The Impact of Sedentary Behavior and Organized Physical Activities on the Development of Fundamental Motor Skills in Eight-Year-Old Children: Application of the TGMD-2 Test
Frane Žuvela
1
,
Paula Matijašević
2
,
Ana Penjak
3
1
University of Split, Faculty of Kinesiology
2
University of Split, Faculty of Kinesiology
3
University of Split, Faculty of Kinesiology
Abstract
The development of fundamental motor skills in children is essential for their overall physical health, success in sports, and long-term engagement in physical activity. The aim of this study was to assess fundamental motor skills in eight-year-old children and examine their relationship with participation in organized physical activities and sedentary behavior. The study included 78 eight-year-old children (37 girls and 41 boys) from two primary schools in Split, Croatia. Motor skills were evaluated using the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2), which includes six locomotor and six manipulative tasks. A questionnaire was also used to assess time spent in organized physical activities and sedentary behavior. Pearson's correlation coefficient was utilized in the statistical analysis of the research data. Correlation analysis showed no significant association (boys: r=0.11, p=0.46; girls: r=-0.05, p=0.77) between time spent in organized physical activities and the level of motor skills. This suggests that more time in sports does not necessarily lead to better motor performance; rather, the quality and type of activities appear more important. Likewise, no significant relationship was found between sedentary behavior and motor skill levels (boys: r=-0.02, p=0.91; girls: -0.25, p=0.13). Although these results differ from some earlier findings that link inactivity to poorer motor development, they highlight the value of individualized programs to enhance motor skills and offset sedentary habits. The study highlights the potential of Croatia's full-day school model to integrate kinesiology-based activities, supporting motor development and improving children's health through structured school-based sports.
Keywords
Fundamental motor skills,Physical activities,Sedentary behavior,TGMD-2
How to Cite
Žuvela, F., Matijašević, P., & Penjak , A. (2025). The Impact of Sedentary Behavior and Organized Physical Activities on the Development of Fundamental Motor Skills in Eight-Year-Old Children: Application of the TGMD-2 Test. International Journal of Active & Healthy Aging, 3(1), 51–55. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15714718
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Paula Matijašević
2