Exploring physical literacy, physical activity levels, and cardiorespiratory fitness in children with probable movement difficulties: a comparative study

Abstract

A significant percentage of school-aged children experience movement difficulties, negatively affecting various aspects of their daily lives. This study aimed to examine perceived physical literacy, physical activity, and cardiorespiratory fitness of children with probable movement difficulties and compare these parameters with typically developing peers. Ninety-seven children aged 11-12 years (M=11.57± .49 years) participated voluntarily. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children Checklist-2 was used to identify children with probable movement difficulties. The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children, the 20-meter Run Test, and the Physical Literacy for Children-Questionnaire were used to assess cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity, and physical literacy, respectively. Results revealed that 16.5% of the participants exhibited probable movement difficulties, while 15.5% had poor motor competence. These children demonstrated statistically significantly lower levels of physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and perceived physical literacy (particularly in physical and psychological domains) compared to their typically developing peers. The above findings highlight the significant role of motor competence in perceived physical literacy, physical activity, and cardiorespiratory fitness and underscore the need for timely identification of possible motor competence deficits and implementation of tailored movement programs aiming at children’s holistic development.