Low Competency in Fundamental Movement Skills

Pediatrics will be publishing research on almost 7000 elementary and high school students in Australia to explore the demographic and health-related characteristics of school-aged children with low competency in fundamental movement skills (FMS). Staff examined each student's height, weight, and assessed FMS and cardiorespiratory endurance. Demographic and physical activity was measured with a questionnaire. The results indicated the following:

• the prevalence of students with low FMS competency was high
• girls with low socioeconomic status were twice as likely to have low FMS competency compared to their higher socioeconomic peers
• for boys low competency in FMS was associated with non-English speaking cultural backgrounds
• low competency in FMS was associated with decreased cardiorespiratory endurance
• boys with low competency in object control skills also did not meet physical activity recommendations
• the odds of being inactive were double among girls with low competency in FMS

The researchers concluded that fundamental movement skills need to start during the preschool and elementary school years.

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Reference:  Louise L. Hardy, Tracie Reinten-Reynolds, Paola Espinel,Avigdor Zask, and Anthony D. Okely. Prevalence and Correlates of Low Fundamental Movement Skill Competency in Children. Pediatrics peds.2012-0345; published ahead of print July 23, 2012, doi:10.1542/peds.2012-0345