Relationship Between Body Composition And Motor Skills In 3-5 Year Olds: National Youth Fitness Survey: 2195 Board #114 May 28 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Factors such as obesity and motor skill development are associated with the health and development of young children and tend to track into adulthood. Early childhood is considered a critical time period for obesity incidence and motor skill development. PURPOSE: This study examined the associations between weight status and motor skills in children. METHODS: Data from 3-5 years old children (N=342, 51% males) who participated in the 2012 National Youth Fitness Survey were analyzed. Body mass index (BMI), along with age- and sex-adjusted BMI percentiles were calculated. Scores were placed into categories of underweight/healthy weight, overweight, or obese. Skinfold measurements (calf and triceps) were taken and percent body fat (%BF) was calculated sex-specific equations. Motor skills were determined by the Test of Gross Motor Development-2nd Edition. Linear regression analyses were performed to determine the associations among BMI category and Locomotor, Object Control, and overall Gross Motor Quotient (GMQ) controlling for sex, race, and poverty index ratio. Regression analyses were also conducted between %BF and Locomotor, and Object Control Motor Skills and GMQ controlling for sex, race, and poverty index ratio. RESULTS: Most children were classified as underweight/healthy weight (69%) and 31% were overweight or obese. Average BF% was (M(SE)=17.02 (0.27)). In regard to GMQ, the mean percentile was 41.43 (1.36). Neither BMI category or BF% was related to Locomotor, Object Control, or GMQ (p=0.32-0.71, and p=0.18-0.63, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Given the inconsistent findings in the literature, additional research is needed to elucidate these relationships between body composition and motor skill development. Using different measures of weight status may provide additional insight into associations between weight status and motor skill development in young children.