AUTHOR=Coppens Eline , Bardid Farid , Deconinck Frederik J. A. , Haerens Leen , Stodden David , D’Hondt Eva , Lenoir Matthieu TITLE=Developmental Change in Motor Competence: A Latent Growth Curve Analysis JOURNAL=Frontiers in Physiology VOLUME=Volume 10 - 2019 YEAR=2019 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2019.01273 DOI=10.3389/fphys.2019.01273 ISSN=1664-042X ABSTRACT=Background

The development of childhood motor competence demonstrates a high degree of inter-individual variation. Some children’s competence levels increase whilst others’ competence levels remain unchanged or even decrease over time. However, few studies have examined this developmental change in motor competence across childhood and little is known on influencing factors.

Aim

Using latent growth curve modeling (LGCM), the present longitudinal study aimed to investigate children’s change in motor competence across a 2-year timespan and to examine the potential influence of baseline weight status and physical fitness on their trajectory of change in motor competence.

Methods

558 children (52.5% boys) aged between 6 and 9 years participated in this study. Baseline measurements included weight status, motor competence (i.e., Körperkoördinationstest für Kinder; KTK) and physical fitness (i.e., sit and reach, standing long jump and the 20 m shuttle run test). Motor competence assessment took place three times across a 2-year timespan. LGCM was conducted to examine change in motor competence over time.

Results

The analyses showed a positive linear change in motor competence across 2 years (β = 28.48, p < 0.001) with significant variability in children’s individual trajectories (p < 0.001). Girls made less progress than boys (β = –2.12, p = 0.01). Children who were older at baseline demonstrated less change in motor competence (β = –0.33, p < 0.001). Weight status at baseline was negatively associated with change in motor competence over time (β = –1.418, p = 0.002). None of the physical fitness components, measured at baseline, were significantly associated with change in motor competence over time.

Conclusion and Implications

This longitudinal study reveals that weight status significantly influences children’s motor competence trajectories whilst physical fitness demonstrated no significant influence on motor competence trajectories. Future studies should further explore children’s differential trajectories over time and potential factors influencing that change.