Learning of Basic Life Support through the Flipped Classroom in Secondary Schoolchildren: A Quasi-Experimental Study with 12-Month Follow-Up.

Background and Objectives: International institutions together with the World Health Organisation recommend the teaching of BLS in schools. Therefore, the objective of this research was to study the feasibility of teaching CPR and AED through the flipped classroom, exploring the medium- and long-term retention of knowledge and practical skills among high school students. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 260 secondary schoolchildren (137 in the experimental group (EG) and 123 in the control group (CG)) between 12 and 14 years old (M = 12.75 ± 1.02). Results: The data revealed that the EG obtained better post-course results in the correct position of the hands (p = 0.011), the depth of external cardiac compression (p > 0.001), and the mean time to apply an effective shock with the AED (p = 0.013). The CG obtained better results in compressions with complete chest re-expansion (p = 0.025). These differences disappeared at 6 months (p > 0.05) and 12 months (p > 0.05). Conclusions: A training program based on the flipped classroom is as effective and viable as traditional training, although more efficient since it is applied in less time, in the sequence of action in BLS, CPR skills, and the application of an effective shock with an AED.

Prehospital Emergency Medicine at the Beach: What Is the Effect of Fins and Rescue Tubes in Lifesaving and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation After Rescue?

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the influence of fins and rescue tube use in a water rescue, assessed by time and distance to salvage position, physiological parameters, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). METHODS: Twenty professional lifeguards (10 men, 10 women) conducted 3 tests: a baseline test of 5 minutes of CPR and 2 water rescues, 1 without rescue equipment (NRE), and the other with fins and rescue tube (FRT). They also had to perform 5 minutes of CPR after each rescue. Time and distance of the rescues, physiological parameters (blood lactate concentration and heart rate), and quality of CPR were analyzed. RESULTS: CPR quality worsened by 26 to 28% (P < .001) after rescue. However, there were no differences using FRT. The use of rescue equipment reduced the time (FRT: 216±57 seconds; NRE: 319±127 seconds; P < .001) and distance covered (FRT: 265±52 m; NRE: 326±41 m; P < .001). No differences were found in lactate levels between FRT and NRE just after the rescues, but there were some after 5 minutes of subsequent CPR (FRT: 10.7±2.2 mmol/L; NRE: 12.6±1.8 mmol/L; P < .001). Comparing women with men, we found significant differences in lactate concentrations only in FRT (women: 9.6±1.4 mmol/L; men: 8.1±1.2 mmol/L; P = .031). CONCLUSIONS: The use of fins and rescue tube provides a comprehensive benefit in an aquatic emergency. However, FRT did not have any effect on the quality of the postrescue CPR.

Is It Possible to Improve Motor Competence through a Structured Balance Bike Program in Preschool Children Aged 3 to 6 Years?

This study aimed (1) to investigate the effect of a brief 9-week bike program on preschool motor competence levels and (2) to know the effects of the intervention program on gender. A total of 98 schoolchildren (3.86 ± 0.91 years) from La Coruña (Spain) participated. A pre-post-test quasi-experimental design was used with a control group (CG) made up of 39 students (18 boys) and an experimental group (EG) made up of 59 students (29 boys). Data were gathered using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2). The data demonstrate that the CG and the EG differ significantly from one another before the intervention program in favour of CG in manual dexterity (MD; p < 0.001), balance (Bal; p = 0.003), total test score (TTS; p = 0.001), and total percentile score (TPS; p < 0.001), except in aiming and catching (A&C, p = 0.588). After the application of the 9-week intervention program based on the balance bike, these differences disappear (i.e., MD (p = 0.166), A&C (p = 0.372), Bal (p = 0.219), TTS (p = 0.306), and in TPS (p = 0.259)). The information gathered indicates that implementing intervention programs such as the one applied in this study could have a positive impact on improving motor competence in preschool-aged boys and girls, increasing its level.

Do Gender and BMI Affect the Motor Skills of Five-Year-Old Preschoolers Differently?

