| The Relationship Between Fundamental Motor Skill Performance and Enjoyment of Physical Activity in Children |
| Paper ID : 1293-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
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Shahram Nazarpouri * 1. Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: The decline in children’s participation in physical activity has become a global concern, and identifying the contributing and mediating factors in this context is of great importance. Previous studies have examined the relationship between the level of fundamental motor skill (FMS) performance and the amount of physical activity in children; however, the association between FMS performance and intrapersonal and emotional variables influencing physical activity has received less attention. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the level of fundamental motor skill performance and the degree of enjoyment of physical activity among children. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study included all female elementary school children aged 7 to 10 years in Khorramabad City. Using a cluster random sampling method, 220 participants were selected as the research sample. The data collection instruments included the Test of Gross Motor Development Third Edition (TGMD-3) and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale for Children (PACES). Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis in SPSS version 23, with the significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: The results indicated a significant positive association between the level of fundamental motor skill performance including locomotor and object control skills (p = 0.001 for both) and children’s enjoyment of physical activity. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that children with higher levels of motor skill performance participate in various physical activities with greater enthusiasm and enjoyment. Therefore, it is recommended that physical education programs and motor intervention plans for children emphasize not only the development of motor skills but also the emotional aspects and enjoyment of physical activity. Enhancing fundamental motor skills can foster more enjoyable physical activity experiences in children, thereby increasing the likelihood of sustained participation in physical activity during childhood and beyond. |
| Keywords |
| Motor development, Fundamental motor skills, Enjoyment of physical activity, Physical activity participation, Children |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
