Abstract
Basic motor competencies (BMC) are a prerequisite for children to be physically active,
participate in sports and thus develop a healthy, active lifestyle. The present study
provides a broad screening of BMC and associations with age, sex, body mass index
(BMI) and extracurricular physical activity (PA) in 10 different European countries. The
different country and regional contexts within Europe will offer a novel view on already
established BMC associations. The cross-sectional study was conducted in 11 regions
in 10 European countries in 2018. The motor competence areas, object movement
(OM) and self-movement (SM), were assessed using the MOBAK-1-2 test instrument
in 3758 first and second graders (age: M D 6.86 0.60 years; 50% girls) during
Physical Education classes. Children were questioned about their extracurricular PA and
age. Their body weight and height were measured in order to calculate BMI. Statistical
analyses included variances and correlations. The results showed significant differences
in BMC levels between countries (OM: F D 18.74, p < 0.001, !2 D 0.048; SM:
F D 73.10, p < 0.001, !2 D 0.163) whereas associations between BMC and correlates
were similar. Boys performed significantly better in OM while girls performed better in
SM. Age was consistently positively related to OM and SM with older children reaching higher levels of BMC than younger ones. While participation rates for extracurricular PA
differed widely, participation in ball sports was correlated with OM and SM. Participation
in individual sports showed a significant association with SM. In summary, BMC levels of
children seem to depend on where they live and are strongly related to their participation
in extracurricular PA. Therefore, education and health policies, in order to enhance motor
competence development and PA participation, are recommended. Further research on
country-specific Physical Education frameworks and their influence on BMC will provide
more insights into structural factors and cultural characteristics of BMC development.
On a school level, support tools and educational materials for teachers about BMC
may enable children to achieve a basic level of motor competencies through Physical
Education, contributing to lifelong participation in PA.