International Journal of Humanities Social Sciences and Education (IJHSSE) Motor Skill Competency and Physical Activity in Elementary School Students

©ARC Page | 76 Abstract Background: Childhood mastery of manipulative skills predicted their adolescent learning and mastering specialized skills needed for successful participation in sports and activity. This study investigated relationships between levels of manipulative skill competency and participation in physical activity in school-aged children. Methods: 265 fifth-grade students voluntarily participated in this study. The students’ skill performance in four basic specialized manipulative skills was assessed using reliable and valid assessment rubrics with processand product-oriented criteria. The students’ daily physical activity was assessed using a 7-day daily physical activity (PA) log. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and univariate analyses, Pearson bivariate correlation, and multiple R-squared liner regression methods. Results: The results of regression models indicated that overall skill competency in four manipulative skills significantly contributed to weekly PA minutes for the total sample and girls, but not for boys. Specifically, girls’ competency in soccer skills was a significant predictor of weekly PA minutes. Independent sample t-tests revealed that both boys and girls in the Skill-Competent group spent a significant amount of time in PA than their counterparts in the Skill-Incompetent group. Conclusions: Manipulative skill competency plays a significant role in participation in PA inside and outside of school for school-aged children, especially for girls. Improving girls’ manipulative skill competency is a key determinant of PA behavior for girls.