Impact of cultural background on fundamental movement skill and its correlates |
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| Authors: | Lisa M Barnett Rohan M Telford Claudia Strugnell James Rudd Lisa S Olive Richard D Telford |
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| Institution: | 1. School of Health and Social Development, Institute of Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia;2. Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australia;3. Global Obesity Centre, Deakin Centre for Population Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia;4. Physical Education Department of Sport, Leisure and Nutrition, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK;5. Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia;6. School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia |
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| Abstract: | Children’s fundamental movement skill levels (FMS) predict moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Asian children have been reported as less active than English-Europeans, possibly due to poorer skills. This study compared the FMS of children from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds and examined FMS correlates. A total of 261 children (122 males) aged 9-to-11 years were divided based on language spoken at home: English-European (n = 105) and Asian (n = 156). Height, mass, FMS (Test of Gross Motor Development-2), MVPA (accelerometer) and cardio-respiratory fitness (20m multistage shuttle run) were directly measured. Sex, age, language and perceived sport competence (CY-PSPP) were self-reported. Independent sample t-tests assessed age, BMI, FMS and perception by CALD group. Linear mixed models examined FMS correlates. Asian-speaking children had lower object control skill (35.5 v 37.2; CI 0.17, 3.18]; p < 0.03) compared to English-European- children, but no between-group differences in locomotor skills were observed. Fitness, physical activity and sport competence perception were positively associated with object control, yet adjusting for these variables (and age and BMI) did not remove the CALD effect (B = ?2.02, SE = 0.69, p = 0.004). Cultural factors may affect object control competence in Asian-Australian children. |
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| Keywords: | Object control skill locomotor physical activity physical self-perception ethnicity |
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