Abstract

Problem statement: Although the evidence indicates that fundamental movement skills (FMS) are the building blocks to master complex and specific movements, are a component of physical development as well as a key prerequisite to develop adequate physical activity levels (PAL), this relationship remains underexplored in preschoolers. Purpose: To analyze the association between FMS and PAL identifying differences by age as well as determining which skills have the greatest influence on preschool children complying with the World Health Organization (WHO) PA Guidelines. The sample included 95 preschoolers (59 boys) aged 4 to 6 years (5.5 ± 0.6 years) participating in a national program implemented by the Chilean Sports Ministry. FMS were measured using the TGMD (2nd edition); we considered the raw assessment scores and converted them into percentiles, while PAL, was assessed objectively using a triaxial accelerometer ActiGraph GT3X and Actilife-6 software. Moderate and vigorous physical activity was dichotomized into active (≥60 min/d) or inactive (≤60 min/d). Logistic regressions were used to determine associations among variables by age, adjusting by sex, nutritional status and time spent in sedentary behavior. Analysis of FMS scores and minutes spent at each PAL determined which skills had the greatest impact on children being active, at p ≤ 0.05, using Stata 15 software. Results No associations among subscales for locomotor skills and PAL were found (p=0.662), object control (p=0.264), or total score (p=0.704); however, FMS was associated with age. Preschoolers aged 5 and older who engaged in ≥60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) showed higher FMS, particularly in object control. Conclusion This study found no significant association between FMS and PAL in preschoolers, however a positive association was observed between FMS with age. Our study also supports the importance that FMS have for preschoolers in achieving WHO´s guidelines for PA. Specifically, object control development at 5 years old may be key in obtaining a greater PAL.