Real and perceived motor competence according to the stage of peak height velocity (PHV) in Chilean fifth and sixth-grade primary school students

This research aims to compare and relate actual and perceived motor competence according to peak height velocity (PHV) stages among Chilean students in fifth and sixth grade. The sample consisted of 84 Chilean students from the city of Chillán, aged 10 to 12 years, including 45 girls and 34 boys. Data collection involved the use of the MOBAK and SEMOK tests to measure real motor competence (RMC) and perceived motor competence (PMC), respectively. Somatic maturation was determined by calculating PHV. ANOVA tests with covariate adjustments (ANCOVA) for body mass index (BMI) and sex were performed based on PHV status and motor competence. Additionally, a partial correlation test between PHV and RMC and PMC, adjusting for BMI and sex, was conducted. The results indicate no significant differences when comparing children by PHV stage in both actual and perceived motor competence tests (p>0.05). However, the partial correlation tests revealed a relationship between PHV stages and RMC (r=0.3; p=0.01) and body control (r=0.27; p=0.02). Somatic maturation did not affect motor competence in boys when adjusted for BMI and sex; however, there was a relationship with total RMC and body control. No relationship was found with object control tests. It is noteworthy that other factors, such as genetics, physical activity level, and lifestyle habits, may have influenced the results.