Date of Award

Spring 4-2026

Document Type

Distinction Paper

Degree Name

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology-BS

Department

Health & Sport Sciences

Advisor

Emily Post, PhD, CSCS, TSAC-F, ACSM-EP

First Committee Member

Elizabeth Marr, MD

Second Committee Member

Joan Rocks, PhD, ATC, LAT

Third Committee Member

Leesa Kern, PhD

Keywords

Children, Motor Skill, Exercise, Gymnastics

Subject Categories

Medicine and Health Sciences | Sports Sciences

Abstract

PURPOSE: This pilot study examined associations among physiological, behavioral, and anthropometric variables to identify interrelationships between physical activity (PA), motor competence, sedentary behaviors, and parental PA behavior. METHODS: Subjects were child recreational gymnasts (n=9; age 5.3 ± .58 YO, 43.4 ± 6.50 kg, 109.2 ± 4.30 cm). Children completed anthropometric assessments and gross motor testing (TGMD-3), while parents completed age-appropriate PA recall questionnaires of their child. Spearman correlational analyses were used to analyze the data (p< 0.05). RESULTS: Locomotor skill was significantly negatively correlated with the number of hours the child was generally active throughout the week (r=-.781). The total number of hours the child spent walking on weekdays was significantly positively correlated with the number of hours the child spent in vigorous activity on weekdays (r=.696). The total number of hours the child spent in moderate PA was significantly negatively correlated with the number of hours spent sedentary on weekdays (r=-.719) and the total amount of hours spent at a computer on weekdays (r=-.719). The total amount of hours the child spent in moderate PA was significantly positively correlated with the hours spent doing moderate PA on the weekends (r=.767). The total hours spent doing moderate PA throughout the week was significantly negatively correlated with the total amount of hours spent on a computer (r=-.720) and significantly positively correlated with the number of hours the child was active throughout the week (r=.851). The total amount of hours spent in moderate PA throughout the week was significantly positively correlated with the number of hours the child was doing moderate PA on the weekends (r=.914) and the number of hours the child was active on weekdays at any intensity (r=.834). The total amount of hours spent in moderate PA was significantly negatively correlated with the number of hours spent sedentary (r=-.692).The total number of hours the child watched TV on the weekend was significantly positively correlated with the number of times the child was doing vigorous activity on weekdays (r=.667). The amount of time a child spent walking continuously was significantly positively correlated with overall sedentary time (r=.802) and the total number of hours spent on a computer on the weekends (r=.679). The total number of hours spent on a computer on weekdays was significantly negatively correlated with moderate PA on weekdays (r=-.719) and with the total number of hours the child spent doing moderate PA (r=-.745). The PA level of the parents was significantly positively correlated with whether the parent encourages their child to play outdoors when the weather is suitable (r=.855). Parental commitments limiting the time spent with the child were significantly negatively correlated with the total hours the child is doing moderate PA (r=-.699). Parental commitments limiting the time spent with the child was significantly positively correlated with the total number of hours the child spent doing sedentary activities (r=.712), the child needing company in order to be motivated to play (r=.817), and the parents helping the child develop basic learning skills (r=.737). CONCLUSION: Higher levels of PA were associated with lower sedentary time, while increased screen use was consistently linked to reduced PA and potential delays in motor skill development. Patterns of activity also appeared consistent across time, indicating that more active children tend to remain active throughout the week and weekend, potentially influenced by parental modeling and encouragement. Whereas parental work or time constraints lead to decreased child PA and higher sedentary time. Overall, results emphasize the strong influence of parental behavior and the importance of environmental opportunities and outdoor play in supporting motor skill development in early childhood. The findings highlighted the complex interplay between PA, screen time, and family environment, emphasizing the importance of reducing sedentary behaviors and promoting active, supportive home environments to enhance children’s physical and motor development.

Licensing Permission

Copyright, all rights reserved. Fair Use

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