Abstract
Objective. Differences in fundamental movement skills and self-perceptions of physical ability and physical appearance of overweight and non-overweight children were investigated. Method: Overweight (n = 89, mean age = 8.75 ± 1.4 years, BMI z-score = 2.22, SD = 0.46, 46% male) and non-overweight (n = 27, mean age = 8.25 ± 1.5 years, BMI z-score = 0.03, SD = 0.73, 62.1% male) participants enrolled in the KOALA (Kinder Overweight Activity Lifestyle Actions) project were included. The overall objective of the KOALA project was to determine in a randomized controlled trial the effect of a Triple P (Positive Parenting Program), and a family ‘Eat Well Be Active’ Scouts Camp program on BMI in overweight children. Baseline between-group differences on measures of fundamental movement skills and self-concept perceptions were analyzed using independent samples t-tests. Relationships between BMI and these variables were investigated with multiple linear regression. Results. Overweight children had lower scores on Bruninks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Performance-2 subtests (Bilateral Coordination, Upper Limb Coordination, Strength, Balance, and Running Speed and Agility), and Physical abilities self-concept than non-overweight children. Conclusions. Children who were overweight had significant fundamental movement skill difficulties, as well as having poorer Physical abilities self-concept perceptions compared to non-overweight children. The association between increasing BMI and poor performance of gross motor tasks has potential implications for physical activity participation. Future research is needed to determine if fundamental movement skill difficulties and low physical ability self-concept are predisposing factors for children who are overweight or associated outcomes.
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the children and parents who took part in the study. The authors acknowledge the work of the KOALA research team, especially the KOALA nurse co-ordinators, Ms Regina Dowdle, Ms Denise Mitchell, Lisa Doeblien and Carol Iliffe, the contributions of occupational therapists Ms Lynda Harbison and Ms Anna Jovinov. The Golden Casket Medical Foundation, the Golden Casket Mater Children's Hospital Research Funds, the Mazda Foundation, and The Royal Australasian College of Physicians Research and Education Foundation are also thanked for their generous support of the KOALA study. Dr Gary Leong is an NHMRC Clinical Career Development Awardee and was a QLD Smart State Clinical Research Fellow during the study.
Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.