DCU Research News

25% of Primary School Age Children Cannot Run Properly; Basic Movement Skills Development Stalls at Age 10 - Seite 3

Prof. Noel O'Connor, Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, DCU

"It's well known that if you can't measure something then you can't improve it. This unique study has allowed us to measure and therefore understand current levels of mastery of fundamental movement skills in children, an important aspect of their overall development. This improved understanding helps us identify where improvements are needed and this allows us to develop strategies to ensure this improvement takes place. It's a great example of how the power of data analytics can allow us to positively impact society on a national scale".

Dr. Sarahjane Belton, DCU Head of School of Health and Human Performance

"We are learning more and more about the movement deficiencies of our children and young people in Ireland. It is no surprise that the 2018 follow up of the national CSPPA study shows a decline in physical activity participation rates of children by a further 2% since 2010- at primary school less than one in every 5 is active enough to sustain health. Simply put it is time now for action. We need to focus our attention nationally on developing physical literacy capacities and capabilities in our children and young people. We need to help them develop the tools needed to enable them to live long, healthy and active lives. At the moment we are failing our kids badly, and that is a very sad situation".

Key Findings:

• Survey sample included 2,098 primary children (47% female and 53% male) aged between the ages of 5-12. The average age was 9 years.
• Participants were recruited from 44 schools across 12 counties (56% rural and 44% urban) taking into account all four provinces in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
• Previous research has shown that children can master all FMS skills by the age of 8. However, this most recent research finding shows that a large proportion of Irish children have not mastered FMS by age 10. At this stage, children could become self-conscious in the company of their peers when participating in physical activities/sports that require these skills, and in turn are likely to disengage, leading to a decrease in physical activity.
• Participants were tested using the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-3) which comprises of locomotor (run, skip, gallop, slide, hop and horizontal jump) and object-control (catch, overhand throw, underhand roll, kick, two-handed strike, one-handed strike and stationary dribble) skill subtests. An additional locomotor skill test was included; the vertical jump. The TGMD-3 and the vertical test jump assess the performance of skill components, rather than the outcome.
• Participants were also tested on their balance, consisting of two tasks; walking forward along a straight line and standing on one leg on a balance beam with eyes open. These tests were based on outcome of performance.
• The findings show an absence of proficiency across all FMS components throughout primary school, with the children showing 60.6% of mastery/near mastery in balance while just over half hit mastery/near mastery in locomotor skills (52.8%) and 54.8% scored in object control skills.

Notes to the editor: