Research

Perceived sports competence mediates the relationship between childhood motor skill proficiency and adolescent physical activity and fitness: a longitudinal assessment

Lisa M Barnett¹ , Philip J Morgan² , Eric van Beurden^3,4 and John R Beard^1,4,5

¹University of Sydney, Department of Rural Health (Northern Rivers), PO Box 3074, Lismore, NSW, 2480, Australia

²University of Newcastle, Faculty of Education and Arts, Newcastle, NSW, Australia

³North Coast Area Health Service, Health Promotion Unit, Lismore, NSW, Australia

⁴Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia

⁵New York Academy of Medicine, 1216 Fifth Ave, New York, New York, USA

author email corresponding author email

International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 2008, 5:40doi:10.1186/1479-5868-5-40

Published:	8 August 2008

Abstract

Background

The purpose of this paper was to investigate whether perceived sports competence mediates the relationship between childhood motor skill proficiency and subsequent adolescent physical activity and fitness.

Methods

In 2000, children's motor skill proficiency was assessed as part of a school-based physical activity intervention. In 2006/07, participants were followed up as part of the Physical Activity and Skills Study and completed assessments for perceived sports competence (Physical Self-Perception Profile), physical activity (Adolescent Physical Activity Recall Questionnaire) and cardiorespiratory fitness (Multistage Fitness Test). Structural equation modelling techniques were used to determine whether perceived sports competence mediated between childhood object control skill proficiency (composite score of kick, catch and overhand throw), and subsequent adolescent self-reported time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness.

Results

Of 928 original intervention participants, 481 were located in 28 schools and 276 (57%) were assessed with at least one follow-up measure. Slightly more than half were female (52.4%) with a mean age of 16.4 years (range 14.2 to 18.3 yrs). Relevant assessments were completed by 250 (90.6%) students for the Physical Activity Model and 227 (82.3%) for the Fitness Model. Both hypothesised mediation models had a good fit to the observed data, with the Physical Activity Model accounting for 18% (R² = 0.18) of physical activity variance and the Fitness Model accounting for 30% (R² = 0.30) of fitness variance. Sex did not act as a moderator in either model.

Conclusion

Developing a high perceived sports competence through object control skill development in childhood is important for both boys and girls in determining adolescent physical activity participation and fitness. Our findings highlight the need for interventions to target and improve the perceived sports competence of youth.