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Weight gain is associated with numerous health complications and constitutes a serious public health problem. Motor competence (MC) can be a protective factor since children's participation and practice in physical activities can improve their health. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of gender and BMI on MC [i.e., manual dexterity (MD), aiming and catching (A&C), balance (Bal), and total MC percentile (TP)] depending on gender (boy/girl) and BMI (normal weight, overweight or obesity). METHODS: The MABC-2 battery was applied in a sample of 368 preschool children (5.69 ± 0.28 years of age; 54.9% girls). RESULTS: Boys and girls showed statistically significant differences in MC components: boys had higher scores in A&C (p = 0.002), while girls excelled in MD (p < 0.001), Bal (p = 0.035); TP (p < 0.001), and BMI [Bal (p = 0.009); TP (p = 0.050)], with a higher percentile in those children with overweight in both cases. Statistically significant differences were also found in the interactions between gender*BMI [MD (p < 0.001) and TP (p < 0.001)]. CONCLUSIONS: The findings showed that there were notable variations in total percentile, balance, and manual dexterity between boys and girls. In addition, girls outperformed boys in all categories save aiming and catching. However, males who were overweight or obese earned greater percentiles in both balance and the MABC-2 battery's total percentile.

Incidence of a Multicomponent Physical Exercise Program on Body Composition in Overweight or Obese People Aged 60 Years or Older from Chile.

This research aimed to explore the changes produced in body mass index (BMI), fat mass percentage (FMP), muscle mass percentage (MMP), and visceral fat percentage (VFP) in 60-year-old or over overweight or obese people after a multicomponent exercise program. This quasi-experimental study involved 70 overweight or obese older people between 60 and 86 years old (M = 73.15; SD = 5.94) who were randomly assigned to a control group (CG, n = 35) and an experimental group (EG, n = 35). At the beginning and at the end of the intervention program, anthropometric and body composition data were collected. The results showed an increase in BMI after the intervention in the CG (p = 0.010) and a decrease in the EG (p < 0.001). The results regarding the FMP indicate a significant decrease in the EG (p < 0.001) after the intervention, as occurs with the VFP (p = 0.003). The MMP increased in the EG (p < 0.001) after the intervention program. Regarding gender, statistically significant differences were found in the MMP after the intervention (p = 0.025), with higher percentages in men in the EG. VFP decreased in both men (p = 0.005) and women (p = 0.019) in the EG. From the results obtained, we can say that a 6-month multicomponent program produces a decrease in BMI, FMP, and VFP and an increase in MMP in its participants. This type of intervention seems to produce a greater increase in muscle mass in men than in women and a decrease in VFP in both genders.

Attitudes and Skills in Basic Life Support after Two Types of Training: Traditional vs. Gamification, of Compulsory Secondary Education Students: A Simulation Study.

It is recommended to implement the teaching of Basic Life Support (BLS) in schools; however, studies on the best training method are limited and have been a priority in recent years. The objective of this study was to analyze the attitudes and practical skills learned during BLS training using a gamified proposal. A comparative study was carried out, consisting of Compulsory Secondary Education students [control group (CG; classical teaching) and experimental group (EG; gamified proposal)]. The instruments used were the CPR and AED action sequence observation sheet, data from the Laerdal Resusci Anne manikin and AED and Attitude Questionnaire towards Basic Life Support and the Use of the Automated External Defibrillator. Sixty-eight students (33 girls) with a mean age of 13.91 ± 0.70 years were recruited. Results were significantly better in the EG (n = 37) [i.e., breathing control (p = 0.037); call to emergency services (p = 0.049); mean compression depth (p = 0.001); self-confidence (p = 0.006); intention to perform BLS and AED (p = 0.002)]; and significantly better in the CG (n = 31) [Total percentage of CPR (p < 0.001); percentage of correct compression (p < 0.001); time to apply effective shock with AED (p < 0.001); demotivation (p = 0.005). We can conclude that the group that was trained with the training method through the gamified proposal presents better intentions and attitudes to act in the event of cardiac arrest than those of the classic method. This training method allows for similar results in terms of CPR and AED skills to classical teaching, so it should be taken into account as a method for teaching BLS to secondary education students.

Is It Possible to Improve the Perceived Quality of Life of Overweight or Obese Older People through a Multicomponent Physical Exercise Program?

