Gross Motor Development, Physical Activity and Anthropometry of Grade 1's in a South African School
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| Title: | Gross Motor Development, Physical Activity and Anthropometry of Grade 1's in a South African School |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Monique de Milander (ORCID |
| Source: | South African Journal of Childhood Education. 2025 15(1). |
| Availability: | AOSIS. 15 Oxford Street, Durbanville, Cape Town, 7550 South Africa. Tel: +27-21-975-2602; Fax: +27-21-975-4635; e-mail: publishing@aosis.co.za; Web site: https://sajce.co.za/index.php/sajce |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 12 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Early Childhood Education Elementary Education Grade 1 Primary Education |
| Descriptors: | Psychomotor Skills, Body Composition, Physical Activity Level, Motor Development, Grade 1, Elementary School Students, Correlation, Computer Use, Body Weight, Body Height, Obesity, Foreign Countries |
| Geographic Terms: | South Africa |
| Assessment and Survey Identifiers: | Test of Gross Motor Development |
| ISSN: | 2223-7674 2223-7682 |
| Abstract: | Background: Gross motor difficulties can limit physical activity (PA) participation, contributing to unhealthy body composition. Aim: This study profiled Grade 1 learners' gross motor development, PA and anthropometry and explored relationships between these variables. Setting: A cross-sectional design was followed, including Grade 1 learners (33 girls [58%]; 24 boys [42%]) from one primary school. Methods: The Test of Gross Motor Development-3 (TGMD-3) evaluated gross motor development, while the Physical Activity Questionnaire-Young Children (PAQ-YC) determined PA participation. Anthropometry measurements were taken using standardised techniques. Results: Participants predominantly portrayed average gross motor skills (49.1%), ball skills (50.9%) and locomotor skills (64.9%). Participation in a variety of PA types was evident, with outdoor play having the highest median (240 min per week). Participants spent 270 min (median) on screen time per week. Body mass index (BMI) results classified 31.6% of participants as overweight or obese. Central obesity (waist-to-height ratio) was identified in 29.8% of participants, while fat percentage, respectively, categorised 19.3% and 22.8% as overweight and obese. BMI significantly correlated with gross motor index (p = 0.0350; rho = -0.280) and ball skills (p = 0.0351; rho = -0.280), while fat percentage was significantly associated with gross motor index (p = 0.0046). Conclusion: Participants portrayed average gross motor skills and sufficient PA levels, although screen time was high. Unhealthy body composition is significantly related to poorer gross motor skills. Contribution: Alarmingly high incidences of unhealthy body composition negatively affect motor skills. Intervention programmes should therefore be implemented to improve young children's body composition. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1491618 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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