Comparison of Locomotor Movement Skills in 8-9 Years Old Children Coming from Two Areas of Thessaloniki with Contrasting Socioeconomic Status

Authors

  • Aggeliki Tsapakidou Preschool Department of the University of Western Macedonia of Greece
  • Theofilaktos Anastasiadis Aristotle University of Thessalonikι Department of Physical Education and Sport Science
  • Despoina Zikopoulou Preschool Department of the University of Western Macedonia of Greece
  • Eleni Tsompanaki Preschool Department of the University of Western Macedonia of Greece

Keywords:

movement skills, different socio-economic areas, Ulrich (TGMD)

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine the movement skills of 100 elementary school children, aged 8 and 9, coming from two socially and financially distinctive areas of Thessaloniki. The children’s mobility performance was assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD) developed by Ulrich, which evaluates six different locomotor skills. The children’s performances were compared in relation to the area they inhabit, the educational background of their parents and their participation in sport clubs. The statistical analysis of the data was carried out using a t-test and an analysis of variance (one-way Anova). It was found that there are statistically significant differences in the scores of children on the basis of their school of origin, while no statistically significant differences were observed concerning children’s participation in sport clubs. Furthermore it has been found that there is a relation between the mobility performance of the children and their maternal educational background and none with their father’s educational background. The mobility performance scores of children originating from the less privileged socially and financially area, were higher thus leading us to assume that a free physical activity of ludic nature provides richer motor experiences than an organized athletic activity.

 

Author Biographies

Aggeliki Tsapakidou, Preschool Department of the University of Western Macedonia of Greece

Associate Professor of the Preschool Department of the University of Western Macedonia of Greece

Theofilaktos Anastasiadis, Aristotle University of Thessalonikι Department of Physical Education and Sport Science

Physical Education Teacher

Despoina Zikopoulou, Preschool Department of the University of Western Macedonia of Greece

Student of Preschool Department of the University of Western Macedonia of Greece

Eleni Tsompanaki, Preschool Department of the University of Western Macedonia of Greece

University of Birmingham, PhD, Dance in Tertiary Education

University of Birmingham, Master of Philosophy, Dance in Primary Education

Collaborator at Preschool Department of the University of Western Macedonia of Greece

References

Beets M.W., Beighle A., Erwin H.E., Huberty J.L, “After-school program impact on physical activity and fitness: A meta-analysisâ€, The American Journal of Preventive Medicine, vol. 36, no. 6, pp. 527-537, 2009.

Belka D., “Substituting skill learning for traditional games in early childhoodâ€, Teaching Elementary Physical Education, vol. 15, no. 25-27, 2004.

Booth, M.L., Okely, A.D., Denney-Wilson, E., Hardy, L.L., Yang, B., & Dobbins T., Spans: NSW Schools Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey, NSW Department of Health, Sydney, 2006.

Booth, M.L., Okely, T., McLellan L, Phongsavan P,Macaskill P, Patterson Wright, J., & Holand, B., “Mastery of fundamental motor skills among New South Wales school students: prevalence and sociodemographic distributionâ€, Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 93–105, 1999.

Brockman, R., Jago, R., & Fox, K.G., “Children’s active play: self-reported motivators barriers and facilitatorsâ€, BMC Public Health, vol. 11, pp. 461, 2011. doi:10.1038/ijo.2008.171.

Buschner, C. A. Teaching children movement concepts and skills: Becoming a master teacher. Illinois, Human Kinetics. ,1994.

Chatzipanteli , A., & Pollatou , E., “Learning handling skills to boys and girls A Primary after applying a s music programâ€, In Proceedings of the 2nd Forum on The Education of Physical Education in New Developments , pp. 102-104, 2005.

Cleland, E. F., & Gallahue, D. L., “Young children divergent movement abilityâ€, Perceptual and Motor Skills, vol. 77, pp. 535-544, 1993.

Cleland, V., Crawford, D., Baur, L.A., Hume, C., Timperio, A., & Salmon, J., “A prospective examination of children’s time spent outdoors, objectively measured physical activity and overweightâ€, International Journal of Obesity, vol. 32, pp. 1685-1693, 2008.

Crawford, P.B., Obarzanek, E., Schreiber, G.B., Barrier, P., Goldman, S, Frederick, M.M., Sabry, Z.I., “The effects of race, household income, and parental education on nutrient intake of 9- and 10- year-old girls: NHLBI Growth and Health Study†Annals of Epidemiology, vol. 5, pp. 360-8, 1995.

Duncan, G. B., Brooks-Gunn, J., & Klebanof, P. K., “Economic deprivation and early childhood developmentâ€, Child Development, vol. 65, pp. 269-318, 1994.

Evaggelinou, C., Tsigilis, N., & Papa, A., “Construct validity of the test of gross motor development: A cross-validation approachâ€, Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, vol. 19, pp. 483–495, 2002.

