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01-04-2019 | Original Article

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

Authors: Julia Birnbaum, Christine Geyer, Franca F. Kirchberg, Meike Beulshausen, Yannis Manios, Berthold Koletzko, On behalf of the ToyBox-study group

Published in: Sport Sciences for Health | Issue 1/2019

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.

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Title: Associations of motor abilities with biological, sociodemographic, and behavioural factors in children: results from the ToyBox study
Authors: Julia Birnbaum
Christine Geyer
Franca F. Kirchberg
Meike Beulshausen
Yannis Manios
Berthold Koletzko
On behalf of the ToyBox-study group
Publication date: 01-04-2019
Publisher: Springer Milan
Published in: Sport Sciences for Health / Issue 1/2019
Print ISSN: 1824-7490
Electronic ISSN: 1825-1234
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-018-0507-5

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Springer Medicine

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

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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