Fundamental movement skills and weight status in children: A systematic review

Background Obesity has become a major health challenge in children. Fundamental movement skills (FMS) are suggested to have an important role for being physically active and decreasing the risk of obesity. This systematic review aimed to give an overview of studies providing evidence for a relationship between FMS and the weight status in children. Material/Methods A systematic search of five electronic databases (MEDLINE (PubMed), SportDiscus, ERIC, PsycInfo and SCOPUS) was conducted in January 2015. Studies examining associations between FMS and weight status in children aged 3–12 years were included. Results The final sample included 12 cross-sectional studies. Seven studies found statistically significant inverse association between FMS and body mass index (BMI). Three studies used waist circumference (WC), and significant inverse associations were found in two of these. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used in one study and significant association was found between FMS and abdominal and total body fat percentage. One study, using skinfolds, found no association. Conclusions Based on the findings of the 12 studies, the relationship between FMS and weight status in children aged 3–12 years remains unclear. Developing competency in FMS may have important health consequences, and more studies are needed in which body composition is objectively measured with DXA.