Physical fitness differences in children with and without motor learning difficulties

Abstract

Children with motor learning difficulties (MLD) tend to be less physically active than their coordinated peers and one likely consequence is a reduced level of physical fitness. In this study, 52 children with MLD, aged 5 to 8 years, were compared to 52 age‐ and gender‐matched control children across a range of health and skill related fitness components. Analyses of variance revealed significantly lower scores in the group with MLD on the tests for cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, abdominal strength, speed and power than the control group. Furthermore, the group with MLD had a significantly higher Body Mass Index (BMI). These findings have implications for educators and allied health professionals working with this age group. Programmes need to teach children with movement difficulties to perform tasks used in fitness assessment and also to work on the development of physical fitness.

Keywords:

• Children
• Movement difficulties
• Motor learning difficulties
• Physical fitness
• Developmental coordination disorder