Multivariate association among morphology, fitness, and motor coordination characteristics in boys age 7 to 11

Pediatr Exerc Sci. 2011 Nov;23(4):504-20. doi: 10.1123/pes.23.4.504.

Abstract

Discussions of growth and motor performance of children are often set in the context of physical fitness. Although there is a clear theoretical concept or definition of fitness comprising motor coordination, the latter is not systematically considered. This study determined to what extent the variance in motor coordination might be explained by morphological and fitness characteristics. To postulate understanding of this association during childhood, 613 boys aged 7-11 years completed the morphological measurements, the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK) and different fitness tests. The results demonstrated a substantial interrelationship among morphology, fitness and motor coordination in elementary school boys. The magnitude of explained variance and the loadings of the canonical correlation between the several constructs are strongly pronounced during childhood indicating that these constructs should be well considered given their contribution to a child's general development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue
  • Age Factors
  • Belgium
  • Body Height
  • Body Weight
  • Body Weights and Measures*
  • Child
  • Electric Impedance
  • Hand Strength
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motor Skills / physiology*
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Physical Fitness / physiology*