Differences in associations of product- and process-oriented motor competence assessments with physical activity in children

ABSTRACT

There is a positive association between motor competence and physical activity in child populations. Little is known about the relative variance explained in physical activity when process- versus product-oriented approaches are used for evaluating motor competence. This study aimed to examine associations between product- and process-oriented motor competence assessments and their capability to explain variance in physical activity. Participants included 167 children between the ages of 6–9 years. The run, jump, throw and kick were assessed using process-oriented (Test of Gross Motor Development-2^nd edition) and product-oriented (run time, jump distance, throw and kick speed) assessments. Physical activity was assessed via Yamax Digi-walker NL2000 pedometers. Weak to strong correlations between process and product assessments were found (range: r = ± 0.01 to ±0.81). Statistically significant correlations between process and product scores were more frequent for the kick and throw. Both product- and process-oriented assessments were poor at explaining variance in pedometer assessed physical activity. No more than 4% of variance in physical activity could be explained by a single skill, regardless of whether product or process scores were used. Continued examination of associations between process- and product-oriented assessments may provide a more holistic understanding of motor competence across developmental time.