Physical activity, motor competence, and perceived physical competence: what is their relationship in children aged 6–9 years?

Purpose This study investigated the association between physical activity (PA), motor competence (MC), and perceived physical competence (PPC) in 56 boys and 65 girls aged 6–9 years. Methods PA was recorded by Omron HJ-720IT pedometers, MC was assessed with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, second edition, and PPC was determined with the physical competence subscale of the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance for Young Children, Greek version. Results ANCOVA (with age as a covariate) revealed that boys were significantly more active than girls. Correlations among PA, MC, and PPC were not significant in either gender. Conclusions It seems that between 6 and 9 years of age, the relation among PA, MC, and PPC has not been formed yet. This age range is offered for interventions targeting these factors in order for their relationship to be enhanced later in life. However, further research for the investigation of other variables that may associate with PA at this age is needed.