The Relationship Between Motor Skill Proficiency and Body Mass Index In Preschool Children
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2011
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