Utvikling av motorisk kompetanse fra 1. til 10.klasse hos en gruppe barn og unge. : har foreldrenes utdanning noe å si for barnas motoriske kompetanse?

Abstract

Background: Previous research indicates that there is a correlation between parents’ socioeconomic status and their children’s’ motor competence and physical activity. Furthermore, it is claimed that good motor competence correlate with children’s’ social, cognitive and physical development. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the development of motor competence in children from 1th to 10th grade, and if it correlated with parents’ educational level. Method: Participants were 55 students (5-16 years). Their motor competence was measured by the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder, while physical activity levels and parents’ education level were measured using questionnaires. Results: The children were categorized into poor, average or good motor competence groups. The results showed that all three groups increased their motor competence from 2nd to 10th grade, except for the poor competence group who showed a tendency for reduced competence from 2nd to 7th grade. Motor competence in 1st grade explained 58, 48 and 35 percent (R2) of the variation in motor competence in 2nd, 7th and 10th grade, respectively. Parents’ educational levels were not predictive for motor competence. Conclusion: Students with poor motor competence in 1th grade seemed to have poorest motor competence in 2th, 7th and 10th grade. The results indicate that the level of motor competence in early age is an important predictor for future motor competence. Future research should concentrate on which factors that can improve children’s’ motor competence and development. Key words: Motor competence, motor development, physical activity, Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder, parent’s education.