Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Associations of motor abilities with biological, sociodemographic, and behavioural factors in children: results from the ToyBox study

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Sport Sciences for Health Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

In this cross-sectional study, we examined the association of selected basic motor abilities with biological (sex, age, and BMI), sociodemographic [socio-economic status (SES), migration status], and behavioural factors (membership of sport club) in children aged 3–6 years.

Methods

We performed two motor tests, jumping from side to side (JSS) and standing long jump (SLJ) along with the anthropometric measurements in 1598 children (age 4.6 ± 0.70 years; 51% boys) from 58 kindergartens in Germany. GEE models were applied to examine cross-sectional associations between motor abilities and biological, sociodemographic, and behavioural factors.

Results

Age was significant positively related to both tests, JSS (p < 0.001) and SLJ (p < 0.001). Boys reached significantly better results in SLJ (p < 0.001) but not in JSS. Children being member of a sport club performed better than those who were not (SLJ: p < 0.001, JSS: p < 0.001). BMI was inversely related to SLJ (p = 0.014) and tended to be inversely related to JSS (p = 0.64). No significant associations of migration background or SES with motor abilities were found.

Conclusion

When designing effective promotion and teaching strategies targeting children’s motor abilities, information on age and gender differences should be taken into account. Preschool children may benefit from being member in sport clubs. Lower scores of motor abilities in children with higher BMI underline the importance to act early in childhood for prevention.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Abbreviations

BMI:

Body mass index

SES:

Socio-economic status

JSS:

Jumping from side to side

SLJ:

Standing long jump

PA:

Physical activity

SD:

Standard deviation

GEE:

Generalized estimating equation model

References

  1. Bappert S, Karger C, Seidel I et al (2006) Sportmotorische tests im setting Verein—Der Kinderturn-test. Bewegungtherapie Gesundh 22:233–237

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Barnett LM, Lai SK, Veldman SLC et al (2016) Correlates of gross motor competence in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Med 46:1663–1688

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  3. Bös K (2001) Handbuch motorische tests. Hogrefe 2, Göttingen

    Google Scholar 

  4. Bös K (2006) Leitfaden Kinderturn-test. Sonderheft der deutschen turnerjugend (manual Kinderturn-test). Deutsche Turnerjugend im Deutschen Turner-Bund e.V., Barmer

    Google Scholar 

  5. Bös K, Woll A, Bappert S (2003) Motorische Leistungsunterschiede bei über- und normalgewichtigen Kindern im Vorschulalter. Haltung Bewegung 23:35–37

    Google Scholar 

  6. De Vet E, De Ridder DT, De Wit JB (2011) Environmental correlates of physical activity and dietary behaviours among young people: a systematic review of reviews. Obes Rev 12:e130–e142

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Delaš S, Miletić A, Miletić Đ (2008) The influence of motor factors on performing fundamental movement skills: the differences between boys and girls. Facta universitatis-series. Phys Educ Sport 6:31–39

    Google Scholar 

  8. Ditton H, Maaz K (2011) Sozioökonomischer status und soziale ungleichheit. In: Reinders H, Ditton H, Gräsel C, Gniewosz B (eds) Empirische bildungsforschung: gegenstandsbereiche. VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften, Wiesbaden, pp 193–208

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  9. Ebenegger V, Marques-Vidal P, Kriemler S et al (2012) Differences in aerobic fitness and lifestyle characteristics in preschoolers according to their weight status and sports club participation. Obes Facts 5:23–33

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Evans GW, Kantrowitz E (2002) Socioeconomic status and health: the potential role of environmental risk exposure. Annu Rev Public Health 23:303–331

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Graf C, Koch B, Kretschmann-Kandel E et al (2004) Correlation between BMI, leisure habits and motor abilities in childhood (CHILT-project). Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 28:22–26

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Greier K, Riechelmann H (2014) Effects of migration background on weight status and motor performance of preschool children. Wien Klin Wochenschr 126:95–100

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Greier K, Riechelmann H, Burtscher M (2014) Prevalence of obesity and motor performance capabilities in Tyrolean preschool children. Wien Klin Wochenschr 126:409–415

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Haibach PS, Reid G, Collier DH (2011) Motor learning and development. Human Kinetics, Champaign

