Correlations between motor competence with the natural environment, physical activity, and satisfaction with motor play in Peruvian children

Mamani-Ramos A.A.; Damian-Nuñez E.F.; Yabar-Geldres I.A.; Quisocala-Ramos J.A.; Zavala-Bustios R.; Soria-Villanueva L.M.; Soto-Zedano F.A.; Diaz-Barboza M.A.; Vivar-Cueva J.A.; Quispe-Cruz H.; Sardón-Ari D.L.; Tapia-Centellas Y.Y.; Cutimbo-Quispe C.V.; Rodriguez-Mamani J.R. · Retos (2024) · DOI: 10.47197/retos.v60.108272

Resumen

Objective: To assess whether motor competence (MC) correlates with natural environment (NE), hours of physical activity per day (HPAD), and satisfaction with motor game (SMG) in Peruvian children. Methods: A total of 291 children (M=8.35, SD=1.29) participated and were administered the gross motor development test (third edition), Peruvian version, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Results: The MC of the participating children was found in a large percentage at the average level (64.9%). Likewise, children's MC according to NE, HPAFD and SMG presented significant differences (p≤.017). Finally, significant positive correlations were found between MC and HPAFD (rs=0.198; p=.001), and between MC and SMG (rs=0.170; p=.004). No significant correlation was found between MC and NE (rs=.076; p=0.199). Conclusion: More than half of the participating children presented an average MC with risk to move to the lower level. Children from the jungle NE presented a higher MC compared to children from the coast and highlands. Children who performed more hours of PA per day and who felt satisfaction when participating in motor games had a higher MC. Children's MC was significantly correlated with HPAFD and SMG, but not with NE. It is demonstrated that the MC of the child can be a factor that benefits or jeopardizes the regular practice of PA and of feeling satisfaction when participating in motor games. © Copyright: Federación Española de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educación Física (FEADEF).

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos; Universidad Nacional del Altiplano