and motor development, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between executive functions and gross motor skills in Chinese children aged 9-10 years, as well as gender differences. The flanker task, the 1-back task, the more-odd shifting task, and the test of gross motor coordination (Körperkoordinationtest für Kinder) were used to collect data on executive functions and gross motor coordination. The results were as follows. First, there was a weak association between gross motor coordination and the inhibition reaction time in the congruent test and the reaction time of working memory (r = -0.181 to -0.233), but no association was found between gross motor coordination and cognitive flexibility. Second, a weak-to-moderate correlation was presented between the move sideways test and the inhibition reaction time in the congruent test and the reaction time in the refreshing test of the working memory (r = -0.211 to -0.330). Finally, gender influenced on the relationship between gross motor coordination and the reaction time of both inhibition (ßGender = -0.153, p < 0.05) and working memory (ßGender = -0.345, p < 0.01). To conclude, our results suggest that children with better motor coordination skills require less reaction time, especially girls, and this association was more substantial than in boys. The finding supports the current assertion that there are commonalities between gross motor coordination and cognitive control by showing the relationship between gross motor coordination and complex cognitive processes (executive function) in preadolescent children.

Gross Motor Coordination: We Have a Problem! A Study With the Körperkoordinations Test für Kinder in Youth (6-13 Years).

The main goal of our cross-sectional research was to determine the current values of gross motor coordination (GMC) of Italian boys and girls between 6 and 13 years of age. Secondary goals were to study gender differences, and the four subtests trend with ages. Results were compared with the references proposed by KTK authors and with similar searches. Anthropometric measurements and KTK data from 2,206 schoolchildren (girls: n = 1,050; boys: n = 1,156) were collected. The KTK raw score (RS) increased with the age of the subjects (r = 0.678; p < 0.001). In 11-13-year-old subjects, the increase in results is less than in younger subjects. RS showed differences by gender (F = 5.899; p = 0.015) and age (F = 269.193; p < 0.001) without interaction gender × age. Motor quotient (MQ) tended to decrease with age (r = -0.148; p < 0.001); it showed differences by gender (F = 79.228; p < 0.001), age (F = 14.217; p < 0.001), and an interaction gender × age (F = 2.249; p < 0.05). Boys showed better performance than did girls in the raw scores of three of four subtests (JS: F = 24.529; MS: F = 9.052; HH: F = 11.105). Girls show better performances than did boys in the WB (F = 14.52). Differences between genders make us believe it appropriate to maintain a differentiated standardization. RS increased with age, and it seems reasonable, therefore, to maintain a GMC age-based normalization. On the contrary, MQ tended to decrease. All this makes us speculate that today's young people accumulate less significant motor experiences over the years compared to those achieved by their peers in the 1970s. Italian data were lower than German references and Belgian results but slightly higher than the Brazilian ones. The comparison among these four searches confirmed a worrying downward trend in GMC and its characterization by geographical and sociocultural areas. Updated parameters of the KTK can provide helpful references to improve policies to support physical activity, sport, and physical education in youth.

Developmental and physical-fitness associations with gross motor coordination problems in Peruvian children.

The aims of this cross-sectional study were to examine the developmental characteristics (biological maturation and body size) associated with gross motor coordination problems in 5193 Peruvian children (2787 girls) aged 6-14 years from different geographical locations, and to investigate how the probability that children suffer with gross motor coordination problems varies with physical fitness. Children with gross motor coordination problems were more likely to have lower flexibility and explosive strength levels, having adjusted for age, sex, maturation and study site. Older children were more likely to suffer from gross motor coordination problems, as were those with greater body mass index. However, more mature children were less likely to have gross motor coordination problems, although children who live at sea level or at high altitude were more likely to suffer from gross motor coordination problems than children living in the jungle. Our results provide evidence that children and adolescents with lower physical fitness are more likely to have gross motor coordination difficulties. The identification of youths with gross motor coordination problems and providing them with effective intervention programs is an important priority in order to overcome such developmental problems, and help to improve their general health status.

Force Irregularity Following Maximal Effort: The After-Peak Reduction.

Irregularities in force output are present throughout human movement and can impair task performance. We investigated the presence of a large force discontinuity (after-peak reduction, APR) that appeared immediately following peak in maximal effort ramp contractions performed with the thumb adductor and ankle dorsiflexor muscles in 25 young adult participants (76% males, 24% females; M age 24.4 years, SD = 7.1). The after-peak reduction displayed similar parameters in both muscle groups with comparable drops in force during the after-peak reduction minima (thumb adductor: 27.5 ± 7.5% maximal voluntary contraction; ankle dorsiflexor: 25.8 ± 6.2% maximal voluntary contraction). A trend for the presence of fewer after-peak reductions with successive ramp trials was observed, suggesting a learning effect. Further investigation should explore underlying neural mechanisms contributing to the after-peak reduction.

Elaboration of the Environmental Stress Hypothesis-Results from a Population-Based 6-Year Follow-Up.

