Comparação dos perfis físico-motor e comportamental de crianças em função dos níveis de coordenação motora grossa

Abstract

The varied offer of motor experiences, associated with the expected biological development with advancing age, contributes to the formation of a vast and refined motor collection. In face of the decline observed in relation to the children’s coordination levels in recent decades, with negative repercussions in adulthood, the urgency of a deeper understanding about the relationships that are established among motor coordination and its correlated variables is highlighted, among which stand out morphological aspects, physical fitness levels (PF) and physical activity (PA) practice in different contexts. Thus, the objective of this study was to compare the physical-motor and behavioral profiles of children as a function of gross motor coordination (GMC) levels. A total of 298 children (6-11 years old) of both sexes, students from the municipal school system in Curitiba / PR were evaluated. Height, body weight, body mass index (BMI), GMC, PF, and sports participation (SP) were evaluated. GMC was evaluated with the KTK battery, whose sum of tests was divided into tertiles; Children were classified according to GMC levels: low, moderate and high. Differences between groups of GMC were verified from ANOVA; subsequently adjusted for age and gender. PF was evaluated by five tests from AAHPER and Fitnessgram batteries. The SP was estimated by applying Baecke’s habitual physical activity questionnaire, in the form of direct interview. Calculations were performed using SPSS 23.0, significance level at 5%. Children with low GMC had higher BMI (p <0.05) and lower PF levels (p <0.05) compared to the other groups. Children with high GMC had lower BMI (p <0.05) and were more fit in all tests (p <0.05). There was no difference in SP means between groups. The results highlight the risk profile of children with low GMC levels and point out the variables that deserve primary care in prevention and intervention programs, such as weight control and increased PF levels with varied practice opportunities for a positive spiral of development.