Logo image
Back
Preadolescent Girls Miss the Mark With Motor Skill Competency and Physical and Mental Well-Being
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Preadolescent Girls Miss the Mark With Motor Skill Competency and Physical and Mental Well-Being

Kylie A. Cormack, Kristina Kendall and Jodie L. Cochrane Wilkie
Women in sport & physical activity journal, Vol.34(1), pp.1-16
01/2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/wspaj.2025-0157
Appears in  Recent Faculty of Health Publications

Metrics

1 Record Views

Abstract

fundamental movement skill proficiency physical activity psychosocial health strength
Purpose: This study evaluated motor skill competence (MSC) and physical and mental well-being in 69 preadolescent girls (8–11 years), comparing outcomes with national and international reference data sets and recommended guidelines. Differences between girls with low and high MSC were also examined. Methods: MSC was assessed using a fundamental movement skills checklist and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2. Physical well-being measures included body mass index, waist circumference, cardiorespiratory fitness (20-m shuttle run), isometric mid-thigh pull, handgrip strength, counter movement jump, accelerometry-derived moderate to vigorous physical activity and daily steps, and the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children. Mental well-being was assessed using the psychosocial health subscale of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL 4.0) and selected subscales of the Self-Description Questionnaire-I. Results: A high prevalence of low MSC was observed, with the cohort mean falling below national and international reference values. Similar trends were evident for cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, physical activity, and Self-Description Questionnaire-I subscales. Only 13.10% of participants met moderate to vigorous physical activity guidelines and 9.80% achieved recommended daily steps. Significant differences were identified between low- and high-MSC groups across fundamental movement skills proficiency, Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 percentiles, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, physical activity (Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children and moderate to vigorous physical activity), and Self-Description Questionnaire-I subscales. Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve MSC and associated health outcomes in preadolescent girls prior to adolescence and secondary education.

Details

Logo image