The aim of this paper was to contribute to the elaboration of the Environmental Stress Hypothesis framework by testing eight hypotheses addressing the direct impact of gross motor coordination problems in elementary-school on selected physical, behavioral and psychosocial outcomes in adolescence. Results are based on a longitudinal sample of 940 participants who were (i) recruited as part of a population-based representative survey on health, physical fitness and physical activity in childhood and adolescence, (ii) assessed twice within 6 years, between the ages of 6 and 10 years old as well as between the ages of 12 and 16 years old (Response Rate: 55.9%) and (iii) classified as having gross motor coordination problems (N = 115) or having no gross motor coordination problems (N = 825) at baseline. Motor tests from the Körperkoordinationstest, measures of weight and height, a validated physical activity questionnaire as well as the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire were conducted. Data were analyzed by use of binary logistic regressions. Results indicated that elementary-school children with gross motor coordination problems show a higher risk of persistent gross motor coordination problems (OR = 7.99, p < 0.001), avoiding organized physical activities (OR = 1.53, p < 0.05), an elevated body mass (OR = 1.78, p < 0.05), bonding with sedentary peers (OR = 1.84, p < 0.01) as well as emotional (OR = 1.73, p < 0.05) and conduct (OR = 1.79, p < 0.05) problems in adolescence in comparison to elementary-school children without gross motor coordination problems. However, elementary-school children with gross motor coordination problems did not show a significantly higher risk of peer problems (OR = 1.35, p = 0.164) or diminished prosocial behavior (OR = 1.90, p = 0.168) in adolescence, respectively in comparison to elementary-school children without gross motor coordination problems. This study is the first to provide population-based longitudinal data ranging from childhood to adolescence in the context of the Environmental Stress Hypothesis which can be considered a substantial methodological progress. In summary, gross motor coordination problems represent a serious issue for a healthy transition from childhood to adolescence which substantiates respective early movement interventions.

Análise de uma intervenção dirigida ao desenvolvimento da coordenação motora fina, global e do equilíbrio / Analysis of an intervention directed to the development of balance and gross and fine motor coordination

Introdução: As aquisições motoras das crianças evoluem de acordo com a idade e com a influência contínua de fatores intrínsecos e extrínsecos, os quais provocam variações de uma criança para outra e tornam único o curso do desenvolvimento. Objetivo: Elaborar uma intervenção para uma criança com atraso na coordenação motora fina, global e no equilíbrio e analisar o impacto no desenvolvimento. Método: Design quase-experimental do tipo pré e pós-teste. O instrumento utilizado foi a Escala de Desenvolvimento Motor aplicada em uma criança de 4 anos. A partir dos resultados obtidos na avaliação foi elaborado um plano de intervenção composto por atividades dirigidas que estimulassem as aquisições acima citadas. A concretização do plano de intervenção teve duração de 2 meses, sendo a criança avaliada antes e ao término da intervenção para verificar se houve ganho nas aquisições estimuladas. O Método JT foi adotado para análise dos dados e verificação de ocorrência de mudanças positivas confiáveis e clinicamente relevantes. Resultados: Os resultados obtidos no presente estudo demonstram que ocorreram mudanças positivas confiáveis nos itens psicomotores que passaram por estimulação. Conclusão: Infere-se que a intervenção proposta teve um efeito positivo sobre o desenvolvimento da criança. Com isso, o estudo contribui para melhoria no cuidado oferecido a crianças com atrasos no desenvolvimento psicomotor, ilustrando possibilidades de estratégias e atividades. Também possibilita o reconhecimento da ação do terapeuta ocupacional como um dos profissionais que compõe a equipe multidisciplinar voltada à intervenção precoce.

Análise da relação entre a maturação biológica e estresse na coordenação motora grossa em escolares de 5 a 10 anos / Analysis of the relationship between stress and biological maturation in motor coordination in large school of 5 to 10 years

A infância é o período em que o desenvolvimento motor está sendo construído, onde, o aparecimento e a extensão do desenvolvimento de habilidades na fase de movimentos dependem de muitos fatores dos estímulos externos do ambiente. A coordenação motora é a capacidade do cérebro de equilibrar os movimentos do corpo, mais especificamente dos músculos e das articulações. Pode-se verificar o desempenho motor de uma pessoa através de sua agilidade, velocidade e energia. O objetivo da pesquisa foi identificar a interação entre maturação biológica, coordenação motora grossa e o estresse em escolares. A amostra contou com 380 crianças de 5 a 10 anos de idades de escolas públicas do município de Cacoal/RO. Para verificar a coordenação motora utilizou-se o teste de TGMD-2, para o teste de estresse infantil foi utilizado o Inventário de Estresse Infantil e para a maturação utilizou-se o protocolo de Tanner adaptado. Para a análise da normalidade amostral, foi utilizado o teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov, sendo utilizado o programa SPSS 17,0. Através das medidas de tendência central e média, foi realizado a caracterização das variáveis medidas e das escalas medidas contínuas. Para verificar a interação das variáveis dependentes e independentes foi utilizado o Modelo Geral Linear (GLM). Sabe-se que o desenvolvimento motor sofre influências diretas de vários fatores, sendo esses genéticos, ambientais e psicológicos. Influencias essas que são um processo contínuo, onde acabam por provocar variações individuais, tornando-se assim único a cada indivíduo.

Childhood is the time when the motor development is being built where the appearance and extent of skills development in the movement phase is dependent on many factors of external stimuli from the environment. Motor coordination is the brain's ability to balance the body's movements, specifically the muscles and joints. You can check the motor performance of a person through their agility, speed andpower. The objective of the research was to identify the interaction between biological maturation, gross motor coordination and stress in schoolchildren. The sample consisted of 380 children 5-10 years of ageattending public schools Cacoal / RO. TGMD-2 test was used to verify motor coordination and to evaluate children stress an inventory was used, maturation was tested by the adapted protocol of Tanner. For the analysis of normal sample, we used the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, and used SPSS 17.0. Through the measuresof central tendency and mean, was conducted to characterize the variables measured and continuous measures of scales. To verify the interaction of independent and dependent variables, we used the GeneralLinear Model (GLM). It is known that motor development suffers direct influences of various factors, and these genetic, environmental and psychological. These influences are a continuous process, whereeventually cause individual variations, thus making it unique to each individual.