Motor Competence and Its Association with Exercise Motivation in Children Aged 8 and 9

This study examined the relationship between motor competence and exercise motivation in 37 children aged 8 and 9. Motor skills were assessed using the MABC-2 test, and motivation through the Participation Motivation Questionnaire (PMQ). Results showed partial associations between balance and overall motor performance with motivation subscales related to fitness, social status, sporting events, and peer activities. Fine motor skills and object control showed no significant links to motivation. No significant gender differences were found in motivation, although girls outperformed in fine motor tasks and boys in object control. Findings highlight the importance of motor skills in supporting children's motivation for physical activity.