DCU Research News

25% of Primary School Age Children Cannot Run Properly; Basic Movement Skills Development Stalls at Age 10 - Seite 2

The first set of published findings from Moving Well-Being Well are significant in terms of identifying the maturation of FMS and also pivotal points in the context of children mastering and (or as is the case) not mastering FMS. This in turn can underpin their future participation and motivation in sport and physical activity. Those findings are currently being used to develop an intervention in primary school targeting all elements of physical literacy where all actors around the children are involved - teachers, coaches and parents. This holistic approach will support and enhance the development of the core components of physical literacy: physical competence, motivation and confidence as well as childrens' knowledge and understanding of the benefits and importance of physical activity for life.

The findings have been published in the Journal of Sports Sciences and have emerged from data gathered as part of a wider research project Moving Well-Being Well, a major collaboration between the Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics at DCU, the School of Health and Human Performance at DCU, the GAA (Gaelic Games Athletic Association) and Dublin GAA to examine the physical literacy of over 2,000 children, aged 5-12 in primary schools nationwide.

Dr. Stephen Behan, Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, DCU and DCU School of Health and Human Performance

"These results are the most comprehensive of its kind ever produced in Ireland, and highlight the poor levels of basic skills in Irish children. If children don't have a solid foundation of basic movement skills, how can we expect them to do more complex skills as part of organised sport? This solid foundation is what allows children to take part in a multitude of physical activities, and to feel confident in trying new things. There is a lot of attention on childhood obesity and low participation rates in sport - a focus on the fundamental movement skills in young children could be key in tackling both".

Dr. Johann Issartel, DCU School of Health and Human Performance, Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, DCU

"These findings highlight core issues that teachers, parents and coaches need to address. If the current generation of children can't throw and catch in basic situations, why would they choose to play if they aren't good at it? "It is not fun" that's what they say, and if it is not fun they won't play. Develop confidence and competence for our children then they won't stop playing and that's what you want. Children at play for as long as possible every day of the year".