Predicting children’s motor competence: the role of physical fitness and physical activity

Abstract Background Motor competence (MC) is considered fundamental for facilitating children’s management of daily tasks and engagement in physical activity (PA) and sports, as well as for their psychosocial development. Understanding the predictors of MC is critical for developing effective interventions to enhance it. Aims This study explored the mechanisms that foster MC, by examining the predictive roles of PA and physical fitness (PF), while accounting for age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). Methods A total of 551 Greek children (50.5% girls; Mage = 9.9 + 1.1 years) participated. MC was assessed using the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder, PA with the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children, and PF through a series of standardized tests. Results Multiple regression revealed that the combination of gender, age, BMI, PF, and PA explained 40% of the MC variance [F(8,453) = 39.57, p < 0.001, adjusted R 2 = 0.40)], with age (Beta = -0.29, p < .001), flexibility (Beta = 0.28, p < .001), and aerobic performance (Beta = 0.26, p < .001) being the most significant predictors. Logistic regression demonstrated better MC was strongly associated with higher PA (OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.03–3.43) and PF levels (OR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.53–3.26 for aerobic performance and OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.08–1.23 for flexibility), whereas higher BMI correlated with poorer MC (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.69–0.84). Conclusions These findings highlight the importance of promoting PA and PF during childhood to enhance MC and support children’s well-being.