ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: This study examined the relationship among motor skill competence, perceived motor competence (PMC), health-related physical fitness and physical activity in 8-9-year-old Iranian girls (n = 352). METHODS: Locomotor and object control motor skill competence was assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development - 2nd edition. PMC was assessed using the Physical Ability subscale of Marsh's Self-Description Questionnaire-1. Health-related physical fitness was measured with body mass index, the 600 yard run/walk, curl-ups, push-ups, and back-saver sit and reach tests. Children's physical activity was assessed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children. RESULTS: Regression analysis revealed that locomotor proficiency, aerobic fitness and PMC accounted for 56% (P < .001) of variance associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. CONCLUSION: The findings warrant future investigations that examine interventions that focus on motor skill and perceived competence along with aerobic fitness to promote physical activity in girls.
Subject(s)
Motor Activity/physiology , Physical Fitness/physiology , Body Mass Index , Child , Exercise Test/methods , Female , Health Promotion/methods , Humans , Iran , Motor Skills/physiology , Physical Fitness/psychology , Self ConceptABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: To determine relationships between healths related quality of life and body mass index in children aged 9-11 years old. METHODS: This cross sectional study was conducted on 240 children 9-11 year olds who were selected via multi stage cluster sampling design from primary schools in the Shahre Qods of the Tehran, Iran in 2007. Pediatric Quality of Life inventory was completed by child self report with measured height and weight used to determine body mass index percentile/weight classification. Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥95(th) percentile for age and gender and one way analyses of variance (ANOVA) was used for data analyses. RESULTS: Physical, social and school functioning was significantly lowered for obese when compared to normal weight children (P<.05). The impairment in QOL in the community-based sample of elementary school children was less marked than clinical sample of obese. Obese children maintain emotional health. CONCLUSION: These results highlight the importance in considering dimensions of quality of life at further understanding obesity in children.
