Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Centre for Child and Adolescent Physical Literacy
Motor competence is important for health and performance of children and adolescents. However, adolescence is a key period of rapid growth and maturation, and limited research has examined the association between motor competence and physical activity, physical fitness and psychosocial characteristics solely within adolescents.
The situation: Motor competence is important for health and performance of children and adolescents. However, adolescence is a key period of rapid growth and maturation, and limited research has examined the association between motor competence and physical activity, physical fitness and psychosocial characteristics solely within adolescents.
The work: We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to understand the research studies that have examined the associations between motor competence and physical activity, fitness, and psychosocial characteristics in adolescents.
The results: We reviewed 61 studies that have examined motor competence in adolescence, using 27 different assessments of motor competence. Most studies do not use an appropriate method of motor competence assessment. The meta-analyses showed that motor competence was positively associated with physical activity, some physical fitness characteristics (e.g., muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance) and psychosocial characteristics (e.g., confidence, motivation), and inversely associated with weight status, speed, and agility. Interventions to enhance an adolescent’s health should target motor competence, physical and psychosocial development. Improved evaluations of these characteristics are required to better inform such interventions during adolescence.
Burton, A.M., Cowburn, I., Thompson, F., Eisenmann, J.C., Nicholson, B., Till, K. (2023). Associations between motor competence and physical activity, physical fitness, and psychosocial characteristics in adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine.
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