Association Between Motor Competence and Response Time in Portuguese Youth

This study explores the association between motor competence (MC) and response time (RT) in schoolchildren. 251 participants (mean age 14.58 ± 3.07 years) completed assessments over two sessions using standardized procedures. MC was evaluated through the Motor Competence Assessment, which includes stability, locomotor, and manipulative skills, while RT was measured using a structured reaction task. Pearson correlations and multiple linear regression analyses examined the relationships between variables. Moderate correlation (r = -0.35, <i>p</i> < .001), with stability and manipulative skills as significant predictors of RT were found. The model accounted for 24.4% of RT variance, highlighting MC's role in neuromuscular coordination and cognitive processing. These findings emphasize the importance of MC in more efficient responses during youth, with potential applications for physical education and sports.