The Relationship Between Motor Skills and Physical Activity Levels of the Children at 8-10 Years of Age

The aim of this study is to determine the physical activity levels (PAL) and motor skills (MS) of children aged 8-10, and to investigate the relationship of MS and PAL with body mass index (BMI). A total of 245 (female = 126, male = 119) volunteers aged 8-10 years participated in the study. The PALs of the participants were evaluated by Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C). Gross motor skills of the participants, which is the total value of object control (OC) and locomotor (LOCO) skills were tested by means of Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2) and BMIs were determined by [weight (kg) / height (m2)] formula. Pearson Correlation Analysis was used to investigate the relationships between PAL, BMI and MS. A negative correlation was found between BMI and MS in girls. On the other hand, it was also determined that LOCO skills of boys increased as their PALs increased while girls’ OC skills increased as their PALs increased (p <0.05, p <0.01). As a result, the fact that PAL is significantly related with LOCO skills of boys and OC skills of girls may be related to the participation of children in the types of activities required by their gender. In addition, it was observed that PAL and MS levels of children are low. Considering that motor skill plays an important role in the physical structure and psychological condition of people during their childhoods and whole lives, it can be said that developing both MS and PAL by directing children to physical activity is extremely important.