Relation between body composition and motor abilities of children up to 7 years of age

Abstract

In a sample of 125 respondents, 62 boys and 63 girls, who attended the first grade of primary schools in Subotica with average age of 7.39 decimal years, a measurement of basic anthropometric characteristics was performed, general motor skills were determined based on seven motor tests, and body composition was determined using the In Body 230 device. Regression analysis showed that the predictor system of variables for assessing body composition (amount of body fat, the total amount of water and the total amount of muscles) was statistically significantly associated with the criterion defined as general motor factor and with it describes 39% of common variability in boys (R=0.63; p<0.05) and 34% in girls (R=0.58; p<0.05). Standardized regression coefficient indicated that both for boys and girls aged 7.39 decimal years, statistically, the total amount of body fat, body weight, negatively affect general motor skills and for the girls, statistically, body height has a positive effect.