Author(s): COCHRANE WILKIE, J., KENDALL, K., CORMACK, K., Institution: SOUTHERN CROSS UNIVERSITY, Country: AUSTRALIA, Abstract-ID: 1010

INTRODUCTION:
Motor skill competence (MSC) is a key determinant of physical activity, fitness and psychosocial health across childhood. Evidence indicates that Australian girls demonstrate lower MSC and physical activity levels than boys; however, contemporary data specific to preadolescent girls are limited. This study examined MSC, physical activity, physical fitness and mental wellbeing in preadolescent girls and compared outcomes with available national and international reference data. Differences between girls with low and high MSC were also investigated.
METHODS:
Sixty-nine preadolescent girls (8 to 11 years) from Western Australia completed a single assessment session. MSC was assessed using qualitative fundamental movement skill (FMS) proficiency checklists and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2). Physical wellbeing measures included body mass index, waist circumference, cardiorespiratory fitness (20 m shuttle run), muscular strength (isometric mid-thigh pull, handgrip strength), muscular power (countermovement jump), and physical activity assessed via accelerometry (daily steps, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) and the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C). Mental wellbeing was assessed using the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (psychosocial health) and selected Self-Description Questionnaire subscales. Participants were categorised into tertiles based on MSC z-scores, with low and high MSC groups compared using analysis of variance.
RESULTS:
Overall, girls demonstrated low MSC, with fewer than half achieving proficiency across most fundamental movement skills. Mean MABC-2 percentile scores were below the 50th percentile relative to international norms, with aiming and catching identified as the weakest domain. Physical fitness, physical activity and mental wellbeing outcomes were also below national and international reference values, and most girls did not meet recommended physical activity guidelines. Compared with girls with high MSC, those with low MSC exhibited significantly lower cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, self-reported physical activity, objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, perceived physical ability and overall self-concept (all p ≤ 0.05).
CONCLUSION:
Preadolescent girls demonstrate concerning deficits in motor skill competence, physical fitness, physical activity and mental wellbeing. Girls with low MSC are particularly disadvantaged across multiple health-related domains. These findings highlight the need for targeted, early interventions that prioritise motor skill development and physical competence in girls before the transition to adolescence.