Author(s): LUUKKAINEN, N.M., LAUKKANEN, A., NIEMISTÖ, D., SÄÄKSLAHTI, A., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF JYVÄSKYLÄ, Country: FINLAND, Abstract-ID: 1148

INTRODUCTION
Little is known how different types of physical activity (PA) in early years predict subsequent PA and motor development. This study aimed to find out how outdoor time and participation in sport in early childhood (T1) predicted motor competence (MC) and overall physical activity three years later in school age (T2).

METHODS
The participants (n=627, 51.0% girls) were Finnish, 3-8 years old at T1 (mean 5.5 yrs.), and 6-11 years old at T2 (mean 8.7 yrs.). The participation rate in sports and outdoor time on weekdays and weekends was queried via a parental questionnaire at T1. At T2, children’s MC was assessed using a shortened version of the Test of Gross Motor Development – 3rd edition, including locomotor skills (hopping, skipping), and object control skills (one-hand stationary dribbling, overhand throwing), and a total score of these skills. Additionally, the jumping sideways test of the Körperkoordinationstest Für Kinder instrument was used. PA was measured with accelerometers at T2. Associations were analysed using linear regression models with the enter method and interactions using a two-way analysis of variance.

RESULTS
Children’s participation in more than two (multisport) organised activities sports at T1 predicted better MC at T2 in locomotor skills (p < 0.001), object control skills (p = 0.003), total skills (p < 0.001), and jumping sideways (p < 0.001). Outdoor time on weekdays at T1 predicted better object control skills (p = 0.004) and total skills (p = 0.019) in all participants. Both higher outdoor time (p = 0.006) and participation in multisports (p = 0.002) in early childhood predict higher subsequent moderate-to-vigorous PA in middle childhood. However, there were no interactions between organised sports participation and outdoor time on MC or PA.

CONCLUSION
Participation in more than two sports and spending more time outdoors during the weekdays predicted better MC and higher levels of PA. It is essential for adults who work with children and in sports clubs to understand that multisport and different types of outdoor activities play an important role in developing a childs MC and PA.