Author(s): LUUKKAINEN, N., SÄÄKSLAHTI, A., CÔTÉ, J., TOLVANEN, A., NIEMISTÖ, D., SARKKINEN, E., LAUKKANEN, A., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF JYVÄSKYLÄ, Country: FINLAND, Abstract-ID: 807

INTRODUCTION:
Childrens levels and types of physical activity vary individually and across different ages. This study aims to examine the profiles of organised sports participation and non-organised outdoor time among children aged 3–13 years. Additionally, the study explores how these profiles are associated with differences in physical activity, physical fitness, and motor skills.
METHODS:
The study involved 1,115 Finnish children (50.0% girls), aged 3 to 13 years. They were assessed three times—T1 (3-7 years), T2 (6-11 years), and T3 (9-13 years)—between 2015 and 2023. The goal was to connect their participation in physical activities with their fitness and motor skills outcomes. The participation rate in sports and outdoor time on weekdays and weekends was queried via a parental questionnaire at all time points. We created profiles based on the patterns of organised sports participation and outdoor time using the latent class analysis (LCA) conducted with Mplus statistical software. LCA was conducted to identify distinct profiles, which were subsequently compared in terms of physical activity (T2, T3), physical fitness (T3), and motor skills (T1, T2). Physical activity was measured with accelerometers, and a 20-meter shuttle run test assessed physical fitness and push-ups in 60s. Motor skills were evaluated using a shortened version of the Test of Gross Motor Development – 3rd edition (TGMD-3), including locomotor skills (hopping, skipping), and object control skills (one-hand stationary dribbling, overhand throwing). Missing data was assumed to be missing at random.
RESULTS:
LCA identified four distinct participation patterns: (1) multisport with high outdoor time (n=234), (2) multisport with moderate outdoor time (n=310), (3) one-sport participation with low outdoor time (n=275), and (4) non-organised sport with high outdoor time (n=296). Comparisons across these classes revealed significant differences in physical activity, physical fitness, and motor skills (p < 0.05).
The multisport with high outdoor time group exhibited significantly higher levels of physical activity, physical fitness and motor skills than the other classes. However, the multisport group with moderate outdoor activity also exhibited better outcomes than groups 3 and 4, though the motor skills at T2 did not show significant differences. The one-sport participation with low outdoor time group showed the lowest values of physical activity, and the non-organised sport with high outdoor time group exhibited lower levels of physical fitness and motor skills compared to the other groups.
CONCLUSION:
These findings suggest that encouraging children to engage in multisport activities combined with substantial outdoor time may enhance their physical activity, fitness and motor skills. Coaches, educators, and parents should consider promoting a balanced approach to physical activity that includes both organised sports and unstructured outdoor activities to foster comprehensive motor development and overall fitness in youth.