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Movement competence of overweight 9-10 year old Singapore primary school children
Author
Tng, Clarence Choon Beng
Supervisor
Teo-Koh, Sock Miang
Abstract
The movement competence of 9-10 year old Singapore Primary School overweight and non-overweight children (N=60) was examined on the Movement ABC Test (MABC Test). Overweight (defined as 'overweight' and 'severely overweight' on the Singapore School Health Services weight-for-height table) and non-overweight (defined as 'borderline underweight', 'healthy' and 'borderline overweight' on the same table) male and female subjects were tested individually on eight test items to determine if there existed a relationship between weight status and movement competency. The study also examined whether gender differences accounted for differences in performance on each of the three subscales of the MABC Test. Overweight males were found to perform poorly on the Static & Dynamic Balance test items as compared to non-overweight boys and non-overweight girls. No other significant differences were found. Eleven out of all 38 males (28.9%) and 3 out of 22 all females (13.6%) were identified as having definite motor problems, whereas 10 out of the 14 (71.4%) boys and girls who were classified as having definite motor problems were also overweight. The results showed that a positive relationship exists between weight status and motor competency. Intervention programmes against obesity over the years in schools has generally involved physical fitness and conditioning activities. Arising out of this study, another approach, namely the teaching of motor skills to overweight students is proposed.
Date Issued
2002
Call Number
GV452 Tng
Date Submitted
2002