The Relationship Between Motor Skill Proficiency and Body Mass Index In Preschool Children
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2011
Journal / Book Title
Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between motor proficiency and body mass index (BMI) in preschool children. Thirty-eight children ages 4–6 years had their BMI calculated and were assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2; Henderson, Sugden, & Barnett, 2007). These data were analyzed in two ways. The correlation between BMI and MABC-2 percentile ranks was calculated. Next, the groups were subdivided based on BMI status (high, M = 85.5; medium, M = 49.8; low, M = 10.8), and compared using t tests to determine if differences existed in MABC-2 percentile ranks. No significant relationship existed between MABC-2 and BMI percentile ranks (r = −237). However, significant differences in MABC-2 percentile ranks existed between high and low (p =. 042), and high and medium (p =. 043) groups. These results suggest that preschool children classified as overweight or obese may have lower motor proficiency than their normal weight and under weight peers. This study indicates there is a direct relationship between motor proficiency and BMI in the preschool population.
DOI
10.1080/02701367.2011.10599776
Montclair State University Digital Commons Citation
Logan, Samuel W.; Scrabis-Fletcher, Kristin; Modlesky, Christopher; and Getchell, Nancy, "The Relationship Between Motor Skill Proficiency and Body Mass Index In Preschool Children" (2011). Department of Exercise Science and Physical Education Scholarship and Creative Works. 76.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/exersci-physed-facpubs/76