    Google Scholar 

  15. Hardy LL, O’hara BJ, Rogers K et al (2014) Contribution of organized and nonorganized activity to children’s motor skills and fitness. J School Health 84:690–696

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Hardy LL, Reinten-Reynolds T, Espinel P et al (2012) Prevalence and correlates of low fundamental movement skill competency in children. Pediatrics 130:e390–e398

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Haubenstricker J, Seefeldt V (1986) Acquisition of motor skills during childhood. Phys Act Wellbeing 1986:41–102

    Google Scholar 

  18. Haywood K, Getchell N (2014) Life span motor development. Human Kinetics, Champaign

    Google Scholar 

  19. Herkowitz J (1978) Sex-role expectations and the motor behavior of young children. In: Ridenour MV (ed) Motor development: issues and applications. Princeton Book Company, Princeton, NJ

    Google Scholar 

  20. Hinkley T, Crawford D, Salmon J et al (2008) Preschool children and physical activity: a review of correlates. Am J Prevent Med 34:435–441

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Iivonen S, Sääkslahti AK (2014) Preschool children’s fundamental motor skills: a review of significant determinants. Early Child Dev Care 184:1107–1126

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Jekauc D, Wagner MO, Herrmann C et al (2017) Does physical self-concept mediate the relationship between motor abilities and physical activity in adolescents and young adults? PLoS ONE 12:e0168539

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  23. Krombholz H (2006) Physical performance in relation to age, sex, birth order, social class, and sports activities of preschool children. Percept Motor Skills 102:477–484

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Krombholz H (1997) Physical performance in relation to age, sex, social class and sports activities in kindergarten and elementary school. Percept Motor Skills 84:1168–1170

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Lämmle L, Tittlbach S, Oberger J et al. A two-level model of motor performance ability. J Exerc Sci Fit 8:41–49

  26. Lammle L, Worth A, Bos K (2012) Socio-demographic correlates of physical activity and physical fitness in German children and adolescents. Eur J Public Health 22:880–884

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Malina RM (2004) Motor development during infancy and early childhood: overview and suggested directions for research. Int J Sport Health Sci 2:50–66

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Manios Y, Androutsos O, Katsarou C et al (2014) Designing and implementing a kindergarten-based, family-involved intervention to prevent obesity in early childhood: the ToyBox-study. Obes Rev 3:5–13

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Mckenzie TL, Sallis JF, Broyles SL et al (2002) Childhood movement skills: predictors of physical activity in Anglo American and Mexican American adolescents? Res Q Exerc Sport 73:238–244

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Morrow JR Jr, Tucker JS, Jackson AW et al (2013) Meeting physical activity guidelines and health-related fitness in youth. Am J Prevent Med 44:439–444

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Mouratidou T, Miguel ML, Androutsos O et al (2014) Tools, harmonization and standardization procedures of the impact and outcome evaluation indices obtained during a kindergarten-based, family-involved intervention to prevent obesity in early childhood: the ToyBox-study. Obes Rev 15 (Suppl 3):53–60

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Okely AD, Booth ML (2004) Mastery of fundamental movement skills among children in New South Wales: prevalence and sociodemographic distribution. J Sci Med Sport/Sports Med Aust 7:358–372

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Pate RR, Pfeiffer KA, Trost SG et al (2004) Physical activity among children attending preschools. Pediatrics 114:1258–1263

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Siahkouhian M, Mahmoodi H, Salehi M (2011) Relationship between fundamental movement skills and body mass index in 7-to-8 year-old children. World Appl Sci J 15:1354–1360

    Google Scholar 

  35. Tambalis KD, Panagiotakos DB, Arnaoutis G et al (2013) Endurance, explosive power, and muscle strength in relation to body mass index and physical fitness in greek children aged 7–10 years. Pediatr Exerc Sci 25:394–406

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  36. Thomas JR, French KE (1985) Gender differences across age in motor performance a meta-analysis. Psychol Bull 98:260–282

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Vandendriessche JB, Vandorpe BF, Vaeyens R et al (2012) Variation in sport participation, fitness and motor coordination with socioeconomic status among Flemish children. Pediatr Exerc Sci 24:113–128

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Venetsanou F, Kambas A (2010) Environmental factors affecting preschoolers’ motor development. Early Child Educ J 37:319–327

