Preadolescent girls miss the mark with motor skill competency and physical and mental well-being
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Abstract
Purpose: This study evaluated motor skill competence (MSC) and physical and mental well-being in 69 preadolescent girls (8–11 years), comparing outcomes with national and international reference data sets and recommended guidelines. Differences between girls with low and high MSC were also examined. Methods: MSC was assessed using a fundamental movement skills checklist and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2. Physical well-being measures included body mass index, waist circumference, cardiorespiratory fitness (20-m shuttle run), isometric mid-thigh pull, handgrip strength, counter movement jump, accelerometry-derived moderate to vigorous physical activity and daily steps, and the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children. Mental well-being was assessed using the psychosocial health subscale of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL 4.0) and selected subscales of the Self-Description Questionnaire-I. Results: A high prevalence of low MSC was observed, with the cohort mean falling below national and international reference values. Similar trends were evident for cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, physical activity, and Self-Description Questionnaire-I subscales. Only 13.10% of participants met moderate to vigorous physical activity guidelines and 9.80% achieved recommended daily steps. Significant differences were identified between low-and high-MSC groups across fundamental movement skills proficiency, Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 percentiles, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, physical activity (Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children and moderate to vigorous physical activity), and Self-Description Questionnaire-I subscales. Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve MSC and associated health outcomes in preadolescent girls prior to adolescence and secondary education.
Keywords
fundamental movement skill proficiency, physical activity, psychosocial health, strength
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
1-1-2026
ISSN
10636161
Volume
34
Issue
1
Publication Title
Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal
Publisher
Human Kinetics
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
Copyright
subscription content
Content Type
Metadata only
First Page
1
Last Page
16
Recommended Citation
Cormack, K. A., Kendall, K., & Wilkie, J. L. C. (2026). Preadolescent girls miss the mark with motor skill competency and physical and mental well-being. Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal, 34(1). https://doi.org/10.1123/wspaj.2025-0157