Physical fitness in children with movement difficulties

ObjectiveThis study examined physical fitness in 9- and 10-year-old children with and without movement difficulties.DesignThe whole sample of children completed the Test of Physical Fitness, which included nine component tasks.SettingSchool sports hall of participating children.ParticipantsAn initial sample of 67 children was ranked on their scores from the Movement Assessment Battery for Children. The 12 children with the highest scores were designated the group with movement difficulties, and the 12 children with the lowest scores constituted the comparison group.ResultsSignificant differences between the group with movement difficulties and the comparison group were found for all nine tasks and the total score for the Test of Physical Fitness.ConclusionThe relatively poor performance of the group with movement difficulties is hypothesised to result from their lower levels of physical activity. Poor physical fitness in these children is an important concern for present and future health status.