Identifying latent profiles of actual and perceived motor competence among children at risk of developmental coordination disorder and their peers: Associations with physical activity and fitness

This study explored the interplay between actual and perceived motor competence and their associations with physical activity and fitness among children with and without risk of developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Utilizing data from 479 children aged 7-9 years from the CATCH cohort, latent profile analysis identified four distinct profiles based on Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC-2) and the Perceived Efficacy and Goals Setting System (PEGS). Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was assessed through waist worn accelerometers, and fitness was assessed using the Bruce protocol, Wingate anaerobic cycling test, and standing long jump. Four latent profiles were identified including low-aligned (7.1%; low actual and perceived competence), over-perceivers (53.0%; low actual but above-average perceived competence), average-aligned (20.0%), and high-aligned (19.8%). Children in the low-aligned profile engaged in significantly less moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and demonstrated poorer physical fitness than children in all other profiles. Notably, over-perceivers exhibited MVPA levels comparable to children with average and high motor competence, despite their low actual competence. However, fitness levels remained lower among all children with reduced actual motor competence, regardless of perceived competence. These findings suggest that perceived motor competence may buffer against low motor competence-related declines in physical activity, though not in physical fitness. Findings highlight the potential utility of targeting perceived competence in motor skill interventions, particularly among children at risk of DCD, to enhance physical activity engagement. Interventions that simultaneously address actual and perceived competence may offer a promising strategy to support physical development in this population.