Normative values of motor performance and their relationship with BMI status in Hong Kong preschoolers

Ka-Man YIP, Hung Kwan SO, Keith T. S. TUNG, Rosa Sze Man WONG, Winnie W. Y. TSO, Ian C. K. WONG, Jason C. YAM, Mike Y. W. KWAN, Hung Tak Lobo LOUIE, Albert LEE, Wilfred H. S. WONG, Lai-Ling HUI, E. A. S. NELSON, Patrick IP

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlespeer-review

Abstract

This study aimed to establish sex- and age-specific reference values for motor performance (MP) in Hong Kong preschoolers aged 3–5 years old and examine the relationship between MP and BMI status. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 5579 preschoolers in Hong Kong. Three MP tests were administered, and height and weight information were collected. GAMLSS was used to compute the normative values of the motor tests. Boys outperformed girls in activities requiring muscle strength and power, while girls outperformed boys in activities requiring balance and coordination. The MP scores increased with age for both overarm beanbag throw and standing long jump for both sexes, while the one-leg balance scores showed larger differences between P50 and P95 in older preschoolers. Children with excessive weight performed worse in standing long jump and one-leg balance compared to their healthy weight peers. This study provides valuable information on the MP of preschoolers in Hong Kong, including sex- and age-specific reference values and the association between BMI status and MP scores. These findings can serve as a reference for future studies and clinical practice and highlight the importance of promoting motor skill development in preschoolers, particularly those who are overweight or obese. Copyright © 2024 The Author(s).

Original languageEnglish
Article number6567
JournalScientific Reports
Volume14
Issue number1
Early online dateMar 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Citation

Yip, K.-M., So, H.-K., Tung, K. T. S., Wong, R. S., Tso, W. W. Y., Wong, I. C. K., Yam, J. C., Kwan, M. Y. W., Louie, L. H. T., Lee, A., Wong, W. H. S., Hui, L.-L., Nelson, E. A. S., & Ip, P. (2024). Normative values of motor performance and their relationship with BMI status in Hong Kong preschoolers. Scientific Reports, 14(1), Article 6567. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-57121-y

Keywords

  • Motor performance
  • BMI status
  • Preschoolers

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Normative values of motor performance and their relationship with BMI status in Hong Kong preschoolers'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.