Multicomponent exercise is a physical exercise modality in which various physical qualities (strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and balance) are developed with an equal distribution of volume in the same session (approximately 60 min) and that has been little explored in improving the quality of life of older adults. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of multicomponent training on self-perceived quality of life in Chilean overweight or obese older people. To this end, a quasi-experimental study with a control group was designed to evaluate self-perceived Quality of Life using the World Health Organization Quality of Life, brief version [Overall Quality of Life (OQOL); Overall Health (OH); Physical Health (PH); Psychological Health (PsH); Social Relations (SR); Environment (E)]. Seventy overweight or obese people aged between 60 and 86 years participated (M = 73.15; SD = 5.94) and were randomized into a control group (CG, n = 35) and an experimental group (EG, n = 35). The results in the EG (pre vs. post-intervention) indicated that there were statistically significant differences in OQOL (p = 0.005), OH (p = 0.014), PH (p < 0.001), PsH (p < 0.001), E (p = 0.015), and SR (p < 0.001) which were not found in the CG in any of the variables (p > 0.050) except in SR (p < 0.001). Regarding sex, post-intervention differences were only found between CG and EG in women in OQOL (p = 0.002), PH (p < 0.001), PsH (p = 0.003), and SR (p < 0.001), but not in OH or E (p > 0.050). These differences were not found among men in any of the variables (p > 0.050). As a conclusion, we can say that a multicomponent physical exercise program applied for 6 months significantly improves the perception of OQOL, OH, PH, PsH, SR, and E in overweight or obese older people. This perception is greater in men than in women.

Pacing and packing behaviour in elite and world record performances at Berlin marathon.

HighlightsPrior to participation in meet marathon races such as Berlin marathon, elite runners should select the group that they will join during the race according to their current performance level as a preassigned pace set by a pacemaker will be adopted.Athletes could follow an even rather than positive pacing behaviour which will allow them to achieve a more optimal performance.Female runners should consider being paced by a male runner of greater performance level as runners of both sexes are allowed to run the race altogether during this type of races.

Central and Peripheral Fatigue in Recreational Trail Runners: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Understanding fatigue mechanisms is crucial for exercise performance. However, scientific evidence on non-invasive methods for assessing fatigue in trail running competitions is scarce, especially when vertical kilometer trail running races (VK) are considered. The main purpose of this study was to assess the autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity (i.e., central fatigue) and the state of muscle activation (i.e., peripheral fatigue) before and after a VK competition. METHODS: A cross-sectional pilot study was performed. After applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, 8 recreational male trail runners (31.63 ± 7.21 yrs, 1.75 m ± 0.05 m, 70.38 ± 5.41 kg, BMI: 22.88 ± 0.48, running experience: 8.0 ± 3.63 yrs, weekly training volume: 58.75 ± 10.35 km) volunteered to participate and were assessed for both central (i.e., via heart rate variability, HRV) and peripheral (via tensiomyography, TMG) fatigue before and after a VK race. RESULTS: After the VK, resting heart rate, RMSSD (p = 0.01 for both) and SDNN significantly decreased (p = 0.02), while the stress score and the sympathetic-parasympathetic ratio increased (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively). The TMG analyses suggest that runners already suffered peripheral fatigue before the VK and that 20-30 min are enough for muscular recovery after the race. In summary, our data suggest that participants experienced a pre-competition fatigue status. Further longitudinal studies are necessary to investigate the mechanisms underlying fatigue during trail running races, while training periodization and tapering strategies could play a key role for minimizing pre-competition fatigue status.

Disruptive Behaviors in Physical Education: A Matched Study of Social Skills and Sport Practice in a Region of Spain.

Disruptive behaviors in physical education cause conflicts among students and, consequently, an abnormal development of classes. Therefore, finding the variables that can solve them is an urgent aspect to achieve an adequate learning environment in the 21st century school. The aim of this study was to analyze what happens to disruptive behaviors in relation to systematic and regulated sports and social practice in a sample of Spanish primary school students. Five hundred and forty-eight schoolchildren (276 were girls (50.4%)) participated with a mean age of 10.98 (SD = 0.71). The results show a significant main effect in terms of social skills in relatedness (p < 0.001), irresponsibility (p < 0.001), failure to follow directions (p < 0.001), distracting or disturbing others (p < 0.001), and in poor self-management (p < 0.001) with higher scores in disruptive behaviors in students with lower social skills. Regarding sports practice, only a significant main effect was found in relatedness (p < 0.001) and in poor self-management (p < 0.001), with the highest scores the schoolchildren who do not practice sports. Schoolchildren with high social skills obtain lower scores in disruptive behaviors. Likewise, schoolchildren who play sports have lower scores in relatedness and poor self-management.

