The effect of daily physical activity on motor proficiency in 8?10 years old amateur children athletes

Purpose: Nowadays many children make less physical activity than recommended and physical activity declines as children get older. In addition children with poor motor proficiency may choose a more sedentary lifestyle to avoid movement difficulties. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between motor proficiency and physical activity in 8 to 10 year old amateur children athletes.Methods: Fifty girls and 37 boys, total 87 volunteer amateur athletes who have the mean age 9.18±0,8 years were participated the research. Children?s demographic data were recorded and physical activity level was assessed by Bouchard?s Physical Activity Record. Their motor proficiency which assess gross and fine motor skills with 8 headlines was also determined by Bruininks Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP).Results: In physical activity level no significant difference was found between girls and boys (p=0.163). The 8 subtests which asses motor proficiency, three of them was significantly associated with daily energy expenditure. Upper Limb Coordination Tests [Catching a tossed ball with two hands p=0.001; r=0.399), Throwing a Ball at a Target With Dominant Hand (p=0.016; r=0.303)] and daily energy expenditure were assigned associated significantly on positive way. Daily energy expenditure and reaction time were found associated significantly on negative way (p=0.023; r=-0.286).Discussion: In results; it?s seen that children?s motor proficiency is positively associated with physical activity and negatively associated with sedentary lifestyle. It is understood that because motor proficiency is a determinant parameter of physical activity then concentrating on increasing movement skills beginning from childhood that an important strategy for helping promote increased physical activity and health in youth and adulthood.Key words: Physical Activity, Motor Proficiency, Amateur Children Athletes