Author(s): FONT-LLADÓ, R., LÓPEZ-ROS, V.1, JÓDAR-PORTAS, A.2, VASILEVA, F.2, HOMS, J.2,3, PRATS-PUIG, A.2,3, Institution: UNIVERSITAT DE GIRONA, Country: SPAIN, Abstract-ID: 2218

INTRODUCTION. Motor development is described as a progressive process that occurs when an individual participates in a rich context with a variety of motor opportunities. Motor competence (MC) defines an individuals degree of proficient performance in a large range of motor skills. Proficiency barriers propose an “adequate” level of Fundamental Motor Skills (FMS) as a prerequisite for participation in sport-specific activities (1), to influence health (2). However, considering sport as a specific context with a broad range of motor opportunities, another hypothesis is possible. This study aimed at a) exploring the influence of sports experiences in MC and FMS levels in 7 years-old children, and b) assessing the impact of an Integrated Neuromuscular Training program (INT) in MC and FMS considering the baseline level of MC and FMS, and sport experiences in 7 years-old children.
METHODS. This randomized control trial recruited 228 children (y=7.45 ± 0.34). Group-based INT program in the warm-up (INT group, n=116) was compared with the group-based conventional warm-up (CON group, n=92) both over 24 PE lessons. Data were collected in 2 sessions (pre-post): Physical Activity (MVPA) with Actigrah 3GTX, IMC, sport experiences, MC, and FMS level using the CAMSA test (8). A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify predictor variables to MC and FMS, furthermore to MC and FMS improvements. Differences across groups (sex, IMC, and Sports experiences) were analyzed by independent T-test and ANOVA.
RESULTS. Adjusted by MVPA and sport modality, the amount of sports practice (ASP) is an independent predictor of 2-foot jumping and skipping, explaining 23,6%, and 5,7%, of its variability respectively. Also, ASP and IMC are associated with MC (28,7%), Sliding (11,2%) and 1-foot hopping (16%) explaining its variability. Finally, ASP and sex are associated with catching (11,5%), throwing (26,3%), and kicking (28,6%) explaining its variability. Interestingly, only ASP is associated positively. According to sport modality, sport-based-locomotive-skills practitioners showed faster than sport-based-manipulative-skills practitioners (p<0.000) and non-sport practitioners (p=0.002). In linear regressions analyses after adjusting for sex, IMC, and sport modality, ASP, INT interventions, and initial level of MC and FMS are associated with improvements of MC, sliding, catching, and throwing explaining 30,9%, 28,4%, 48,1% and 31% of its variability respectively, not in the other skills.
CONCLUSIONS. The amount of practice sport in 7-year-old children influenced mastery in MC and FMS patterns. MVPA and sport modality are not significant in this model. However, sports-based-locomotive-skills seem better to be faster, but not to master MC. The amount of practice sport, initial MC and FMS level, and INT intervention are good predictors of mastery MC and improved FMS levels in 7-year-old children.

(1) Seefeldt et al. (1982)
(2) Stodden et al. (2013)