The Effects of an Intervention Based on the Flipped Classroom on the Learning of Basic Life Support in Schoolchildren Aged 10-13 Years: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Most out-of-hospital cardiac arrests are attended first by bystanders who are usually friends and/or relatives of the victim. Therefore, the objective of this research was to analyse the impact of a training process based on the flipped classroom on basic life support skills in primary education students. The sample consisted of 308 children (148 experimental group (EG) and 160 control group (CG)) between 10 and 13 years old (M = 10.68 ± 0.64) from 2 schools in Galicia, Spain. The data reveal that the quality parameters are obtained in the number of total compressions in 2 min (CG = 213 and EG = 217; p = 0.024) and in the percentage of correct compressions (CG = 87.23% and EG = 91.6%; p = 0.013) except for the mean depth and the percentage of correct compressions, which were not reached in any case. Regarding the application of an effective discharge with the Automated external defibrillator (AED), there were no significant differences in the time used by schoolchildren between both methods (p = 0.795), but 97.5% (n = 156) of the CG and 100% (n = 148) of the EG are able to do it in just over 1 min. Based on the results obtained, we can conclude that a training program based on the flipped classroom is as effective and viable as traditional training in psychomotricity on CPR techniques and the application of an effective discharge using an AED.

Influence of the Type of Physician on Survival from Emergency-Medical-Service-Witnessed Cardiac Arrest: An Observational Study.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest resuscitation by non-emergency dedicated physicians may not be positively associated with survival, as these physicians have less experience and exposure than specialised dedicated personnel. The aim of this study was to compare the survival results of the teams led by emergency dedicated physicians (EDPhy) with those of the teams led by non-emergency dedicated physicians (N-EDPhy) and with a team of basic life support (BLS) emergency technicians (EMTs) used as the control group. A retrospective, multicentre study of emergency-medical-service-witnessed cardiac arrest from medical causes in adults was performed. The records from 2006 to 2016 in a database of a regional emergency system were analysed and updated up to 31 December 2021. Two groups were studied: initial shockable and non-shockable rhythms. In total, 1359 resuscitation attempts were analysed, 281 of which belonged to the shockable group, and 1077 belonged to the non-shockable rhythm group. Any onsite return of spontaneous circulation, patients admitted to the hospital alive, global survival, and survival with a cerebral performance category (CPC) of 1-2 (good and moderate cerebral performance) were studied, with both of the latter categories considered at 30 days, 1 year (primary outcome), and 5 years. The shockable and non-shockable rhythm group (and CPC 1-2) survivals at 1 year were, respectively, as follows: EDPhy, 66.7 % (63.4%) and 14.0% (12.3%); N-EDPhy, 16.0% (16.0%) and 1.96 % (1.47%); and EMTs 32.0% (29.7%) and 1.3% (0.84%). The crude ORs were EDPhy vs. N-EDPhy, 10.50 (5.67) and 8.16 (4.63) (all p < 0.05); EDPhy vs. EMTs, 4.25 (2.65) and 12.86 (7.80) (p < 0.05); and N-EDPhy vs. EMTs, 0.50 (0.76) (p < 0.05) and 1.56 (1.32) (p > 0.05). The presence of an EDPhy was positively related to all the survival and CPC rates.

Detection of Upper Limb Asymmetries in Athletes According to the Stage of the Season-A Longitudinal Study.

Sports injuries can affect the performance of athletes. For this reason, functional tests are used for injury assessment and prevention, analyzing physical or physiological imbalances and detecting asymmetries. The main aim of this study was to detect the asymmetries in the upper limbs (right and left arms) in athletes, using the OctoBalance Test (OB), depending on the stage of the season. Two hundred and fifty-two participants (age: 23.33 ± 8.96 years old; height: 178.63 ± 11.12 cm; body mass: 80.28 ± 17.61 kg; body mass index: 24.88 ± 4.58; sports experience: 12.52 ± 6.28 years), practicing different sports (rugby, athletics, football, swimming, handball, triathlon, basketball, hockey, badminton and volleyball), assessed with the OB in medial, superolateral, and inferolateral directions in both arms, in four moments of the season (May 2017, September 2017, February 2018 and May 2018). ANOVA test was used with repeated measures with a p ≤ 0.05, for the analysis of the different studied variances. Significant differences were found (p = 0.021) in the medial direction of the left arm, between the first (May 2017) and fourth stages (May 2018), with values of 71.02 ± 7.15 cm and 65.03 ± 7.66 cm. From the detection of asymmetries, using the OB to measure, in the medial, superolateral and inferolateral directions, mobility and balance can be assessed. In addition, it is possible to observe functional imbalances, as a risk factor for injury, in each of the stages into which the season is divided, which will help in the prevention of injuries and in the individualization of training.

