Physical activity level correlates with obesity-related factors, but not with fundamental movement skills in preschool children: a cross-sectional study

Zheyu He; Suh-Jung Kang

doi:10.12965/jer.2448082.041

Physical activity level correlates with obesity-related factors, but not with fundamental movement skills in preschool children: a cross-sectional study

J Exerc Rehabil. 2024 Apr 26;20(2):58-64. doi: 10.12965/jer.2448082.041. eCollection 2024 Apr.

Authors

Zheyu He^{1

2}, Suh-Jung Kang³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Physical Education and Military Education, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou, China.
² Department of Physical Education, Graduate School, Sangmyung University, Seoul, Korea.
³ Sports and Healthcare Major, College of Culture and Arts, Sangmyung University, Seoul, Korea.

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the differences in physical activity (PA) level, fundamental movement skill (FMS), and obesity-related factors in preschoolers. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 426 preschool children aged 3-5 years. Participants were assigned to the low PA group (LPAG), moderate PA group (MPAG), and high PA group (HPAG) according to the total score obtained in the PA questionnaire for young children. FMS and obesity-related factors were also analyzed. PA was compared by age and sex, and FMS and obesity-related factors were compared between groups. Significant differences were found according to sex. Boys were more active than girls in the 3-4 years age group, but no significant differences were observed at the age of 5 years. LPAG showed lower FMS than MPAG and HPAG, although this was not statistically significant. However, body mass index (BMI), BMI z-score, body fat, and muscle mass showed significant differences in terms of PA levels. Consideration of age and sex is crucial in promoting PA among preschoolers. Additionally, better obesity-related factors are associated with higher PA levels, and FMS may be a useful tool in evaluating health and fitness.

Keywords: Body mass index; Child; Fundamental movement skill; Physical activity; Preschool.