SEM Analysis of Fundamental Motor Skill Proficiency, Physical Activity Intensity, Enjoyment, and Competence Perception in Children’s Motor Development

Introduction: Fundamental motor skills (FMS) and physical activity (PA) are critical determinants of motor development in children. Psychosocial factors such as enjoyment and perceived competence may mediate these relationships, yet few studies have examined these pathways simultaneously using structural equation modeling (SEM).Objective: This study aimed to investigate direct and indirect associations among FMS proficiency, PA intensity, enjoyment of PA, perceived competence, and motor development in children aged 6–10 years.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 262 children (136 boys, 126 girls). Standard tools were used for measuring research variables. SEM was employed to test direct and indirect pathways among variables. Model fit was evaluated using χ²/df, CFI, TLI, RMSEA, and SRMR.Results: FMS proficiency and PA intensity significantly predicted motor development directly (β = 0.44 and 0.31, p < 0.001, respectively). Enjoyment and perceived competence partially mediated these relationships, with significant indirect effects (p < 0.01). The final SEM model demonstrated excellent fit (χ²/df = 2.15, CFI = 0.968, TLI = 0.961, RMSEA = 0.049, SRMR = 0.043).Conclusion: Motor development in children is influenced by both behavioral factors (FMS and PA) and psychosocial mediators (enjoyment, perceived competence). Interventions that integrate skill practice, PA, and motivational elements may enhance motor competence and support lifelong engagement in PA.