Fisher A., Reilly J., Kelly L., et al., “Fundamental movement skills and habitual physical activity in young childrenâ€, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, vol. 37, pp. 684– 688, 2005.

Fjortoft, I., “Landscape as playscape: the effects of natural environments on children’s play and motor development Childrenâ€, Youth and Environment, vol. 14, pp. 21-44, 2004.

Fulton, J. E., C. R. Burgeson, G. R. Perry, et al., “Assessment of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in pre-school age children: priorities for researchâ€, Pediatric Exercise Science vol. 13, pp. 113–126, 2001.

Gallahue, D. & Ozmun, A., “Undersanding motor development, infants- children- adolescents adultsâ€, Boston: McGraw-Hil., 1998.

Gallahue, D. & Ozmun, J., “Understanding motor development. infants, children, adolescents, adultsâ€, 5th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Campain, IL : Human Kinetics, 2002.

Gallahue, D. L., “Developmental physical education for today's children†Thessaloniki: University studio press, 2002.

Gallahue, D. L., “Developmental Physical Education for Today’s Children†3rd Ed. Dubuque, IA: Brown & Benchmark, 1996.

Graf, C., Koch, B., Kretschmann-Kandel, E., Falkowski, G., Christ, H., Coburger, S., Lehmacher, W., Bjarnason-Wehrens, B., Platen, P., Tokarski, W., Predel, H.G., & Dordel, S., "Correlation between BMI, leisure habits and motor abilities in childhood (child-project)â€, International Journal of Obesity, vol. 28, pp. 22-26, 2004.

Graham, G.,†Motor skill acquisition – an essential goal of physical education programsâ€, Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, vol. 58, pp. 44-48, 1987.

Greier K, Brunner F, Riechelmann H., „Wohnortgrosse und motorische Leistungsfahigkeit von Kindergartenkindern.“ Dtsch Z Sportmed vol. 64, pp. 301 – 306, 2013.

Gustafson S, Rhodes R., “Parental correlates of physical activity in children and early adolescentsâ€, Sports Medicine, vol. 36, pp. 79 –97, 2006.

Hardy, L. L., King, L., Farrell, L., Machiven, R., & Howlett, S., “Fundamental movement skills among Australian preschool childrenâ€, Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2009.05.010., 2009.

Houven, S., Hartman, E., Janker, L., & Visscher, C.,“Reliability and validity of the TGMD-2 in primary-school-age children with visual impairments.â€, Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, vol. 27,pp. 143-159, 2010.

Khatzistefanou, O.,â€Application of the sliding scale test of GRIFFITHS No II in preschool minority childrenâ€, Master Thesis0, 2006.

Kimm, S, N.W. G., Kriska, A., Barton, B., Kronsberg, S., Daniels, S., Crawford, P., Sabry, Z., Liu, K., “Decline in physical activity in black girls and white girls during adolescenceâ€, New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 347, pp. 709-715, 2002.

Koutedakis, Y., & Bouziotas, C., â€National physical education curriculum: motor and cardiovascular health related fitness in Greek adolescentsâ€, British Journal of Sports Medicine, vol. 37, pp. 311 –31, 2003.

Lejarraga, Η., Pascucci Îœ. C. , Krupitzky, S., Kelmansky D., Bianco, A., Martinez E., Tibaldi, F. & Cameron,N., “Psychomotor development in Argentina children aged 0-5 yearsâ€, Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, vol. 16, pp. 47-60, 2002.

Lopes V.P., Rodrigues L.P., Maia J.A., Malina R.M., “Motor coordination as predictor of physical activity in childhoodâ€, Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 2010, doi:10.1111/j.1600-0838.2009.01027.x.

Lubans D.R., Morgan P.J., Cliff D.P., et al., “Fundamental movement skills in children and adolescents: review of associated health benefitsâ€, Sports Medicine, vol. 40, no. 12, pp. 1019–35, 2010.

Malina, R.M., & Bouchard, C., “Growth, Maturation, & Physical Activityâ€, Chamapaign, IL: Human Kinetics, 1991.

Mandigo, J., Francis, N., & Lodewyk, K., “Physical literacy concept paper†Canadian Sport for Life, 2007.

Marmeleira J.F. & Abreu J.P., “The motor proficiency development in gypsy and nongypsy children: a comparative studyâ€, Motri, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 289-297, 2007.

McKenzie, T.L., Sallis, J.F., Broyles, S.L., Zive, M.M., Nader, P.R., Berry, C.C., and Brennan, J.J., “Childhood movement skills: Predictors of physical activity in Anglo- and Mexican-American adolescents?â€, Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, vol. 73, pp. 238-244, 2002.

McNutt, S.W., Hu, Y., Schreiber, G.B, Crawford, P.B., Obarzanek E, Mellin, L., „A longitudinal study of the dietary practices of black and white girls 9 and 10 years old at enrollment: the NHLBI Growth and Health Studyâ€, Journal of Adolescent Health, vol. 20, pp. 27-37, 1997.

