Motor performance of obese children: an investigation of the process and product of basic motor abilities

Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence of obesity in different social groups and the level of motor performance of overweight and obese boys and girls. Four hundred and twenty-four children participated in this study (212 girls and 212 boys) distributed across the following groups: 1 (central area, middle class), 2 (suburban area, middle class), and 3 (suburban area, poor class). Overweight and obesity and motor performance were evaluated using a scale, anthropometer, and motor tests (balance, running, jumping, throwing and catching). Movements were categorized by motor development stages. data were analyzed using the chi squared, Mann-Whitney, Univariate, ANOVA and Scheffé tests. The results demonstrated: (1) a 29.95% prevalence of obesity in the sample; (2) similar obesity prevalence rates irrespective of social group and gender; (3) motor delay in obese children, in terms of quality of action and performance scores; (4) superior motor performance for boys; (5) superior motor performance by obese children from the suburban area. These results emphasize the importance of healthy habits, in terms of diet and of systematic practice of motor activities.