Changes in Motor Competence after a Brief Physical Education Intervention Program in 4 and 5-Year-Old Preschool Children.

Low motor competence (MC) can cause low participation in physical activities in preschool children, and together with a high caloric intake, it can lead to obesity. Interventions on motor skills are effective in the short term to improve MC, therefore the objectives of this study were (1) to investigate the effect of a short six-week program on levels of motor competence in preschool children, and (2) to examine the effects of gender-based intervention. A total of 156 preschool children (5.20 ± 0.54 years old) from Lugo (Spain) participated. A quasi-experimental pre-post-test design was used with a control group of 76 students. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2nd Edition (MABC-2) was used to collect the data. Significant differences between the control and experimental groups were found after the intervention program in aiming and catching (p < 0.001), balance (p < 0.001), the total score of eight tests (p < 0.001), and total percentile score (p < 0.001). The results regarding gender in the experimental group showed a reduction in differences with respect to the initial results except in aiming and catching, where scores were higher in boys. The data suggest that the application of specific intervention programs in MC could positively influence the improvement of MC in preschool children, thus reducing differences between genders.

Validity, Reliability and Reproducibility of OctoBalance Test as Tool to Measure the Upper Limb Compared to Modified-Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test.

The articular evaluation of range of motion (ROM) is currently used to observe imbalance or limitations as possible risk factors or predispositions to suffer future injures. The main aim of this study is to verify the concurrent validity, reliability and reproducibility of the OctoBalance Test (OB) as a valid and reliable tool to measure articular ROM of the upper limb compared to the modified-Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test (mUQYBT). The twenty-five participants were male athletes. All of them were assessed with OB and mUQYBT in medial, superolateral, and inferolateral directions in both right and left arms with a three-minute break during these attempts. The process was repeated a second time with a week gap between measurements. Pearson correlation and linear logarithmic regression were used to examine the relationship between scores obtained with OB and mUQYBT. In order to verify the reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used (3.1). Concordance and reproducibility were assessed using Bland-Altman's graph. A perfect correlation and an almost linear logarithmic regression (R2 = 0.97) were observed between both measurement systems, with values of 73.531 ± 21.226 cm in mUQYBT and 69.541 ± 16.330 cm in OB. The differences were minimal between week one and week two. The assessment with Bland's graph showed the concordance and reproducibility of scores, showing the dispersion and the upper and lower limits. OB is shown as valid in comparison to the other test as a reliable and reproducible tool for the assessment of the articular ROM in the upper limb, and it could be used for the evaluation of injuries.

Effect of a 6-Week Physical Education Intervention on Motor Competence in Pre-School Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder.

The objective of this research was to analyze the impact of an intervention program performed by a specialist in physical education (PE) to contribute to the development of motor competence (MC) in pre-school children with motor development problems. The sample consisted of 28 children (12 from the intervention group and 16 from the control group) aged between 4.1 and 5.9 years (mean = 4.71 ± 0.54) who were in the fifth and sixth grades of pre-school education in two schools from Lugo, Spain. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) was used for data collection. The data revealed that, in the pre- and post-test intervention groups, there are statistically significant differences in manual dexterity (p < 0.001; d = 2.63), aiming and catching (p < 0.002; d = 1.13), balance (p < 0.001; d = 1.68), total test score (p < 0.001; d = 3.30) and total percentile score (p < 0.001; d = 1.88). Between the control and intervention post-test groups, significant differences were found in manual dexterity (p = 0.015; η2 = 0.22), aiming and catching (p = 0.003; η2 = 0.32), balance (p = 0.050; η2 = 0.15), total test score (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.47) and total percentile score (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.48). Based on the results obtained, a specific MC program implemented by a PE specialist contributed to the improvement of manual dexterity, aiming and catching and balance, as well as a better percentile in the general MC of pre-school children diagnosed with motor skill problems.

Study of Motor Competence in 4-5-Year-Old Preschool Children: Are There Differences among Public and Private Schools?

