Impact of a 12-Week Combined Object-Control and Aerobic Circuit Intervention on FMS Proficiency, Physical Activity, and Motor-Competence in Children: A Path-Analysis Approach

Introduction: Fundamental motor skills (FMS) play a vital role in developing children’s motor competence and encouraging lifelong engagement in physical activity (PA).Objective: This research investigated the impact of a 12-week intervention combining object-control and aerobic circuit training on FMS proficiency, PA levels, and overall motor competence among primary school children.Methods: A total of 143 children, comprising 72 in the intervention group and 71 in the control group, aged between 8 and 10 years, participated in the study. The intervention group engaged in a 12-week program that combined object-control skill drills with aerobic circuits, while the control group received standard physical education. TGMD-3, BOT-2 and accelerometer were used for measuring research variables. Path analysis was conducted for data analysis.Results: The intervention group exhibited significant enhancements in various physical performance metrics, including TGMD-3 locomotor scores (Δ = +6.5, p < .001) and object-control scores (Δ = +7.5, p < .001), as well as BOT-2 motor competence (Δ = +7.9, p < .001). Additionally, there was a significant increase in daily MVPA (p < .001) compared to the control group. Path analysis revealed that FMS had both direct effects on motor competence and indirect effects that were mediated by PA, with an indirect effect coefficient of β_indirect = 0.29 (95% CI [0.18, 0.42], p < .001).Conclusion: PA serves as a partial mediator in the relationship between skill proficiency and motor competence, underscoring the necessity of multicomponent programs to foster comprehensive motor development and enhance physical literacy.