McPhillips, M., & Jordan-Black, J., “The effect of social disadvantage on motor development in young children: a comparative studyâ€, The Journal of Child Phycology and Phychiatry, vol. 48, pp. 1214-1222, 2007.

Merriman, W. P., “Relationship among socialization, attitude and placement with participation in physical activity of students with emotional problemsâ€, Perceptual and Motor Skills, vol. 76, pp. 287-292, 1993.

Okely, A.D., Booth, M.L., & Patterson, J.W., “Relationship of physical activity to fundamental movement skills among adolescentsâ€, Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise, vol. 3, no. 11, pp. 1899–904, 2001.

Pappas, A., “Effect of a developmental program of physical education in the development of basic movement skills and motor performance in children of the first two grades of elementary school “, PhD thesis , Department of Physical Education AUTH, 2005.

Sallis, J. F., Alcaraz, J. E., McKenzie, T. L., Hovell, M. F., Kolody, B., & Nader, P. R., „Parental behaviour to physical activity and fitness in 9-years-old childrenâ€, American Journal of Diseases of Children, vol. 11, pp. 1383-8, 1992.

Semoglou, K., Alevriadou, Α., & Tsapakidou, A., “Gross and fine motor skills: The case of Romaâ€, European Psychomotricity Journal, vol. 1, pp. 17-22, 2008.

Simons, J., Daly, D., Theodorou, F., Caron, C., Simons, J., & Antoniadou, E., “Validity and reliability of the TGMD-2 in 7-10-year old Flemish children with intellectual disabilityâ€, Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, vol. 25, pp. 71-82, 2008.

Sun, S. H., Sun H. L., Zhu, Y. C., Huang, L.C., & Hsieh, Y. L., “ Concurrent validity of preschooler gross motor quality scale with test of gross motor development-2â€, Research in Developmental Disabilities, vol. 32, pp. 1163-1168, 2011.

Thomas, J., Lee, T., & Thomas, K., “Physical education for children .Concepts into practiceâ€, Champain, IL: Human Kinetics, 1988.

Trost SG, Rosenkranz RR, Dzewaltowski D., “Physical activity levels among children attending after-school programsâ€, Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise vol. 40, pp. 622–9, 2008.

Trost, S. G., Pate, R. R., Saunders, R., Ward, D. S., Dowda, M., & Felton, G., “A prospective study of the determinants of physical activity in rural fifth-grade childrenâ€, Preventive Medicine, vol. 26, pp. 257–263, 1997.

Tsapakidou, A., Tsompanaki, E., Dagouli, K. & Zikopoulou, D., “Greek Parents’ Opinions and Attitude, Regarding the Physical Exercise of Their Childrenâ€, Review of European Studies. Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 5, no. 5, 2013.

Ulrich, D.A., “Test of gross motor developmentâ€, Second Edition. Texas: PRO-EO, 2000.

van der Horst K, Oenema A, Ferreira I,Wendel-VosW,Giskes K, et al., “Asystematic review of environmental correlates of obesity-related dietary behaviors in youthâ€, Health Education Research, vol. 22, pp. 203–26, 2006.

Venetsanou, F., & Kambas, A., “Environmental factors affecting prescoolers’ motor developmentâ€, Early Childhood Education Journal, vol. 37, pp. 319-327, 2010.

Ward, D. S., & Bar-Or, O., “The role of the physicians and the physical education teacher in the treatment of obesity at schoolâ€, Pediatrician, vol. 13, pp. 44-51, 1986.

Williams, P. D., Williams, A. R., Lopez, M., Tayko, N. P., “Mother’s developmental expectations for youngâ€, International Journal of Nursery Studies, vol. 37, pp. 291-301, 2000.

Youell, B., “The importance of play and playfulnessâ€, European Journal of Psychotherapy and Counselling, vol. 10,pp. 121-129, 2008.

Downloads

Published

2014-02-17

How to Cite

Tsapakidou, A., Anastasiadis, T., Zikopoulou, D., & Tsompanaki, E. (2014). Comparison of Locomotor Movement Skills in 8-9 Years Old Children Coming from Two Areas of Thessaloniki with Contrasting Socioeconomic Status. Asian Journal of Humanities and Social Studies, 2(1). Retrieved from https://ajouronline.com/index.php/AJHSS/article/view/920

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2014): February 2014

Section

Articles

License

  • Papers must be submitted on the understanding that they have not been published elsewhere (except in the form of an abstract or as part of a published lecture, review, or thesis) and are not currently under consideration by another journal published by any other publisher.
  • It is also the authors responsibility to ensure that the articles emanating from a particular source are submitted with the necessary approval.
  • The authors warrant that the paper is original and that he/she is the author of the paper, except for material that is clearly identified as to its original source, with permission notices from the copyright owners where required.
  • The authors ensure that all the references carefully and they are accurate in the text as well as in the list of references (and vice versa).
  • Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
  • Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
  • Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
  • The journal/publisher is not responsible for subsequent uses of the work. It is the author's responsibility to bring an infringement action if so desired by the author.