The objectives of this study were (1) to investigate the presence of preschool children with severe motor difficulties (SMDs) and (2) to evaluate the existence of differences in the motor competence (MC) of preschool children from public and private schools based on gender. A total of 581 preschool children (4.66 ± 0.52 years) from Galicia (Spain) were assessed. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) was used to collect the data. Preschool children from public schools presented a greater number of SMDs (OR = 20.65; CI = 9.99-85.53; p < 0.001). Preschool children from private schools have higher scores on the variables studied (for example, manual dexterity (p < 0.001), aiming and catching (p < 0.001), balance (p < 0.001), total test score (p < 0.001), and total percentage score (p < 0.001)). Regarding the gender factor, differences were found in manual dexterity (p < 0.001), aiming and catching (p = 0.014), balance (p < 0.001), total test score (p < 0.001), total percentage score (p < 0.001), and in the interaction of both factors in balance (p < 0.001), total global score (p = 0.004), and total percentage score (p < 0.001). Preschool children from private schools are less likely to have severe movement problems and score higher on all dimensions of the MABC-2 than preschool children from public schools analyzed in this study. Likewise, girls score higher than boys in all dimensions, except in aiming and catching.

Is It Possible to Reduce the Relative Age Effect through an Intervention on Motor Competence in Preschool Children?

The purpose of the study was to find out whether a short 6-week intervention on motor competence can reduce the Relative Age Effect (RAE) of preschool children born in the first quarter, compared to those born in the fourth quarter of the same year. Seventy-six preschool children (5.20 ± 0.54 years) from Lugo (Spain) participated. A quasi-experimental pre-post-test design was used with an intervention group (n = 32) and a control group (n = 44). The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) was used to collect data before and after the intervention. The data show that, before the intervention, there are significant differences between the control and the intervention group in favor of the former (born in the first quarter of the year) in manual dexterity (p = 0.011), balance (p = 0.002), total test score (p = 0.008), and total percentile score (p = 0.010). After the application of the specific intervention, statistically significant differences were found in aiming and catching (p < 0.001), balance (p = 0.022), total test score (p = 0.001), and total percentile score (p < 0.001) in favor of the intervention group (born in the last quarter of the year). The results obtained suggest that the application of a specific intervention on MC could positively influence the improvement of MC in preschool children (boys and girls) and reduce the differences produced by the RAE.

Relative Age Effect on Motor Competence in Children Aged 4-5 Years.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a Relative Age Effect (RAE) exists in motor competence of preschool children. The hypothesis was that motor competence, assessed by the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2), would be higher in preschool children born in the first quarter of the year compared to those who were born in the last quarter of the same year. A total of 360 preschool children were evaluated of whom 208 (57.8%) were boys and 152 (42.8%) were girls, with a mean age of 4.52 years old (± 0.50). The distribution of the participants was 172 children aged 4 years old and 188 aged 5 years old. The data showed a main effect on the age factor in the total score of aiming and catching (p < 0.001) and in the total test score (p < 0.001), in the quarter of birth factor in all the dimensions studied (i.e., total score of manual dexterity (p < 0.001); total score of aiming and catching (p = 0.001); total score of balance (p < 0.001); total test score (p < 0.001)) and in the interaction between both factors (i.e., total score of manual dexterity (p = 0.005); total score of aiming and catching (p = 0.002); total score of balance (p < 0.001); total test score (p < 0.001)). Age and quarter of birth produce a RAE in 4 and 5-year-old preschool children's motor competence.

Differences on Motor Competence in 4-Year-Old Boys and Girls Regarding the Quarter of Birth: Is There a Relative Age Effect?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences on motor competence between boys and girls aged 4 years old and investigate the existence of Relative Age Effect on their motor competence. In total, 132 preschool children were evaluated, of whom 60 (45.50%) were girls and 72 (54.5%) were boys. The distribution of the participants was from quarter 1 [n = 28 (21.2%)], quarter 2 [n = 52 (39.4%)], quarter 3 [n = 24 (18.2%)], and quarter 4 [(n = 28 (21.2%)], respectively. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) was used to collect the data. The data show the main effects on quarter of birth factor in manual dexterity (MD; p < 0.001), in aiming and catching (A&C; p < 0.001), in balance (Bal; p < 0.001) and in total test score (TTS; p < 0.001). There are also statistical differences on gender factor in MD (p < 0.001) and in TTS (p = 0.031). A significant effect was also found in the interaction between two factors (gender and quarter of birth) in MD (p < 0.001), A&C (p < 0.001), and Bal (p < 0.001). There are differences in all the variables studied according to the quarter of birth and only in manual dexterity and in the total score if compared according to gender (the scores are higher in girls).