Sedentary behaviour and motor competence in adults: A correlational analysis with physical education university students

Sedentary behaviour is prevalent among adults and university students can spend more time in sedentary activities than general young adult population. While high amounts of sedentary behaviour have been associated with increased risks of chronic conditions and all case mortality in adults, it is unclear whether prolonged sitting can adversely affect motor competence. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between sedentary behavior and motor competence levels in adult university students. A cross-sectional study involving 30 physical education university students (16 women and 14 men, mean age = 22.2 ±4.4 years) was conducted. Sedentary behaviour was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire determining sitting time during weekdays and weekend days. Motor competence was determined through product-oriented assessment on balance, locomotor and object control skills. The average sitting time among university students was 4.4 hours per day. When considering by sex, the average sitting time of men and women were, respectively, 3.5 and 5.2 hours per day. There were no significant differences in total sitting time between male and female university students. Correlation analysis revealed no significant associations between sedentary behaviour and motor competence. In addition, there were no significant differences in balance, locomotor or object control skills between individuals with different time spent in sedentary activities. Therefore, our results did not support the assumption that sedentary behavior affects motor competence in college adults, at least among physical education university students whose average sitting time was 4.4 hours per day. Regardless, we encourage to limit sitting time due to detrimental effects on several aspects of adult health and its link to all-cause mortality.