Body mass index, perceived and actual physical competence: the relationship among young children. Issue 6 (30th November 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Spessato, B. C.; Gabbard, C.; Robinson, L.; Valentini, N. C.
• Is Part Of: Child care health and development. Volume 39:Issue 6(2013:Nov.)
• Page Start: 845
• Page End: 850
• Publication Date: 2012-11-30
• Subjects: Child development -- Periodicals; Child care -- Periodicals; Children -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Children with disabilities -- Periodicals; 155.405
• DOI: 10.1111/cch.12014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-1862

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="cch12014-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived physical competence (PPC), actual motor competence (MC) and body mass index (BMI) in young children.</p> </sec> <sec id="cch12014-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>We assessed MC (Test of Gross Motor Development – 2nd Edition), PPC (Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance) and BMI (CDC calculator) of 178 young children ages 4–7 years.</p> </sec> <sec id="cch12014-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>The linear regression model for the overall sample showed that BMI was a better predictor of PPC than MC. Also, obese children had lower PPC, but showed no differences in MC compared with leaner peers.</p> </sec> <sec id="cch12014-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>PPC of young obese children was lower than their leaner counterparts, yet their MC was similar. That outcome draws attention to the importance of promoting positive PPC in young children.</p> </sec> </abstract>