This study proposes an extension of a widely used test evaluating fundamental movement skills proficiency to an adolescent population, with a specific emphasis on validity and reliability for this older age group.
Previously, activity plus diet programs were efficacious in improving overweight children's movement skill proficiency [ 28].
Fundamental movement skills proficiency is measured using the 2nd edition of the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2) [ 23].
Data show a need for targeting low levels of physical activity in youth through addressing poor health related activity knowledge and low fundamental movement skill proficiency.
The majority of youth in this study (99.5%) failed to reach a level of mastery across key FMS, indicating that basic movement skill proficiency is low.
Cross-sectional data on physical activity levels (using self report and accelerometry), psychological correlates of physical activity, anthropometic characteristics, and the fundamental movement skill proficiency of 256 youth (53% male, 12.40 ± 0.51 years) were collected.
This emerging evidence indicates that children are likely making the transition to adolescence without acquiring basic movement skill proficiency, though this has yet to be confirmed in an Irish context.
Findings indicate that the majority of youth (67%) were not accumulating the minimum 60 minutes of physical activity recommended daily for health, and that 99.5% did not achieve the fundamental movement skill proficiency expected for their age.
Competent PE teachers significantly improve fundamental movement skill proficiency in youth [ 37], and perceived competence is essential to facilitate self-determination and autonomous motivation for participation in physical education [ 38].
Cross-sectional evidence has grown regarding the importance of fundamental movement skill proficiency, showing that it is positively associated with total PA [ 25], moderate-to-vigorous PA [ 26], skill-specific PA [ 27] and organised PA [ 28] in youth.
8 11 Evidence from randomised and quasi-experimental trials suggests that healthy eating and physical activity promoting policies and practices can increase time children spend being physically active, improve child fundamental movement skill proficiency, improve child diet quality in care and prevent excessive weight gain.
