Physical Activity in Early Childhood: Associations With Actual Motor Competence, Perceived Motor Competence, and Enjoyment in Physical Education

Q: What does this research mean for the field?

In early childhood, actual motor competence is significantly associated with physical activity, whereas perceived motor competence and enjoyment in physical education are not. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

Unjong Lee; An De Meester; Ali Brian

doi:10.1080/02701367.2026.2708355

July 28, 2026Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport

Physical Activity in Early Childhood: Associations With Actual Motor Competence, Perceived Motor Competence, and Enjoyment in Physical Education

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Key Points

The study aims to explore the relationships between actual motor competence, perceived motor competence, and enjoyment in physical education with physical activity in early childhood.
Utilized multiple regression analyses to assess associations between motor competence and physical activity.
Sample included early childhood participants.
Actual motor competence (AMC) was significantly associated with physical activity.
No significant associations were found between perceived motor competence (PMC), enjoyment in physical education (PE), and physical activity.

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Implication

Finds that actual motor competence relates to physical activity in early childhood, suggesting implications for physical education programs.

Abstract

< .001). No significant associations were found between PMC and PA or between enjoyment in PE and PA. Multiple regression analyses indicated only AMC was significantly associated with PA. These findings suggest that AMC may be associated with PA in early childhood and that relationships among AMC, PMC, and enjoyment may not yet be fully established. Future research with larger and more diverse samples is needed.

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Cite This Study

Lee et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a6c46e6747664a1aa73bc43 https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.2026.2708355

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Physical Activity in Early Childhood: Associations With Actual Motor Competence, Perceived Motor Competence, and Enjoyment in Physical Education

Key Points

Ask about this paper

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Physical Activity in Early Childhood: Associations With Actual Motor Competence, Perceived Motor Competence, and Enjoyment in Physical Education

Key Points

Ask about this paper

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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