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Wankel LM, Berger BG (1990) The psychological and social benefits of sport and physical activity. J Leisure Res 22:167

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Williams HG, Pfeiffer KA, O’neill JR et al (2008) Motor skill performance and physical activity in preschool children. Obesity 16:1421–1426

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Zahner L, Muehlbauer T, Schmid M et al (2009) Association of sports club participation with fitness and fatness in children. Med Sci Sports Exerc 41:344–350

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Živčić K, Trajkovski-Višić B, Sentderdi M (2008) Changes in some of the motor abilities of preschool children (age four). Facta Univ Ser Phys Educ Sport 6:41–50

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The ToyBox study has been funded by the Seventh Framework Programme (CORDIS FP7) of the European Commission under Grant agreement no. 245200. The content of this article reflects only the authors’ views and the European Community is not liable for any use that may be made of the information contained therein. The ToyBox study group consist of: Co-ordinator: Yannis Manios. Steering Committee: Yannis Manios, Berthold Koletzko, Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij, Mai Chin A Paw, Luis Moreno, Carolyn Summerbell, Tim Lobstein, Lieven Annemans, Goof Buijs. External Advisors: John Reilly, Boyd Swinburn, Dianne Ward. Harokopio University (Greece): Yannis Manios, Odysseas Androutsos, Eva Grammatikaki, Christina Katsarou, Eftychia Apostolidou, Eirini Efstathopoulou. LMU-Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (Germany): Berthold Koletzko, Kristin Duvinage, Sabine Ibrügger, Angelika Strauß, Birgit Herbert, Julia Birnbaum, Annette Payr, Christine Geyer. Ghent University (Belgium): Department of Movement and Sports Sciences: Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij, Greet Cardon, Marieke De Craemer, Ellen De Decker. Department of Public Health: Lieven Annemans, Stefaan De Henauw, Lea Maes, Carine Vereecken, Jo Van Assche, Lore Pil. VU University Medical Center EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research (The Netherlands): EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research: Mai Chin A Paw, Saskia te Velde. University of Zaragoza (Spain): Luis Moreno, Theodora Mouratidou, Juan Fernandez, Maribel Mesana, Pilar De Miguel-Etayo, Esther M. González-Gil, Luis Gracia-Marco, Beatriz Oves. Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences (Norway): Agneta Yngve, Susanna Kugelberg, Christel Lynch, Annhild Mosdøl, Bente Nilsen. University of Durham (UK): Carolyn Summerbell, Helen Moore, Wayne Douthwaite, Catherine Nixon. State Institute of Early Childhood Research (Germany): Susanne Kreichauf, Andreas Wildgruber. Children’s Memorial Health Institute (Poland): Piotr Socha, Zbigniew Kulaga, Kamila Zych, Magdalena Góźdź, Beata Gurzkowska, Katarzyna Szott. Medical University of Varna (Bulgaria): Violeta Iotova, Mina Lateva, Natalya Usheva, Sonya Galcheva, Vanya Marinova, Zhaneta Radkova, Nevyana Feschieva. World Obesity Federation (UK): Tim Lobstein. CBO B.V. (The Netherlands): Goof Buijs, Annemiek Dorgelo, Aviva Nethe, Jan Jansen. AOK-Verlag (Germany): Otto Gmeiner, Jutta Retterath, Julia Wildeis, Axel Günthersberger. Roehampton University (UK): Leigh Gibson. University of Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Claus Voegele.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Lindwurmstr. 4, 80337, Munich, Germany

    Julia Birnbaum, Christine Geyer, Franca F. Kirchberg, Meike Beulshausen & Berthold Koletzko

  2. Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences and Education, Harokopio University, Athens, E. Venizelou 70, 17671, Athens, Greece

    Yannis Manios

Authors
  1. Julia Birnbaum
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Christine Geyer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Franca F. Kirchberg
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Meike Beulshausen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Yannis Manios
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Berthold Koletzko
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Consortia

On behalf of the ToyBox-study group

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Julia Birnbaum.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interests

Ethical approval

All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

Informed consent

Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Birnbaum, J., Geyer, C., Kirchberg, F.F. et al. Associations of motor abilities with biological, sociodemographic, and behavioural factors in children: results from the ToyBox study. Sport Sci Health 15, 175–181 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-018-0507-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-018-0507-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation